Similar Discomfort Research Articles

A Pilot Study Evaluation of a Passive Shoulder Exoskeleton for a Drilling-fastening Task

Exoskeletons have been considered as a method to mitigate Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) in industry. However, it is still unclear how they affect work performance and processes that have accuracy and precision requirements (e.g., drilling, riveting, welding). In this study, the effect of a passive shoulder exoskeleton on a drilling-fastening task performance (the flushness and tilt angle of the fastener) and user perceptions (discomfort, fatigue, and workload) was examined. Participants ( n = 13) performed a drilling-fastening task with the exoskeleton present and absent. Results support that the exoskeleton did not influence the quality of the drilling task, perceived fatigue, or perceived workload. There were mixed results on perceived discomfort, with participants feeling less discomfort, similar discomfort, and greater discomfort based on the body location. This study provides added context for industry decision-making on using passive shoulder-support exoskeletons as a method to mitigate WMSDs.

Sexual Harassment Beliefs and Myth Acceptance Among Hispanic and Indigenous Farmworkers in California (USA) and Michoacán (Mexico).

We explore workplace sexual harassment (WSH) myth acceptance, bystander discomfort, and beliefs among farmworkers in California, USA, and Michoacán, Mexico. Surveys were conducted with the guidance of community advisory boards among 197 farmworkers (38 men and 59 women in California; 40 men and 60 women in Michoacán). Men and women in Michoacán had similar discomfort and myth acceptance. California women reported more discomfort than men but were similar in myth acceptance. The highest levels of myth acceptance ranged from 66 to 88%. The majority (85-90%) believed that something must be done to prevent WSH in agriculture.

LBA02-01 EFFECT OF CANNABIDIOL OIL ON POST-URETEROSCOPY PAIN FOR URINARY CALCULI: A RANDOMIZED DOUBLE-BLIND PLACEBO CONTROLLED TRIAL

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022LBA02-01 EFFECT OF CANNABIDIOL OIL ON POST-URETEROSCOPY PAIN FOR URINARY CALCULI: A RANDOMIZED DOUBLE-BLIND PLACEBO CONTROLLED TRIAL Gopal Narang, Olufunmilola Adeleye, Kevin Wymer, Mitchell Humphreys, and Karen Stern Gopal NarangGopal Narang More articles by this author , Olufunmilola AdeleyeOlufunmilola Adeleye More articles by this author , Kevin WymerKevin Wymer More articles by this author , Mitchell HumphreysMitchell Humphreys More articles by this author , and Karen SternKaren Stern More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002670.01AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Post-ureteroscopy stent placement carries significant morbidity and pain which can interfere with daily life. This discomfort unfortunately leads many to opioid pain medications, which have a known risk of addiction. Cannabidiol (CBD) oil represents an alternative analgesic that has proven anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects. We sought to evaluate the effect of an FDA-approved CBD oil (Epidiolex) on pain control and opioid usage in the post-ureteroscopy setting. METHODS: This was a prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized controlled trial at a tertiary care center. 90 patients undergoing ureteroscopy with stent placement for urinary stone disease were randomized 1:1 to placebo or 20 milligrams of CBD oil daily for 3 days post-operatively. Both groups were prescribed a rescue narcotic, tamsulosin, oxybutynin and phenazopyridine. Daily pain scores, medication usage and ureteral stent symptoms using the validated USSQ questionnaire were recorded for 3 days post-operatively. RESULTS: Both the placebo and CBD group were similar in pre- and peri-operative characteristics. We found no difference in average pain scores or opioid usage between groups post-operatively. Both groups endorsed similar discomfort with ureteral stents that affected their physical activity, sleep, urination, and daily life. Lastly, the majority of patients would have either mixed feeling or would be unhappy if they had to have a stent placed in the future. CONCLUSIONS: CBD oil showed no difference compared to placebo in minimizing post-ureteroscopic stent discomfort or opioid usage. Despite the availability of numerous analgesic agents, patient experienced notable stent related symptoms and would be unhappy to have a stent placed in the future. Source of Funding: Institutional © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e1041 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Gopal Narang More articles by this author Olufunmilola Adeleye More articles by this author Kevin Wymer More articles by this author Mitchell Humphreys More articles by this author Karen Stern More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

