Stop Watch Research Articles

Understanding musculoskeletal disorders among Iranian apple harvesting laborers: Ergonomic and stop watch time studies

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are usually caused by bad working postures and habits. There is a great demand to correctly estimate laborers' work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) during physically intensive works. This study aimed to suggest a practical solution with ergonomic principles and time studies on the reduction of WMSDs for the apple harvesting laborers in Sepidan gardens at the Fars Province, Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran). MethodsPrevalence of MSDs was evaluated by the Nordic Standard Questionnaire surveys and the laborers’ workload was assessed by the rapid entire body assessment postural analysis tool. A stop watch time study method was employed to estimate rest time allowances. Data from the time study was also recorded by a questionnaire validated from a panel of experts. Thirty laborers from two age groups: a young (20–35 years of old) and old (36–55 years old) were sampled from 10 gardens. ResultsThe stop watch time study revealed that the frequencies of apple harvesting works were 95 vs. 119 times for the old group and young one, respectively. The prevalent disorders were related to specific body regions such as the lumber, knee, neck and shoulder areas. The percentages of disorders were significantly reduced when ergonomically corrected postures were applied with suitable rest time allowances. ConclusionFruit harvesting works may need to improve their work-rest time intervals to prevent WMSD developments and productivities with time managements. With a correct estimation of the desired number of laborers, apple harvesting jobs can be performed on time, and by implementing appropriate ergonomic postures, occupational health and safety problems can be lessened in the apple harvesting workers.

Improving Quality of Shoe Soles Product using Six Sigma

A manufacture in Bandung produce kind of rubber-based product i.e. trim, rice rollers, shoe soles, etc. After penetrating the shoe soles market, the manufacture has met customer with tight quality control. Based on the past data, defect level of this product was 18.08% that caused the manufacture’s loss of time and money. Quality improvement effort was done using six sigma method that included phases of define, measure, analyse, improve, and control (DMAIC). In the design phase, the object’s problem and definition were defined. Delphi method was also used in this phase to identify critical factors. In the measure phase, the existing process stability and sigma quality level were measured. Fishbone diagram and failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) were used in the next phase to analyse the root cause and determine the priority issues. Improve phase was done by designing alternative improvement strategy using 5W1H method. Some improvement efforts were identified, i.e. (i) modifying design of the hanging rack, (ii) create pantone colour book and check sheet, (iii) provide pedestrian line at compound department, (iv) buying stop watch, and (v) modifying shoe soles dies. Some control strategies for continuous improvement were proposed such as SOP or reward and punishment system.

Walking speed measurement with an Ambient Measurement System (AMS) in patients with multiple sclerosis and walking impairment

BackgroundWalking speed is an important measure of gait impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS). The clinical assessment of walking speed requires dedicated time, space, and personnel, and may not accurately gauge real-world performance. The term “Ambient Measurement System” (AMS) refers to a new class of device that passively measures walking speed at home, without the need for dedicated space or specialized setup. This study compared an AMS, Echo5D, versus in-clinic standard measures of walking speed on a straight path. MethodsTwenty participants with MS and walking impairment were recruited from the Cleveland Clinic Mellen Center for MS. Each participant traversed an electronic GAITRite CIRFace (GC) sensor mat four times (two at comfortable pace, two at fast pace). Each participant then performed the Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW) twice, measured by a manual stopwatch (SW). All traversals were simultaneously measured by an array of Echo5D devices. Echo5D speeds were correlated with the Patient-Determined Disease Steps and the MS Walking Scale-12 patient-reported outcomes. ResultsPearson correlations between Echo5D and clinical tests ranged from 0.89 to 0.98 (p < 0.0001). No statistically significant bias was found between Echo5D and GC. A small statistically significant bias was found between Echo5D and SW, with Echo5D reporting approximately 5% faster walking speeds in aggregate. ConclusionsAmong MS patients with walking impairments, the Echo5D AMS acquired walking speeds which were closely correlated with the standard measures of GC and SW. The strong agreement supports the use of Echo5D to assess in-home, real-world walking performance in MS.

