Subjective Discomfort Research Articles

Acute Effects of Carbon Fiber Insole on Three Aspects of Sports Performance, Lower Extremity Muscle Activity, and Subjective Comfort.

Carbon fiber insole (CFI), which is lightweight and stiff to reduce energy loss and help wearers perform better in sports, has recently been introduced. However, reports are scarce on the effects of CFI on sports performance, muscle activation, and wearing comfort. This study investigated the acute effects of CFI on sports performance, lower extremity muscle activity, and subjective comfort. Thirty young healthy males with shoe sizes between 260 and 270 mm performed various sports tasks (power generation, agility, and speed) and treadmill runs with wearable sensors under two experimental insole conditions (benchmark insole as a baseline, CFI). The results showed that, compared to the benchmark insole, CFI significantly improved sports performance in terms of power generation (~1.5%) and agility (~1%). However, it activated more of the Tibialis Anterior (~0.7%) and Gastrocnemius Medialis (~0.8%) muscles, and was perceived to be stiffer and less comfortable. These findings suggested that CFI could improve sports performance, but could cause more lower extremity muscle activation and subjective discomfort.

A quantitative assessment of the effects of passive upper extremity exoskeletons on expert cardiovascular sonographers’ muscle activity and posture while performing transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE)

During scanning, sonographers often assume significant awkward postures which may lead to musculoskeletal pain and disability. Two exoskeletons were tested as an ergonomic intervention by sonographers during transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE). Four sonographers each performed TTEs using right- and left-handed scanning techniques, with and without two different passive upper extremity exoskeletons in two two-by-two experimental designs. Posture, muscle activity, and subjective discomfort scores were recorded. Of the two exoskeletons tested, the updated FLEX® design significantly reduced 10th percentile upper trapezius muscle activity during left hand scanning, while the AIRFRAME® did not impact muscle activity across all the muscles of interest. Furthermore, there was a slight decrease in the self-reported discomfort levels in their wrist and hands associated with performing TTE when wearing Exos1 compared to baseline. However, participants experienced issues with comfort, limitations on their range of motion (ROM), and interference with tasks with both exoskeletons. Collectively, the results indicate that the tested exoskeleton designs provide minimal benefit for reducing upper extremity muscle workload during TTE ultrasonography tasks.

Astaxanthin Supplementation Does Not Affect Markers of Muscle Damage or Inflammation After an Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage Protocol in Resistance-Trained Males.

Waldman, HS, Bryant, AR, Parten, AL, Grozier, CD, and McAllister, MJ. Astaxanthin supplementation does not affect markers of muscle damage or inflammation after an exercise-induced muscle damage protocol in resistance-trained males. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): e413-e421, 2023-It is well documented that exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) decreases exercise performance by elevated inflammation and subjective discomfort. Due to its potent antioxidative properties, astaxanthin (AX) may serve as a potential dietary supplement strategy for mitigating delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and enhancing recovery and performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of AX on markers of muscle damage, inflammation, DOMS, and anaerobic performance and substrate metabolism. Thirteen resistance-trained men (mean ± SD , age, 23.4 ± 2.1 years) completed a double-blind, counterbalanced, and crossover design with a 1-week washout period between 2, 4-week supplementation periods at 12 mg·d -1 of AX or placebo. After each supplementation period, subjects completed 2 trials, with trial 1 including a graded exercise test (GXT) and a 30-second Wingate and trial 2 including an EIMD protocol followed by the collection of fasting blood samples (pre-post) to measure creatine kinase, advanced oxidative protein products, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, insulin, and cortisol. Astaxanthin supplementation had no statistical effects on markers of substrate metabolism during the GXT, Wingate variables, or markers of muscle damage, inflammation, or DOMS when compared with placebo (all p > 0.05). However, 4 weeks of AX supplementation did significantly lower oxygen consumption during the final stage of the GXT (12%, p = 0.02), as well as lowered systolic blood pressure (∼7%, p = 0.04), and significantly lowered baseline insulin values (∼24%, p = 0.05) when compared with placebo. Collectively, these data suggest that 4 weeks of AX supplementation at 12 mg·d -1 did not affect markers of muscle damage, inflammation, or DOMS after an EIMD protocol in a resistance-trained male cohort.