An examination of five theoretical foundations associated with localized thermosensory testing

PurposeTo assess five theoretical foundations underlying thermosensory testing using local thermal stimuli.MethodsThermal sensation, discomfort and the confidence of thermal sensation scores were measured in 9 female and 8 male volunteers in response to 17 physical contact temperature stimuli, ranging between 18–42 °C. These were applied to their dorsal forearm and lateral torso, across two sessions.ResultsThermal sensation to physical temperature relationships followed a positive linear and sigmoidal fit at both forearm (r2 = 0.91/r2 = 0.91, respectively) and lateral torso (r2 = 0.90/ r2 = 0.91, respectively). Thermal discomfort to physical temperature relationships followed second and third-order fits at both forearm (r2 = 0.33/r2 = 0.34, respectively) and lateral torso (r2 = 0.38/r2 = 0.39, respectively) test sites. There were no sex-related or regional site differences in thermal sensation and discomfort across a wide range of physical contact temperatures. The median confidence of an individual’s thermal sensation rating was measured at 86%.ConclusionThe relation between thermal sensation and physical contact temperature was well described by both linear and sigmoidal models, i.e., the distance between the thermal sensation anchors is close to equal in terms of physical temperatures changes for the range studied. Participants rated similar thermal discomfort level in both cold and hot thermal stimuli for a given increase or decrease in physical contact temperature or thermal sensation. The confidence of thermal sensation rating did not depend on physical contact temperature.

Multisensory Stimulation and EEG Recording Below the Hair-Line: A New Paradigm on Brain Computer Interfaces

To test the feasibility of implementing multisensory (auditory and visual) stimulation in combination with electrodes placed on non-hair positions to design more efficient and comfortable Brain-computer interfaces (BCI). Fifteen volunteers participated in the experiments. They were stimulated by visual, auditory and multisensory stimuli set at 37, 38, 39 and 40Hz and at different phases (0°, 90°, 180° and 270°). The electroencephalogram (EEG) was measured from Oz, T7, T8, Tp9 and Tp10 positions. To evaluate the amplitude of the visual and auditory evoked potentials, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was used and the accuracy of detection was calculated using canonical correlation analysis. Additionally, the volunteers were asked about the discomfort of each kind of stimulus. The multisensory stimulation allows for attaining higher SNR on every electrode. Non-hair (Tp9 and Tp10) positions attained SNR and accuracy similar to the ones obtained from occipital positions on visual stimulation. No significant difference was found on the discomfort produced by each kind of stimulation. The results demonstrated that multisensory stimulation can help in obtaining high amplitude steady-state evoked responses with a similar discomfort level. Then, it is possible to design a more efficient and comfortable hybrid-BCI based on multisensory stimulation and electrodes on non-hair positions. The current article proposes a new paradigm for hybrid-BCI based on steady-state evoked potentials measured from the area behind-the-ears and elicited by multisensory stimulation, thus, allowing subjects to achieve similar performance to the one achieved by visual-occipital BCI, but measuring the EEG on a more comfortable electrode location.

A Comparative Study on the Types of Conflicts between Historical and Cultural Attractions: Bukchon Hanok Village

As tourist attractions in residential areas are threatened by the dwelling environment such as privacy violation, noise and garbage dumping, changes in traditional commercial areas, and the damage to the residential environment, Strategies and support are needed to identify and resolve conflicts. The purpose of this study is to understand and resolve the conflicts caused by tourist attractions in the historical and cultural sightseeing districts selected and managed in urban areas with various historical meanings. Through this study, it is found that the conflicts between the settlement and settlement in the Hanok Village in Bukchon, Seoul, conflicts between the public and the residents, conflict between the residents and visitors. Participants in the resident population residing in Gahoe-dong showed much inconvenience to the situation that they were injured by the unspecified number of residents without consent. Research participants who are aimed at tourism experiences that are not related to residential or commercial purposes are also aware of similar discomfort experiences.