THE INFLUENCE OF VARYING COMPOSITION OF SOIL SAMPLES ON WATER FLOW RATE (2MM SHARP SAND 1MM MEDIUM SAND)

Two different soil samples (sharp and medium) sand of (100% sharp to 0% medium) and (0% sharp to 100% medium) sand were used for this research work and gotten from a sand dredging site at Amassoma community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. These soil samples were heated differently in an oven to a temperature of 120oc to remove moisture and allowed to cool to room temperature of 30oc. The soil samples were sieved with suitable sieves of about 1mm for medium sand and 2mm for sharp sand respective. Mixtures were then grouped into seven (7) groups with different percentages by weight in this order (100% sharp to 0% medium), (80% sharp to 20% medium) down to (0% sharp to 100% medium). Each soil samples were poured into a transparent P.V.C. pipe with a sieve attached at the bottom of the pipe. 800ml of water was allowed to flow through these soil samples and the time of first drop was timed (Tf), using a stop watch. Volume of water received (Vrc) and volume of water retained (Vrd) were determined using a measuring cylinder. Also, the average flow rate (Uav) was obtained. The results from this experimental work shows that water flows through different soil samples at different flow rate as indicated in (fig.1 to fig.7.). Figure 2 shows an increase in volume of water with respect to time. As the percentage of medium sand increases (thereby leading to a decrease in the pore spaces), the volume of water retained and time of first drop increased as well as shown in (fig.3 to fig.7). Figure 8 shows an Histogram indicating a marginal difference between the flow rate in the dry and wet soil samples. The marginal difference between the wet and dry curve is most significant at the percentage composition of sample (60% sharp and 40% medium sand).

Differences in pressure recognition and liquid swallowing functions in the 20s and 70s

목적 : 본 연구는 삼킴에 문제가 없는 20대 성인과 70대 노인의 경구개와 연구개에서 구강 압력인식과 점도가 다른 물, 토마토주스를 삼킴 기능의 차이를 알아보고자 한다. 방법 : 본 연구는 20대 성인 20명, 70대 노인 20명 총 40명을 대상으로 하였다. 경구개와 연구개에서 측정한 구강기 형성압력 측정을 위하여 아이오와 구강 퍼포먼스 기구(I-OPI)를 사용하였다. 삼켰을 때 가장 높은 압력(kPa)값으로 단단입천장과 물렁입천장 각 3회를 측정하였다. 삼킴 시간 측정을 위하여 각 점도가 다른 물, 토마토를 준비하여 초시계로 삼키는 시간을 측정하였다. 각 3회, 1회 측정 시 1분 휴식 시간을 제공하였다. 통계분석은 SPSS 18.0을 사용하여, 기술통계와 독립표본 t-검정을 실시하였으며, 모든 통계학적 유의수준은 .05로 설정하였다. 결과 : 성별을 나누어 분석한 결과, 70대 남자보다 20대 남자에서 경구개와 연구개에서 측정한 구강기 형성압력 형성이 유의하게 높았으며, 물과 토마토주스를 삼키는 시간에서도 빠르게 나타났다(p<.05). 20대 여자가 70대 여자보다 구강기 형성압력과 삼킴 시간이 높고 빨랐으나 유의한 차이를 보이지 않았다(p>.05). 20대 남녀 간에는 구강기 형성압력에는 유의한 차이를 보였으나(p<.05), 삼킴 시간에는 유의한 차이를 보이지 않았다(p>.05). 70대 남녀 간에는 70대 여자가 70대 남자보다 구강기 형성압력과 물 삼킴 시간에는 유의한 차이를 보이지 않았으나(p>.05), 토마토주스를 삼키는 시간에는 유의하게 빨랐다(p<.05). 결론 : 본 연구에서는 구강기 형성압력이 높을수록 삼킴시간이 빠른 것을 확인하였다. 따라서 삼킴기능을 증진시키 위해서는 구강기 형성압력의 인식의 훈련이 필요할 것이다.The purpose of this study was to determine if there were different factors at the hard palate and the soft palate through the pressure level of the oral cavity and swallowing function between two different age groups of 20’s and 70’s by drinking different viscosity liquids; water and tomato juice. Of the 40 participants in the study, we equally separated into two groups of age in 20’s and in 70’s. During the course of running the study, all participants used I-OPI in order to measure the pressure level of the oral cavity for hard palate and soft palate. The test on hard palate and soft palate was done for three times each based on the highest pressure level (kPa) while swallowing. To count the time of swallow, the stop watch was used while drinking water and tomato juice with different viscosity. The test was run for three times for each, and provided the one-minute break in between. SPSS 18.0 was used to for statistical analysis, processed descriptive statistics and Independent two-sample t-test, and set all standard-level of statistic as .05. Comparison between two age groups within same genders, male in 20’s showed higher pressure level of the oral cavity both in hard palate and soft palate than male in 70’s. Also, the speed of swallowing both water and tomato juice was faster as well (p<.05). For female in 20’s, both pressure level of oral cavity and the speed of swallow were faster than females in 70’s, but there was no significant difference between two groups (p>.05). Comparison between same age groups with different genders, male and female in 70’s showed difference on the pressure level in the oral cavity (p<.05), but no significant different on the speed of swallowing water (p>.05). Although the speed of swallowing tomato juice of female in 70’s was much faster than male in 70’s. Based on the test result, higher pressure level of oral cavity increases the speed of swallow. Therefore, it seems necessary to train the pressure level of the oral cavity to increase the swallowing function.