Efficacy of passive upper-limb exoskeletons in reducing musculoskeletal load associated with overhead tasks

Overhead work can pose substantial musculoskeletal stress in many industrial settings. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of passive upper-limb exoskeletons in reducing muscular activity and subjective discomfort ratings. In a repeated-measures laboratory experiment, 20 healthy male participants performed 10-min drilling tasks with and without two passive upper-limb exoskeletons (VEX and Airframe). During the tasks, muscle activity in eight muscles (upper limb - upper trapezius, middle deltoid, biceps brachii, triceps brachii; low back - erector spinae; lower limb - rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior) was collected using electromyography as a physical exertion measure. Subjective discomfort rating in six body parts was measured using the Borg's CR-10 scale. The results showed that muscle activity (especially in the upper-limb muscles) was significantly decreased by 29.3–58.1% with both exoskeletons compared to no exoskeleton condition. The subjective discomfort ratings showed limited differences between the conditions. These findings indicate that passive upper-limb exoskeletons may have potential as an effective intervention to reduce muscular loading and physical exertion during overhead work.

Effects of anti-fatigue lenses on performance, muscle activity and subjective discomfort responses during a seated computer task

Anti-fatigue lenses (AFL) intend to provide health benefits in association with computer work. Their effects on visual and muscle discomfort mechanisms and task performance remain unclear. Twenty-three computer users (n = 12 males) underwent two 90-min computer sessions with AFL or placebo lenses. Eye strain, body discomfort, typing performance, upper trapezius (UT) activation amplitude and variability, and neck posture were analyzed for time, condition, and sex effects. No significant effects of condition were observed on the dependent measures evaluated. Discomfort increased over time (neck/shoulder: p < .001), more so in females (eye strain: p < .001). Females’ UT activation amplitude was negatively correlated to eye strain in the placebo condition (p = .05).

Health effects of filtering facepiece respirators: Systematic review of pulmonary and cardiovascular effects.

Filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) were introduced to protect the wearer by removing small particles from inspired air. FFRs are now also used to reduce the spread of transmissible agents from the wearer and are worn outside traditional healthcare and other workplaces. The COVID-19 pandemic increased concerns about potential adverse effects on wearers. A PUBMED query retrieved articles through June 2022. Abstracts and selected full-text articles were systematically reviewed by the authors. This article focuses upon cardiopulmonary physiologic effects (e.g., ventilation, CO2 elimination, oxygen uptake, and respiratory control) with emphasis upon current and potential research methods as well as summarizing results. 1985 records were identified, of which only 26% were published before 2020. FFR effects on CO2 elimination appear more likely to be significant than effects on oxygenation or cardiovascular function. While FFRs appear well tolerated by healthy persons, more research is needed for those with pulmonary or cardiac disorders, and for children. Many traditional pulmonary exercise study methods require special care when applied to filtering facepiece respirators. Studying additional parameters may explain the paradox of many subjective discomfort reports despite very limited physiologic effects.

Prosthetic restorative modality in complete edentulism and its association with masticatory and speech discomforts: A nationwide cross-sectional study from Korea.

Purpose Completely edentulous arches can be restored using various prosthetic modalities, and the treatment outcome may include masticatory and speech discomforts. This study aimed to investigate the current status of prosthetic restoration modalities used for completely edentulous patients and investigate the association between prosthetic restoration modalities and subjective discomfort in mastication and speech by analyzing nationwide big data.Methods Of 97,622 individuals, data from 1,576 adults aged ≥40 years with no natural teeth and no requirement for additional prosthetic treatments were included. Oral examination data were analyzed, and the prostheses of the edentulous arches were categorized as follows: CD, removable complete denture; OD, implant-retained overdenture; and IF, implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis. Discomforts in mastication and speech according to the prosthetic restorative modality groups was statistically analyzed using analysis of covariance (α = 0.05).Results The maxillary/mandibular prosthetic restorative modality most commonly used was CD/CD, followed by CD/OD, IF/IF, OD/OD, and CD/IF, with weighted percentages of 93.23%, 2.48%, 1.83%, 1.46%, and 0.84%, respectively. Even after adjusting for various covariates, masticatory discomfort in the CD/CD group was significantly greater than that in the OD/OD (P = 0.0004) and IF/IF (P = 0.0002). The CD/CD group also had significantly greater discomfort in speech than did the IF/IF group (P = 0.0119).Conclusions Most completely edentulous patients were rehabilitated with bimaxillary removable complete dentures; however, the discomforts in mastication and speech were the lowest when both arches were restored with implant-supported fixed restorations.