Case Report: An Infrequent Anatomical Variation of the Sciatic Nerve and its Potential Clinical Complications

The sciatic nerve (SN) is the largest peripheral nerve of the human body, responsible for most of the motor innervation of the perineum and lower limb. Originating from L4‐S3 in the sacral plexus, the SN exits the pelvis through the inferior border of the piriformis and separates into the tibial nerve and the common peroneal nerve as it reaches the popliteal fossa. While separation occurs at the apex of the fossa in most, approximately 12% of people have a more proximal separation of the SN into the tibial and common peroneal nerves as it leaves the pelvis. Variations in the anatomy of the nerve with respect to the piriformis muscle have also been described in literature. Thus, an abnormal course of the SN and/or unusual bifurcations in the gluteal region might be directly associated with its embryological development. Nevertheless, none of the proposed theories explaining how the SN advances from the spinal cord to the target muscles have been confirmed.In this case report, we describe a bilateral B‐type variation of the SN, following the Beaton and Anson classification system. The proximal division of the SN resulted in the presence of two distinct nerves at the piriformis muscle. While the common peroneal division exited through the substance of the piriformis muscle, the tibial division emerged below the muscle. The inferior gluteal nerves were also observed in this area, originating from the common peroneal division on both the left and right side. Both divisions descended normally along the posterior compartment of the thigh, and no other variations were observed. However, in the left posterior compartment of the thigh, the sural nerve emerged uniquely from the tibial nerve without any contribution from the common peroneal nerve, as would be expected.This variation is of clinical relevance since various syndromes, such as piriformis syndrome, sciatica and coccydynia, may present as non‐typical cases. For instance, the entrapment of the common peroneal division within the substance of the piriformis muscle in the cases of piriformis syndrome may accentuate the pain suffered by individuals with this B‐type variation. Similar discomfort accompanied with tenderness and/or numbness might be felt in cases of sciatica and coccydynia. Moreover, despite the symptomatologic manifestations incurred by this variation, surgical implications are of importance. Surgeons need to be aware of the possible variations that might be encountered during interventions, predominantly concerning the SN. Severe nerve injuries may otherwise occur during procedures, resulting in the possible paralysis of the muscles found in the lower limbs. Thus, knowledge regarding the morphology, location, and variation of the SN is vital both for making appropriate diagnosis and for avoiding iatrogenic nerve injuries.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Prevalence and influencing factors of deciduous caries in preschool children in Chongqing city

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and related factors of deciduous caries in 3-5-year-old preschool children in Chongqing city. Results will be used to provide a basis for the establishment and adjustment of prevention and intervention of caries in preschool children. We referred to the Fourth National Oral Health Epidemiological Survey. Data included caries prevalence in preschool children, and the questionnaires were distributed to children' parents in Chongqing city. Results were inputted by Epidata 3.1 and statistically analyzed using SPSS 21.0. A total of 1 350 preschool children were included in the study. We found that maxillary deciduous central incisor and mandibular deciduous molars were susceptible to decay. The prevalence of primary teeth caries in preschool children in Chongqing city was 51.4% (694/1 350). The mean decayed-missing-filled-teeth (dmft) index was 2.34. The caries prevalence and mean dmft between age groups were statistically significant (P<0.01) and increased with age (P<0.05). However, except the 5-year-old group (P<0.05), no significant difference in caries prevalence rate and mean dmft was found between male and female children (P>0.05). Approximately 61.7% of caries cases were concentrated in a small number (36.1%) of individuals. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age, highest educational level of parents, intake frequency of sweetened beverages and carbonated drinks, toothache or similar discomfort experience over the past year, dentist visits, and parents' assessment of teeth and oral health status of children were the factors influencing the prevalence of deciduous caries (P<0.05). More than half of the preschool children had dental caries. Majority of caries were concentrated in a small number of individuals. The age of children, highest educational level of parents, intake frequency of sweetened beverages and carbonated drinks, toothache or discomfort experience over the past year, dentist visits, and parents' assessment of teeth and oral health status of children were associated with the prevalence of deciduous caries.