Study of the Role of Body Mass Index and Serum Leptin as Potential Risk Factors in Patients with Lifelong Premature Ejaculation

Introduction: several studies demonstrated the potential role of serum leptin in patients with premature ejaculation.Aim: we aimed in this study to evaluate the correlation between body mass index, serum leptin and intra-vaginal ejaculation latency time in patients with lifelong premature ejaculation and healthy controls.Patients and Methods: this study was carried out on 80 consecutive patients and controls. Body mass index was measured in the patients and the controls. Serum leptin was measured in both groups at the end of the study. Additionally, the patients and the controls were asked to measure intra vaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) by stop watch handled by their wives for 2 successive months.Results: our prospective analysis revealed a highly significant association between body mass index and serum leptin and intra-vaginal ejaculation latency time among the cases (p-value < 0.001, Discussion: the current study demonstrated a statistically significant association between BMI and serum leptin and IELT in the patients with lifelong premature ejaculation. Additionally, the results revealed a statistically significant association between BMI and IELT in the controls without any association with the serum leptin.Conclusion: the current study highlights the role of both body mass index and serum leptin as potential risk factors in patients with lifelong premature ejaculation. Eventually, future studies are required to duplicate this interesting association between body mass index, serum leptin and intra-vaginal ejaculation latency time in patients with lifelong premature ejaculation.

Development of a Manual Assembly Line for a 950kw Single Stroke Generator

In this paper, a manual assembly line for the assembly of a 950KW gasoline generator has been designed. A part list of a purchased generator was generated after the machine was disassembled. Work measurement technique was used to generate an assembly process for the machine. The duration for assembly of each component was obtained using stop watch and then standardized. The cycle time of the manual assembly line was determined and subsequently, the distribution of load amongst the ten station line was balanced out using the ranked positional weight technique. Computations reveal that a fairly high labour efficiency of 0.804 is obtained. The line balancing efficiency obtained equal 0.849 implying a balance delay of 0.151.

THE INFLUENCE OF BORDER MOLDING ON RETENTION AND TIME OF COMPLETE DENTURE IMPRESSION

Background: Maintenance of contact of the denture border with the adjacent vestibular tissues during rest as well as in function is an important criterion of denture success that depends on proper border tracing. Different border moulding materials are available for achievement of that goal although many clinicians deliver excellent denture without border trimming procedure. The aim of this study is firstly to evaluate the time needed to perform sectional border molding with two different border tracing materials and to compare the retention of the finished impressions with non-border molded impression. Material and method: Twelve completely edentulous patients were selected and signed consents to evaluate the retention provided by three different final impression techniques (sectional border moulding of a special tray with low fusing compound and final wash with medium bodied silicone material, sectional border tracing of a special tray with putty elastomeric impression material followed by a final wash with medium bodied silicone material and third impression with special tray without border moulding). A stop watch was used to record the time needed to finish the border moulding in the first two impression technique, then a digital force meter was used to measure retention strength provided by each technique. Results: The statistical analysis showed extremely significant difference between the time needed to finish border moulding with putty silicone material and that with the low fusing compound. Moreover, no significant difference was detected between the three impressions techniques. Conclusion: Putty silicone material allows faster, easier and effective border moulding procedure rather than low fusing compound. Medium body silicone material in special tray without border moulding yielded highly retentive impression comparable to those with different border tracing materials.