The efficacy of combined ultrasound and electric field stimulation therapy in the treatment of venous leg ulcers.

Venous leg ulcers are the most common cause of leg ulcers. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of Combined Ultrasound and Electric Field Stimulation therapies (CUSEFS) on wound surface area and pain level in patients with venous leg ulcers, utilizing a novel device (BRH-A2 from BRH Medical, Ltd). This prospective case series study, conducted by the Department of Plastic Surgery at the Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center, Israel, collected data for subjects treated with CUSEFS with the BRH-A2 device, between April 2018 and September 2019. Measurements of wound area and assessment of pain intensity using a 10-point visual analog score were recorded. At the end of the four-week period, average wound area and pain scores were included for analysis. Ten consecutive patients met the inclusion criteria. During the study period, all patients exhibited a reduction in the wound surface area. The final average wound surface area was reduced by 53.52% following the combined treatment. Eight out of the ten patients (80%) reported a reduction in pain, with an average pain level reduction of 64% throughout eight consecutive treatments. CUSEFS therapies with BRH-A2 technology is a promising treatment for venous leg ulcers. In accordance with our preliminary results, this treatment modality can aid in the reduction of wound surface area as well as reducing the pain suffered by patients from these chronic wounds. Larger multicenter studies are needed to further quantify and qualify the beneficial effect of CUSEFS in venous leg ulcers and other chronic wounds. Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are painful wounds occurring between the knee and ankle joint, that fail to heal for a period of at least two weeks and occur in the presence of venous disease. VLUs, are the most common cause of leg ulcers, affecting approximately 5% of the general population over the age of 65. Numerous non-invasive treatment modalities have been attempted for healing chronic wounds and ulceration, however, in some instances surgery, although invasive, is the preferred option. For many years, ultrasound (US) has been used therapeutically to treat chronic ulcers. US produces biophysical effects that are significantly beneficial to the wound healing process. Electrical stimulation therapy is another treatment option which contributes to wound healing by influencing the electrochemical wound process.Combined Modulated Ultrasound and Electric Field Stimulation (CUSEFS) have been shown to improve the healing of chronic wounds. However, research has focused predominantly on objective measures of healing, while less consideration has been given to researching the subjective discomfort and the negative impact that ulceration places on the patient. The aim of this study was to assess objective and subjective factors by measuring the short-term effect of CUSEFS on the surface area of wound and on pain levels in patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs). Our study findings demonstrate that the combined treatment was effective in initiating wound healing and reducing levels of pain in chronic, stagnant, recalcitrant venous leg ulcers.

Stacking Ensemble Learning-Based Convolutional Gated Recurrent Neural Network for Diabetes Miletus

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease in which blood glucose levels rise as a result of pancreatic insulin production failure. It causes hyperglycemia and chronic multiorgan dysfunction, including blindness, renal failure, and cardiovascular disease, if left untreated. One of the essential checks that are needed to be performed frequently in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is a blood test, this procedure involves extracting blood quite frequently, which leads to subject discomfort increasing the possibility of infection when the procedure is often recurring. Existing methods used for diabetes classification have less classification accuracy and suffer from vanishing gradient problems, to overcome these issues, we proposed stacking ensemble learning-based convolutional gated recurrent neural network (CGRNN) Metamodel algorithm. Our proposed method initially performs outlier detection to remove outlier data, using the Gaussian distribution method, and the Box-cox method is used to correctly order the dataset. After the outliers’ detection, the missing values are replaced by the data’s mean rather than their elimination. In the stacking ensemble base model, multiple machine learning algorithms like Naïve Bayes, Bagging with random forest, and Adaboost Decision tree have been employed. CGRNN Meta model uses two hidden layers Long-Short-Time Memory (LSTM) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) to calculate the weight matrix for diabetes prediction. Finally, the calculated weight matrix is passed to the softmax function in the output layer to produce the diabetes prediction results. By using LSTM-based CG-RNN, the mean square error (MSE) value is 0.016 and the obtained accuracy is 91.33%.