Low-Frequency Pulsed Current Versus Kilohertz-Frequency Alternating Current: A Scoping Literature Review

ObjectivesTo compare the effectiveness of low-frequency pulsed current versus kilohertz-frequency alternating current in terms of evoked force, discomfort level, current intensity, and muscle fatigability; to discuss the physiological mechanisms of each neuromuscular electrical stimulation type; and to determine if kilohertz-frequency alternating current is better than low-frequency pulsed current for clinical treatment. Data SourcesArticles were obtained from PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and SPORTSDiscus databases using the terms Russian current or kilohertz current or alternating current or pulsed current or Aussie current and torque or discomfort or fatigue or current intensity, and through citation tracking up to July 2017. Study SelectionTwo independent reviewers selected studies comparing the use of the 2 neuromuscular electrical stimulation currents. Studies describing maximal current intensity tolerated and the main effects of the 2 different current types on discomfort, muscle force, and fatigability were independently reviewed. Data ExtractionData were systematized according to (1) methodology; (2) electrical current characteristics; and (3) outcomes on discomfort level, evoked force, current intensity, and muscle fatigability. Data SynthesisThe search revealed 15 articles comparing the 2 current types. Kilohertz-frequency alternated current generated equal or less force, similar discomfort, similar current intensity for maximal tolerated neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and more fatigue compared with low-frequency pulsed current. Similar submaximal levels of evoked force revealed higher discomfort and current intensity for kilohertz-frequency alternated current compared with low-frequency pulsed current. ConclusionsAvailable evidence does not support the idea that kilohertz-frequency alternated current is better than low-frequency pulsed current for strength training and rehabilitation.

A comparison of isomaltulose versus maltodextrin ingestion during soccer-specific exercise

PurposeThe performance and physiological effects of isomaltulose and maltodextrin consumed intermittently during prolonged soccer-specific exercise were investigated.MethodsUniversity soccer players (n = 22) performed 120 min of intermittent exercise while consuming 8% carbohydrate–electrolyte drinks (equivalent to ~ 20 g h−1) containing maltodextrin (Glycaemic Index: 90–100), isomaltulose (Glycaemic Index: 32) or a carbohydrate-energy-free placebo in a manner replicating the practices of soccer players (i.e., during warm-up and half-time). Physical (sprinting, jumping) and technical (shooting, dribbling) performance was assessed.ResultsBlood glucose and plasma insulin (both P < 0.001) concentrations varied by trial with isomaltulose maintaining > 13% higher blood glucose concentrations between 75 and 90 min versus maltodextrin (P < 0.05). A decline in glycaemia at 60 min in maltodextrin was attenuated with isomaltulose (−19 versus −4%; P = 0.015). Carbohydrates attenuated elevations in plasma epinephrine concentrations (P < 0.05), but isomaltulose proved most effective at 90 and 120 min. Carbohydrates did not attenuate IL-6 increases or reductions in physical or technical performances (all P > 0.05). Ratings of abdominal discomfort were influenced by trial (P < 0.05) with lower values for both carbohydrates compared to PLA from 60 min onwards.ConclusionsAlthough carbohydrates (~ 20 g h−1) did not attenuate performance reductions throughout prolonged soccer-specific exercise, isomaltulose maintained higher blood glucose at 75–90 min, lessened the magnitude of the exercise-induced rebound glycaemic response and attenuated epinephrine increases whilst maintaining similar abdominal discomfort values relative to maltodextrin. When limited opportunities exist to consume carbohydrates on competition-day, low-glycaemic isomaltulose may offer an alternative nutritional strategy for exercising soccer players.