The Effect of Additionally Introduced Impurities of Fe and Pb Ions on Silver Azide Decomposition

The experiments have emphasized that additionally introduced impurities of Fe and Pb ions are relevant to the initiation of slow and explosive decomposition of silver azide crystals by the external electric field and UV irradiation. External gas release was used for research purpose. Test-sensitivity is 10−12 mole. Time-to-explosion was measured by a stop watch. It’s been found out that the reaction of slow decomposition in silver azide under the action of electric field turns into explosion faster in samples with the additionally introduced impurities. The samples with additionally introduced Fe are the most explosive ones (time-to-explosion 3 minutes). The authors have assumed that external influence can generate non-equilibrium charge carriers (holes), which become localized on cationic vacancies and support formation of reactive sites. As soon as cut off concentration of these sites is reached, the solid-phase chain reaction turns into explosion. The growing concentration of impurity influences on the number of reactive sites, making their concentration critical. In view of the results obtained in experiments a procedure for monitoring the decomposition of crystals is suggested, which necessitates additional introduction of Fe and Pb ions.

Viewing Television While Walking

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of television viewing while walking on: 1) preference for exercise and 2) treadmill endurance time. METHODS: Twenty-five insufficiently active adults (means+SD; age: 46+12 years; body mass index: 31.2+5.3 (kg/m2) completed this study. Part 1: participants performed three randomized 1/3-mile walking bouts at an intensity equivalent to 70% of their oxygen consumption at ventilatory threshold (VO2-at-VT). During these exercise bouts, indivdiuals viewed 1) their favorite television program (FavTV), 2) a standarized nature program (NatTV) or 3) no-TV (NoTV). A behavioral choice paradigm approach was used to assess preference for exercising with each television condition. Part 2: participants compelted two randomized 60-minute visitis where they were asked to walk at 70% of VO2-at-VT for 10-minutes under FavTV or NoTV conditions. After 10 minutes, participants could choose to continue exercising under the current television condition or stop exercising and watch television while seated. Participants were allowed to switch between exercise adnr est as they desired during the remaining time. RESULTS: Part 1: in regards to preference for exercise, lower scores indicate greater preference for exercise during specified television condition. FavTV (preference score: 1.1+1.3; p<0.001) and NatTV (preference score: 1.8+1.9; p=0.002) were significantly greater than NoTV (preference score: 3.0+2.7). There was no significant difference in preference scores between FavTV and NatTV conditions (p=0.132) Part 2: despite this difference in preference for exercise there was no significant difference in treadmill walking time (FavTV vs. NoTV; 50.0+2.6 vs. 44.7+3.2 minutes, respectively; p=0.102). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides empirical evidence that inactive individuals prefer walking with television viewing versus with no television. Further research is neede to determine if active television viewing can translate to observable changes in exercise behaviors.

Specific Heat of Solution of HCl-NaOH Reaction by a Simple Handmade Calorimeter

A research study was performed by couple of students under the research project of bachelor in chemistry. The main goal to perform this project was to determine the changes in temperature of solution when an acid and a base were mixed together inside the cups of handmade calorimeter and their reaction was proceeded under the lab conditions and to determine either reaction would be exothermic or endothermic. Basically, from these changes in temperature of solution, the specific Heat of solution or Heat of reaction was determining. Temperature changes were observed using analytical thermometer with stop watch and all changes were noted on datasheet, while after completion of the whole experimental work, a thermodynamic equation of specific Heat was applied to calculate the Specific Heat of solution mathematically in numeric value which was 3214.72476 J or 3.21472 KJ. It was seen that as the base was mixed into acid, the temperature of solution was increased to maximum rapidly showing the exothermic reaction. After reaching to maximum range, the temperature decreased gradually to its minimum range being constant and consistent. The consistent temperature range terminated the reaction. All variations in temperature ranges were recorded very carefully and a table with a graph showing all ups and downs in temperature ranges was drawn on MS Excel Data Sheet.