Investigation of the Effect of Emotional Freedom Technique on Stress and Anxiety in Nursing Students in the Covid-19 Pandemic

COVID19 pandemic has caused nursing students studying in the clinical field to stay away from the clinic for a long time due to the interruption of education. This process affected the anxiety levels of nursing students, causing them to feel inadequate and experience stress. This study aims to investigate the effect of the emotional freedom technique on nursing students' styles of coping with anxiety and stress. In the experimentally designed study with a pretest-posttest control group, the emotional freedom technique was applied to the experimental group in 4 sessions. In addition, the state anxiety scale, coping styles scale, subjective discomfort level scale was applied during the pre-application phase and after the emotional freedom technique session. As a result, it was determined that the students in the experimental group had higher mean scores of coping with stress inventory, seeking social support, optimism, self-confidence, and submissive approach measurement scores in the post-test, and state anxiety scale measurement scores measured in the post-test. Therefore, alternative approaches such as the emotional freedom technique that nursing students can apply to reduce their anxiety levels and increase their coping with stress should be encouraged.

An algorithm for cognitive fusion targeted tumor puncture based on 3-D mathematical modelling

BackgroundPercutaneous puncture is an important means of tumor diagnosis and treatment. At present, most puncture operations are still based on imaging location and clinical experience, and quantitative and accurate targeted puncture cannot be achieved. How to improve the accuracy of percutaneous tumor puncture, avoid errors to the greatest extent, reduce the occurrence of complications, and improve the overall clinical diagnosis and treatment quality and curative effect, are scientific problems worthy of further study. MethodIn the present study, mathematical modeling was first used to construct the tumor puncture path, determine the needle entry angle, and define the relevant limited parameters and the substitution formula. Secondly, relevant parameters were extracted from CT and other imaging data and substituted into formulas, the deviation angle and puncture path were determined, and the personalized tumor puncture scheme was carried out. Third, targeted puncture was precisely implemented under the guidance of B-ultrasound. Compared with the traditional empirical puncture, our model improved the accuracy, decreased the puncture time, and reduced the pain of diagnosis and treatment for patients. ResultsA tumor-targeted puncture model was established based on mathematical theory and imaging data. By extracting clinical data, such as tumor radius, projection distance of tumor center and projection distance from puncture point to body surface, the optimal puncture deviation angle was modeled and calculated and a personalized puncture scheme was established. Compared with the conventional method, our model markedly increased the puncture accuracy rate by ∼30%. The puncture number was decreased by ∼50% using our model. Furthermore, our model shortened the operation time by 20% to ease pain of patients and guarantee greater security for patients. Doctor satisfaction and patient discomfort scores were examined. Our model improved doctor satisfaction by ∼20% and reduced subjective discomfort of patients by ∼25%. These data revealed that the model could markedly improve the accuracy and efficiency of puncture, clinical efficacy and accuracy of tumor diagnosis. Additionally, the confidence of doctors in the operation was greatly enhanced and patient discomfort was greatly reduced. ConclusionThe present study analyzed in detail how to find the best puncture path using a mathematical model. Based on the mathematical model of cognitive fusion puncture, combined with clinical personalized data and mathematical calculation analysis, accurate puncture was effectively realized. It not only greatly improved the effectiveness of puncture, but also ensured the safety of clinical patients and reduced injury, which means it may be worthy of clinical application.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and physiological stress among the female brick molders of West Bengal, India