Kilohertz and Low-Frequency Electrical Stimulation With the Same Pulse Duration Have Similar Efficiency for Inducing Isometric Knee Extension Torque and Discomfort.

To test the hypotheses that, as compared with pulsed current with the same pulse duration, kilohertz frequency alternating current would not differ in terms of evoked-torque production and perceived discomfort, and as a result, it would show the same current efficiency. A repeated-measures design with 4 stimuli presented in random order was used to test 25 women: (1) 500-microsecond pulse duration, (2) 250-microsecond pulse duration, (3) 500-microsecond pulse duration and low carrier frequency (1 kHz), (4) 250-microsecond pulse duration and high carrier frequency (4 kHz). Isometric peak torque of quadriceps muscle was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Discomfort was measured using a visual analog scale. Currents with long pulse durations induced approximately 21% higher evoked torque than short pulse durations. In addition, currents with 500 microseconds delivered greater amounts of charge than stimulation patterns using 250-microsecond pulse durations (P < 0.05). All currents presented similar discomfort. There was no difference on stimulation efficiency with the same pulse duration. Both kilohertz frequency alternating current and pulsed current, with the same pulse duration, have similar efficiency for inducing isometric knee extension torque and discomfort. However, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with longer pulse duration induces higher NMES-evoked torque, regardless of the carrier frequency. Pulse duration is an important variable that should receive more attention for an optimal application of NMES in clinical settings.

Improving the comfort of nurses caring for stroke patients at the end of life.

End-of-life care of stroke patients is an important aspect of stroke care. It has been previously reported that nurses express discomfort caring for patients at the end of life or caring for patients who have suffered severe strokes. Nurses at our centre expressed similar discomfort. To improve the comfort of nurses caring for patients at the end of life after stroke. Nurses were asked to rate their comfort with treating patients at the end of life using the Stroke End-of-Life Care Comfort Scale before and after attending an education session. The education sessions included the presentation of a checklist for suggested orders for end-of-life care. The project was conducted with the neurosciences nurses at a tertiary care hospital. 54 out of a possible 122 nurses attended an education session. There was a significant improvement in the Stroke End-of-Life Care Comfort Scale score (p=0.00004) 3-4 weeks after the education session compared to the score before the session. The combination of focused education sessions and an order checklist can significantly improve the comfort of nurses caring for patients at the end-of-life after stroke.

Different Routes of Misoprostol for Same-Day Cervical Priming Prior to Operative Hysteroscopy: A Randomized Blinded Trial

Study ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of and patient satisfaction with different routes of misoprostol administration for short-term cervical priming before operative hysteroscopy. DesignRandomized blinded trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). SettingUniversity hospital. PatientsOne hundred and twenty patients undergoing operative hysteroscopy. InterventionsPatients were randomly assigned to receive 400 μg of misoprostol administered orally (n = 40), vaginally (n = 40), or sublingually (n = 40) for cervical priming at 1.5 to 4 hours before undergoing operative hysteroscopy. Measurements and Main ResultsThe primary outcome was preoperative cervical dilatation. Secondary outcomes included cervical consistency, ease of dilation and time of dilation, patient discomfort, and side effects. No differences were noted among the 3 groups in terms of patient age, parity, previous vaginal delivery, menopausal status, and time interval from preparation to procedure. Patients in the 3 groups reported similar discomfort and side effects. Initial mean cervical dilatation was 6.1 ± 2.0 mm in the oral group, 6.4 ± 2.1 in the vaginal group, and 6.4 ± 1.8 mm in the sublingual group (p = .75). Cervical consistency and ease of dilation were similar among the groups. The mean time of dilation was 37.2 ± 30.6 seconds in the oral group, 31.7 ± 29.0 seconds in the vaginal group, and 31.5 ± 21.7 seconds in the sublingual group (p = .59). Additional subanalyses according to menopausal status and parity did not demonstrate any differences among the groups. ConclusionSame-day cervical priming for operative hysteroscopy is achieved equally with all routes of misoprostol administration, with similar patient satisfaction and side effects.