The Reliability of Reactive Agility Testing in 5th Grade Females

Reactive agility is important in sports such as soccer, football and basketball. Reactive agility testing (RAT) is a common measure of change of direction, speed, balance and quickness. RAT in adult and elite athletes is common; however, there is limited documentation of RAT in pre-adolescent girls. Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of the RAT in 5th grade females. Elementary school-aged females (n=14, 10.1 ± 0.4 years), performed four trials of the reactive agility test (RAT), two of which were learning trials. Each trial was timed with a handheld stop watch with a 1 minute rest period between trials. The trial 3 and 4 scores were 4.54 ± 0.77 and 4.47 ± 0.73 seconds respectively. The interclass and intraclass reliability coefficients were r=0.85 and ICC=0.87. The standard error of measure was SEm=0.29 seconds with 90% confidence limits of UL: 0.43, LL: 0.22. The mean difference between trials was -0.07 ± 0.41 seconds (90% confidence limits of UL: 0.12, LL: -0.27).Within the parameters of this study, the RAT is a highly reliable field test for measuring reactive agility in pre-adolescent girls.

Time Required by Dental Post Graduates and Graduates for Direct Patient Care in Peripheral Outreach Centre - A Comparative Work Sampling Analysis

AbstractBackground: The inequity of oral health services persist due to inadequate dentist to patient ratio in the peripheral areas. The possibility of management of more number of patients lies within an efficient work force, in order to render oral health services in a well-organised manner. Objectives: The research was taken up with the primary objective of determining the most time efficient manpower in a peripheral dental unit. Secondary objective was to determine the time spent in each treatment procedure in proportion to total time involved in direct patient care. Third objective, was to recommend an appropriate range of sample for further similar studies using observatory methodology in peripheral centres. Methodology: Work measurement was done for the postgraduate and the undergraduate students for the treatments performed by them in the unit. Participatory observations were made on randomly selected days, and timings were recorded using standardised stop watch. Descriptive analysis was performed for the data obtained using Statistical Package for Social Science (IBM Corp. Released 2010. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 19.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). Results: Mean timing was found to be highest for all treatment procedures amongst graduates when compared to the postgraduates and maximum proportion of time was spent for extractions amongst all the treatments performed. Conclusion: Availability of speciality services will help the hospitals render more proficient services to the rural masses.

Close games versus blowouts: Optimal challenge reinforces one's intrinsic motivation to win

When immersed in intrinsically motivating activities, individuals actively seek optimal challenge, which generally brings the most satisfaction as they play hard and finally win. To better simulate real-life scenarios in the controlled laboratory setting, a two-player online StopWatch (SW) game was developed, whose format is similar to that of a badminton tournament. During the game, a male opponent played by a confederate ensured that the same-sex participant paired with him won both matches, one with a wide margin (the lack of challenge condition) and another with a narrow one (the optimal challenge condition). Electrophysiological data were recorded during the entire experiment. An enlarged Stimulus-preceding negativity (SPN) was observed in the optimal challenge condition, indicating a more concentrated anticipatory attention toward the feedback and a stronger intrinsic motivation during close games. Thus, this study provided original neural evidence for predictions of Self-determination theory (SDT) and Flow theory, and confirmed and emphasized the significant role of optimal challenge in promoting one's intrinsic motivation to win.

Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS): Time duration of self-completion versus assisted-completion in palliative care patients—A randomized controlled trial.

67 Background: ESAS is a multidimensional assessment tool for self-reporting of symptom intensity. Unfortunately, ESAS is not used often in clinical care due to the perception that it may be time consuming. Our aim was to compare the time duration of self-completion (SC) of ESAS for the first time by patients with advanced cancer vs. assisted-completion (AC) with a health care professional (HCP). Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, patients with advanced cancer who have never completed the ESAS at MD Anderson were allocated (1:1) with a web-based system to either to self-completion of the ESAS form vs assisted completion by the research assistant. Time of completion was measured by the research assistant using a stop watch. Patients completed the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) test prior to administration of the ESAS. In the self-completion group, the nurse reviewed the responses to verify that the reported ESAS scores were correct (nurse review). Results: 127 patients were enrolled (69 patients to AC and 58 to SC). The median age was 60 years old, and median REALM score was 65. The median (IQR) time of SC alone was significantly less than AC (1.2 minutes (.7, 1.5) vs 1.82 minutes (1.3, 2.3), p = .000). With nurse review time included, the SC time increased to 1.92 minutes (p (vs. AC) = .28). Lower literacy (REALM) score was significantly associated with increased completion time (p = .007). Other demographical and clinical variables were not significantly associated with completion time. 73/127 (58%) patients reported they did not mind completing the ESAS alone or with the help of the nurse. Conclusions: The ESAS can be completed in less than 2 minutes with or without assistance by a HCP. When nurse review time was included, there was no difference in time of completion as compared to assisted completion. Our results support that regular clinical use of ESAS will have minimal impact on clinical time.