Objective: Women play a significant role in the Indian economy and are regarded as the backbone of the brickfield industry where they face a variety of stressors that predispose them to increased risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders and physiological stress compared to a control group. Methods: The Nordic Modified Questionnaire (NMQ) was completed by 85 women brick molders to assess feelings of discomfort (pain) in different parts of the body. Furthermore, the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) posture analysis tool explored the risk of upper-limb musculoskeletal disorders (ULMSDs). Handgrip strength was also measured using a handgrip dynamometer, and cardiovascular stresses were assessed by measuring heart rate, blood pressure and lung function parameters. Results: The results of the study revealed that upper limb MSDs are a significant problem among women brick molders, primarily involving the hand (97.6%), shoulder (94.1%), wrist (72.9%) and fingers (56.5%). Subjective discomfort ratings among the brick molders indicated pain (96.5%), followed by tingling (90.6%), numbness (88.2%) and stiffness (61.2%) in their hands. The detailed analysis of the RULA score revealed that the upper arms, lower arms and wrists were high-risk areas for MSDs. Soon after completion of work, the participants experienced reductions in the hand-grip strength compared to the control group. Heart rate brick molders as higher in comparison to control group, just after the completion of work. However, there was no significant change in maximum Heart rate (HRmax) and Heart Rate Reserve (HRR) between the two groups, but significant associations were observed in net cardiac cost (NCC) and relative cardiac cost (RCC). Blood pressure measures were higher in the brick molders after work as well Conclusion: Women brick molders engaged continuously in highly repetitive hand-intensive jobs and suffered from discomfort in the upper extremities. The RULA posture analysis results indicated that the working posture of women brick molders were at high risk for MSDs, which requires changes immediately. Female brick molders also presented with reduced lung function values compared to the controls Findings of this study highlight the need for various ergonomic interventions that can be applied to improve the safety of the molders and workplace conditions of the brickfield during molding activities.

Equivalent magnitude-dependent discomfort under vertical vibration up to 100 Hz

The effect of vibration magnitude on frequency-dependence of discomfort of human body is always overlooked with respect to the comfort equivalence contours, particularly for high-magnitude vibration in wideband frequency. In this study, the magnitude effect of vertical vibration on discomfort of human body is investigated experimentally. Nineteen male subjects are involved in the jury test of vibration discomfort in the vertical direction with 2–5 m/s2 in magnitude up to 100 Hz. It is shown that the growth rate of discomfort may exceed 1 due to the high-magnitude vibration employed. In this condition that the rate varies around 1, the Stevens’ power law is not capable to properly represent the relationship between the subjective discomfort and the vibration magnitude. It means the equivalent comfort contours are not only dependent on the frequency range but also related to the vibration magnitude. Frequency weightings of vibration discomfort are influenced by the excitation magnitude. Practitioner summary: The occupant comfort to vertical whole-body vibration is affected by vibration magnitude. This study provides the effect of vibration magnitude on frequency-dependence of discomfort to whole-body vibration. It is suggested to propose variable frequency weightings for vibration discomfort evaluation under different magnitudes to achieve better comfort design.

Preliminary results of serial sessions of a newly developed at home device using low‐level light therapy for the treatment of dry eye disease

AbstractPurpose: To evaluate objective parameters of ocular surface and ocular discomfort symptoms after the use of a new at‐home device in patients with dry eye disease (DED) owing to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).Methods: In this prospective study patients with mild to moderate DED owing to MGD not successfully responding to first‐line therapy (tear substitutes and eye lid hygiene) were recruited. Non‐invasive ocular surface examination was carried out by means of Keratograph 5 M (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) for the evaluation of: (i) tear meniscus height (TMH); (ii) non‐invasive break‐up time (NIBUT); (iii) ocular redness; (iv) meibomian gland loss (MGL). Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was used to assess ocular discomfort symptoms. Patients were evaluated before (T0) and after 1 week of treatment consisting of 4 serial sessions (every other day) of low‐level light therapy (LLLT) with a newly‐developed at home device.Results: Seven patients (6 females and 1 male, mean age 56.86 ± 7.29 years) were enrolled and completed regularly the entire cycle of 4 home sessions without any adverse event. Mean value of NIBUT increased significantly at T1 compared to T0 (respectively 5.81 ± 2 0.85 vs. 7.64 ± 3.93 s; p = 0.035); conversely, there were not statistically significant differences for TMH, redness score and MGL. In addition, OSDI score improved at T1 compared to T0 (respectively, 20.17 ± 9.5 vs. 31.14 ± 9.83; p &lt; 0.001).Conclusions: One week of serial sessions of a newly‐developed at home device using LLLT improved significantly tear stability and subjective discomfort symptoms in patients with DED owing to MGD. This strategy could represent a new therapeutic option in the armamentarium of MGD treatments.