Patterns of Discomfort

A review of literature on comfort and discomfort indicates an increase in physical discomfort during the workday. In this paper, three different types of occupations were studied to identify whether a similar discomfort pattern exists in these occupations while participants perform work throughout the work day and workweek. Results are that sedentary and labor intensive occupations show an increase in physical discomfort throughout the workday. In addition, during the workweek, each occupation had a peak discomfort day and all occupations experienced a reduction of discomfort at the end of the last day of the workweek. Acknowledging and understanding why, when, and where discomfort peaks occur could assist in varying task scheduling to improve job performance. Future research should include emotional and psychological discomfort assessments, investigation of effects of age, time of year, and location in the world are warranted.

Digital camera based office hysteroscopy

Digital camera based office hysteroscopy

The application of SEAT values for predicting how compliant seats with backrests influence vibration discomfort

The extent to which a seat can provide useful attenuation of vehicle vibration depends on three factors: the characteristics of the vehicle motion, the vibration transmissibility of the seat, and the sensitivity of the body to vibration. The ‘seat effective amplitude transmissibility’ (i.e., SEAT value) reflects how these three factors vary with the frequency and the direction of vibration so as to predict the vibration isolation efficiency of a seat. The SEAT value is mostly used to select seat cushions or seat suspensions based on the transmission of vertical vibration to the principal supporting surface of a seat. This study investigated the accuracy of SEAT values in predicting how seats with backrests influence the discomfort caused by multiple-input vibration. Twelve male subjects participated in a four-part experiment to determine equivalent comfort contours, the relative discomfort, the location of discomfort, and seat transmissibility with three foam seats and a rigid reference seat at 14 frequencies of vibration in the range 1–20 Hz at magnitudes of vibration from 0.2 to 1.6 ms−2 r.m.s. The ‘measured seat dynamic discomfort’ (MSDD) was calculated for each foam seat from the ratio of the vibration acceleration required to cause similar discomfort with the foam seat and with the rigid reference seat. Using the frequency weightings in current standards, the SEAT values of each seat were calculated from the ratio of overall ride values with the foam seat to the overall ride values with the rigid reference seat, and compared to the corresponding MSDD at each frequency. The SEAT values provided good predictions of how the foam seats increased vibration discomfort at frequencies around the 4-Hz resonance but reduced vibration discomfort at frequencies greater than about 6.3 Hz, with discrepancies explained by a known limitation of the frequency weightings.

Comparison of Torque and Discomfort Produced by Sinusoidal and Rectangular Alternating Current Electrical Stimulation in the Quadriceps Muscle at Variable Burst Duty Cycles

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation burst duty cycle (BDC) and current type (sinusoidal alternating current [sAC] vs. rectangular alternating current [rAC]) on the electrically induced isometric torque (EIT) and discomfort. Pulsed current (PC) stimulation, which corresponds to one pulse rAC, was included in testing. A repeated-measures design was used. The left quadriceps of 22 healthy subjects (mean ± SD age, 33 ± 8 yrs) were stimulated alternately with sAC and rAC current bursts (4-kHz carrier frequency; 71 bursts per second burst frequency) to produce isometric contractions. A range of BDCs were tested for sAC (7%-50%) and rAC (2%-18%) stimulation at fixed intensities while EIT and discomfort were recorded. BDC presentation order was randomized. Overall, both current types elicited peak EIT at ∼14% BDC (range, 7%-21%). Significantly more EIT was produced by rAC than by sAC stimulation (P < 0.005). Discomfort increased with BDC and was similar for both current types. The study confirmed previous findings that conventional sAC stimulation (50% BDC) and pulsed current stimulation (rAC with 2% BDC) used in sports and rehabilitation produce similar EIT levels. However, rAC stimulation at low BDC (7%-18%) was more effective (+35% torque produced with similar discomfort) than pulsed current or conventional sAC.