An Integrative Approach to Delta and Theta Oscillatory Activity: Cognitive Correlates, Aging and Applications to Neuropsychiatric Disorders

When immersed in intrinsically motivating activities, individuals actively seek optimal challenge, which generally brings the most satisfaction as they play hard and finally win. To better simulate real-life scenarios in the controlled laboratory setting, a two-player online StopWatch (SW) game was developed, whose format is similar to that of a badminton tournament. During the game, a male opponent played by a confederate ensured that the same-sex participant paired with him won both matches, one with a wide margin (the lack of challenge condition) and another with a narrow one (the optimal challenge condition). Electrophysiological data were recorded during the entire experiment. An enlarged Stimulus-preceding negativity (SPN) was observed in the optimal challenge condition, indicating a more concentrated anticipatory attention toward the feedback and a stronger intrinsic motivation during close games. Thus, this study provided original neural evidence for predictions of Self-determination theory (SDT) and Flow theory, and confirmed and emphasized the significant role of optimal challenge in promoting one's intrinsic motivation to win.

Cardiovascular Response to Defecating Postures with and without Valsalva Maneuver in Healthy Individuals

Abstract Aims: To assess the cardiovascular response to defecating postures of bridging and sitting lean forward with and without Valsalva maneuver in healthy individuals. Study design: Prospective interventional cross-over study in healthy population. Study material: Stop watch, Rubber tube, Nostril clip, Pillow, Mercury Sphygmomanometer, Cardioscope (Model no.: Iris 50, Maestros company). Materials and methods: A total of 100 healthy individuals participated in the study. They maintained sitting lean forward and in bridging position for 5 minutes with and without Valsalva maneuver. Valsalva maneuver was performed at 40 mm Hg pressure for 15 seconds. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded. Mean arterial pressure and rate pressure product were derived. Data analysis: The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v 16. Shapiro–Wilk test was used to test normality, and nonparametric Mann-Whitney test was used with p &lt; 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: Sitting in lean forward position showed statistical significant increase in heart rate (p &lt; 0.05) compared to bridging position with Valsalva maneuver. There was a significant rise in blood pressure with bridging as compared to sitting lean forward with Valsalva. There was no statistically significant difference in heart rate and blood pressure between sitting lean forward position and bridging position without Valsalva maneuver. Conclusion: Sitting lean forward position and bridging position increase hemodynamic load compared to relaxed sitting posture. With Valsalva maneuver sitting lean forward posture causes greater rise in heart rate compared to bridging position.

Evaluation of structured oral examination format used in the assessment of undergraduate medical course (MBBS) of the University of Dhaka

Objectives of this cross sectional descriptive study was to evaluate critically the current status of structured oral examination (SOE) format as practiced in the professional examination of undergraduate medical course (MBBS) and views of the faculties regarding the concept of SOE as an assessment tool. The study was conducted in 9 medical college examination centers of Dhaka University in July 2007. There were 36 examiners in 18 SOE board, 26 of them were interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire and SOE boards were observed with a checklist. A total of 2455 questions used in SOE to assess 123 students, were recorded and analyzed using another checklist. These questions were used to assess learning hierarchy and content coverage using forensic medicine as a reference subject. Analysis of the questions revealed majority (97%) were of recall type, only 3% were interpretation and problem solving types. The questions for 119 (97%) examinee did not address 10%-50% content area. About 38% examiners responded that they had no clear idea regarding learning objectives and none had idea regarding test blueprint.The examiners marked the domain of learning measured by SOE in favor of cognitive skill (61%), communication skill (38.5%), motor skill (11.5%), behavior and attitude (19%). No examiner prepared model answer of SOE questions by consensus with other examiner. Though more than 80% examiner agreed with the statement that pre-selection of accepted model answer is an important element for success of SOE. But no examiners of any SOE boards practiced it. Similarly, none of the examiners of SOE board kept records of individual question and the answer of the examinees. No boards maintained equal time for a candidate during SOE by using timer or stop watch. Examiners of 8 boards (44%) did not use recommended rating scale to score individual response of examinee rather scored in traditional consolidated way at the end of the candidate’s examination. Majority (94%) boards scored the prompted answer and allowed another questions when a candidate failed to answer. During SOE conduction, 22% examiner were absent from the board for a prolonged period and 3% was engaged in marking the written scripts. About 56% of the examiners arrived late than schedule time. Behaviors of 14% examiner showed abusing to the candidates. The study revealed that the objectives of introducing SOE as assessment tool in undergraduate medical curriculum was not achieved and it was not appropriately implemented. The various elements of SOE were not followed in most of the sessions of examinations. However, the reasons for not implementing vis a vis following the attributes of SOE were not explored. The study was done only in forensic medicine but similar situations may exist in other subjects. It is recommended that further study may be instituted to determine the causes of not achieving the objective of SOE in undergraduate medical evaluation system. The examiners should be motivated and trained up adequately to implement the elements of SOE successfully as valid, reliable and objective assessment tool.Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2015; 9(1): 1-10