A comfort analysis of AR glasses on physical load during long-term wearing

The present study investigated the effect of the physical load of augmented reality (AR) glasses on subjective assessments for an extended duration of a video viewing task. Ninety-six subjects were recruited for this test and were divided by spectacle use, sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). Four glasses frame weights were assessed. To investigate their effectiveness, a novel prototype adopting three design interventions, (1) adjustable frame width, (2) ergonomic temples, and (3) fixed centre of gravity, was designed with regard to subjective discomfort ratings (nose, ear, and overall). Subjective discomfort in all regions was significantly increased with increasing physical load on the nose. In addition, non-spectacle users, women, older users, and participants in the middle BMI category reported higher discomfort than other groups. This finding could have important implications for the ergonomic design of AR glasses and could help to identify design considerations relevant to the emerging wearable display industry. Practitioner summary: This research aims to explore the influence of the physical load of augmented reality (AR) glasses. It found that discomfort was increased with added nose load. Non-spectacle users, women, older users, and participants in the middle BMI category were more sensitive to discomfort. The results have important implications for glasses-type wearables’ design.

Research on the influence of indoor thermal environment and activity levels on thermal comfort in protective clothing

With the outbreak of infectious diseases such as Corona Virus Disease 2019, medical staff work intensively in isolated plots, medical disposable protective clothing (MDPC) has poor air condition and humidity permeability, which seriously reduces the thermal comfort of medical staff. In this paper, the effect of indoor thermal environment and activity levels on thermal comfort inside MDPC was studied by experiment. Five parts of the body were measured inside MDPC and the appropriate movements were chosen to simulate different levels of labor intensity. Meanwhile, physiological parameters and subjective thermal sensation were statistically analyzed. The results showed the influence range of different indoor temperatures on the temperature and humidity inside MDPC was about 1 °C and 10 %, respectively; it indicated that the environment inside MDPC could be improved by reducing indoor temperature, that is, a cross intelligent adjustment mode was proposed. The effect of labor intensity on the temperature inside MDPC was significantly less than that of humidity. Within 20 min, the humidity changes under moderate and heavy labor intensity were even more than 10 %, and the subjective discomfort threshold of the subjects increased by nearly 50 %. Furthermore, the maximum benefit could be obtained by concentrating cooling on back, forehead, chest and upper arm. Theoretical models of working time, labor intensity, and temperature and humidity inside MDPC under different indoor temperatures and different parts were given. In addition, acceptable regions inside MDPC which were approximately parallelogram in the enthalpy-humidity chart. These conclusions could be a reference for future thermal comfort inside MDPC research.

Save our surgeons (SOS) – an explorative comparison of surgeons’ muscular and cardiovascular demands, posture, perceived workload and discomfort during robotic vs. laparoscopic surgery

PurposeConventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) imposes an increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Technical innovations, such as robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS), may provide ergonomic benefits. We compare the surgeon`s work-related demands of CLS vs RALS for benign hysterectomies.MethodsFive specialists (3 females, 2 males) each performed four RALS and four CLS as part of their daily clinical routine. During the surgical procedures, muscular demands were assessed by bipolar surface electromyograms of the descendent trapezius, extensor digitorum and flexor carpi radialis muscles as well as cardio-vascular demands by electrocardiography, and neck, arm and torso posture by gravimetrical position sensors. Additionally, the subjects rated their level of perceived workload (NASA TLX questionnaire with 6 dimension) and musculoskeletal discomfort (11-point Likert-scale, 0–10).ResultsMuscular demands of the trapezius and flexor carpi radialis muscles were lower with RALS but extensor digitorum demands increased. Cardiovascular demands were about 9 heart beats per minute (bpm) lower for RALS compared to CLS with a rather low median level for both surgical techniques (RALS = 84 bpm; CLS 90 bpm). The posture changed in RALS with an increase in neck and torso flexion, and a reduction in abduction and anteversion position of the right arm. The perceived workload was lower in the physical demands dimension but higher in the mental demands dimension during RALS. Subjective musculoskeletal discomfort was rare during both surgical techniques.ConclusionsThis explorative study identified several potential ergonomic benefits related to RALS which now can be verified by studies using hypothesis testing designs. However, potential effects on muscular demands in the lower arm extensor muscles also have to be addressed in such studies.