Comparing the Antiswelling and Analgesic Effects of Three Different Ice Pack Therapy Durations

Ice pack therapy has been widely used in treatment for soft tissue injuries. However, no studies have yet explored the most appropriate and effective duration for ice therapy with ice packs. This study explored the antiswelling and analgesic effects of different ice pack therapy durations on soft tissue injuries as well as patient discomfort. An experimental design including pretest and three posttests with three groups was used in this study. Using convenience sampling and randomized block assignment, 99 participants with soft tissue injuries from the emergency department of a medical center in southern Taiwan were included in this study. With 33 participants in each group, three groups with ice pack therapy for 10, 20, and 30 minutes were indicated to compare skin temperature, swelling, and pain differences in ice-treated areas as well as participant discomfort. This study found no significant differences in the effect of different ice pack therapy durations among the three groups. However, this study identified significant differences between pretest and each posttest in terms of changes in skin temperature, pain, and numbness and rash-related discomfort in each group. Research results found that the three different ice pack therapy durations could lower skin temperature and reduce partial pain. The different ice pack therapy durations would cause similar discomfort incidence rates in the three groups. Ice pack therapy for 10 minutes could reduce partial swelling and pain effectively. Accordingly, we suggest that 10 minutes is the optimal ice pack therapy duration for persons with soft tissue injuries. However, the ice pack therapy duration should be adjusted according to individual needs and situation.

Discomfort caused by low-frequency lateral oscillation, roll oscillation and roll-compensated lateral oscillation

Roll compensation during cornering (aligning the feet-to-head axis of the body with the resultant force) reduces lateral acceleration, but how any improvement in comfort depends on the frequency of the acceleration has not previously been investigated. Seated subjects judged the discomfort caused by lateral oscillation, roll oscillation and fully roll-compensated lateral oscillation at each of seven frequencies (0.25–1.0 Hz). Irrespective of whether it was caused by pure lateral acceleration or gravitational acceleration due to pure roll, acceleration in the plane of the seat caused similar discomfort at frequencies less than 0.4 Hz. From 0.4 to 1.0 Hz, with the same lateral acceleration in the plane of the seat, there was greater discomfort from roll oscillation than from lateral acceleration. With fully roll-compensated lateral oscillation, discomfort was less than with either the lateral component or the roll component of the motion from 0.2 to 0.5 Hz, but discomfort increased with increasing frequency and caused similar discomfort to pure roll oscillation at 1.0 Hz. Practitioner summary: Tilting can reduce passenger exposure to vehicle lateral acceleration when cornering, but how comfort depends on the frequency of motion was unknown. This study shows ‘tilt-compensation’ only improves comfort at frequencies less than 0.5 Hz. The findings affect tilting vehicles and the prediction of discomfort caused by low-frequency motions.

Randomized clinical trial of two anesthetic techniques for intravitreal injections: 4% liquid lidocaine on cotton swabs versus 3.5% lidocaine gel

Objective: To compare same-day and next-day pain control and safety of two anesthetic techniques utilizing 4% liquid lidocaine applied with sterile cotton swabs versus 3.5% lidocaine gel for intravitreal injections. Main outcome measures were: discomfort during anesthetic preparation and needle penetration, 1 and 24 h after injection.Methods: Patients were randomized to alternate anesthetic method at two consecutive injections in one eye or in different eyes on the same day if requiring bilateral injections. Overall satisfaction, corneal staining, and subconjunctival hemorrhage (SCH) were compared.Results: Fifty patients were enrolled. Both methods resulted in similar mild discomfort during anesthetic preparation, 1 and 24 h later. The gel resulted in slightly higher discomfort during needle penetration (p = 0.026). Patients were satisfied with both techniques (p = 0.91), however, 52% patients preferred gel, 33% were indifferent, and 15% preferred cotton swabs (p = 0.002). There were significantly less corneal staining (p = 0.001) and SCH (p = 0.004) after the gel.Conclusion: Both techniques are equally effective and yield mild discomfort scores during the procedure and the next day. The gel method results in significantly less ocular surface irritation.