Maximum oxygen uptake and cardiovascular response of Professional male football and Basketball players to Chester step test.

The cardiovascular response to exercise has several variables but this study will be limited to the heart rate response, blood pressure response and predicted VO2 max. These variables are what this study will be utilizing to evaluate the fitness level of the participants. The purpose of this study was to estimate the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and compare the cardiovascular response of professional male football players and basketball players to Chester step bench test.A total of 100 athletes (50 football players and 50 basketball players) recruited through convenience sampling participated in the study. The research design was quasi experimental research design. The instruments used were heart rate monitor, electronic blood pressure monitor, 30cm Chester step, stop watch, mobile metronome version 1.2.4, height meter, bathroom scale. The V02max was estimated from HR recovery (HRrec) after 15seconds using the equation V02max=111.3-(0.42 xHRrec).Comparative analysis of the data was done using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation, and inferential statistics of independent t-test with alpha level of significance of 0.05. In the result, Significant differences were recorded between the VO2 max of football players 81.15kg/ml/min and basketball players 72.39kg/ml/min; heart rate 72.10bpm and 93.58bpm; systolic blood pressure 147.90mmHg and 142.46mmHg; while there was no statistically significant difference in their diastolic blood pressure 81.820mmHg and 81.020mmHg. The study showed that football players had significantly higher VO2 max (81.14±0.66 ml/kg/min), than the basketball players (72.38±0.78 ml/kg/min), indicating that football players had more aerobic capacity than basketball players. High VO2 max is the primary indicator of aerobic fitness, cardiovascular health, and endurance performance. Coaches of different football clubs and basketball clubs should take serious the matter of consistent training of their players to improve and avoid decline in their cardiorespiratory fitness. Individuals should cultivate the habit of exercising in order to improve their cardiorespiratory fitness and minimize the risk of some diseases associated with low cardiorespiratory fitness.

Relation between body mass index percentile and muscle strength and endurance

BackgroundMuscle strength and endurance in children are very important to develop physical activities and cardiorespiratory functions, so factors that might affect their development must be studied; thus the aim of this study is to identify if there is a relation between body mass index percentile and muscle strength and endurance time in healthy normal and obese children. Subjects and methodsA group of 75 healthy children without orthopedic, perceptual or cognitive problems were selected from Awlady Association in Maadi, Cairo, their ages ranged from 10 to 13years old from both sexes. They were divided into three groups according to their body mass index percentile where group (a) is equal to or more than 5% percentile yet less than 85% percentile, group (b) is equal to or more than 85% percentile however under 95% percentile, while group (c) is equal to or more than the 95%th percentile. Two assessments had been carried out with respect to the peak torque for triceps muscle and quadriceps muscle, they were surveyed by Biodex isokinetic dynamometer at an angular velocity of 60°/s in concentric contraction mode while abdominal muscles were evaluated by manual muscle testing. A stop watch was utilized to calculate the length of time to fatigue to evaluate endurance time. The resultsA significant distinction in muscle strength and endurance time among the obese, overweight groups comparing to the normal weight groups was identified. Additionally there was a positive correlation between muscle strength and body mass index percentile while muscle endurance time had a negative correlation with it. ConclusionThe study shows that the BMI of children had a positive correlation with the muscle strength of quadriceps, triceps, and abdominal muscles while a negative correlation with the endurance time of these muscles.