Workers’ subjective discomfort, muscle fatigue, and kinematics during a manual packaging task

Due to the prevalence and increased demand for manual packaging tasks, the concern for worker health and safety has grown. This study aims to assess the effects of gender and work postures on subjective discomfort, muscle fatigue, and kinematics during a manual packaging task. Twenty participants, including 10 males and 10 females, were recruited to perform a 60-minute manual packaging task in sitting and standing postures. Discomfort was evidenced by increased the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) values (sit: from 6 to 14.55; stand: from 6 to 17.15) and muscle fatigue was supported by decreased median power frequency (MPF) values for right brachioradialis (RB) (sit: -23.68%; stand: -16.20%), right upper trapezius (RUT) (sit: -20.14%; stand: 11.79%), and right erector spinae (RES) (sit: 8.64%; stand: 11.21%) muscles. Women were more likely to bend forward in a relaxed upper body position, especially while sitting, which may increase the risk of low back pain and women also reported greater discomfort than men, but not in the hands and back. Compared with sitting, the back showed greater muscle fatigue in standing, while muscle fatigue for the shoulders and hands was the opposite. These findings suggest that work posture should be considered to prevent fatigue in manual packaging tasks. Given the impact of gender on muscle fatigue, work performed by women and men should both be considered. The results can help to develop action strategies and work posture design to prevent musculoskeletal disorders in the manual packaging industry.

Распространенность и особенности клинического течения синдрома «сухого глаза» у детей с хроническими дерматозами

Purpose. To study the possible presence and features of the clinical course of dry eye syndrome (DES) in children of various ages with chronic dermatoses. Material and methods. 50 patients aged 4 to 17 years were examined. The criteria for their inclusion in the study were the presence of a verified diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (in the acute stage) (40 children) or ichthyosis (vulgar and congenital) (10 children). Severity of subjective discomfort, condition of the ocular surface, production and stability of the pre-corneal tear film were evaluated in all patients. Results. Clinical and functional signs of DES (mainly due to dysfunction of the meibomian glands) were noted in 26 children (65%) with atopic dermatitis and in 9 (90%) with ichthyosis. At the same time, in children with chronic dermatoses, DES occurred mainly in mild and moderate forms. There were no statistically significant differences in the manifestation of clinical signs of DES between the groups of patients with atopic dermatitis and ichthyosis. Conclusion. The data obtained showed the need for a targeted examination of patients with chronic dermatoses, detection, and treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction and associated dry eye syndrome. Key words: dry eye syndrome; dysfunction of the meibomian glands; chronic dermatoses; atopic dermatitis; ichthyosis

Social Support and General Self-Efficacy: Predictors of Subjective Discomfort in Ecuadorian Teachers

The crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has generated new challenges for regular basic education teachers, who, day by day, interact with students and constitute a significant part of the student's development. These new circumstances have affected teachers, raising their stress levels and affecting their skills. In this context, this study aims to determine the influence of social support and general self-efficacy on subjective discomfort in Ecuadorian regular basic education teachers. The methodology used was based on the predictive design in which 311 teachers participated, 230 women and 81 men. The selected instruments were the Duke-UNK-11 Functional Social Support Questionnaire, the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GAS) and the Kessler Subjective Discomfort Scale-10. The results showed that the Social support variable significantly influences subjective discomfort, showing that teachers who have high levels of social support show lower levels of subjective discomfort. It is concluded that social support is a predictor of subjective discomfort in Ecuadorian teachers of basic education.&#x0D; &#x0D; Received: 23 May 2022 / Accepted: 28 October 2022 / Published: 5 November 2022