Two-way Mixed Analysis Of Variance Research Articles

Effectiveness of silicone-based resilient denture liners on masticatory function: A randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesThis randomised controlled trial aimed to compare the masticatory function between the silicone-based resilient denture liner and conventional denture among edentulous patients. MethodsThe trial included edentulous patients who were willing to have a new set of complete dentures. Participants were randomly assigned to receive mandibular complete dentures with either a 1) conventional denture base (CD group) or (2) silicone-based resilient denture liner (RD group). Masticatory performance (evaluated with gummy jelly) and the maximum occlusal force were measured at baseline, on final adjustment, and at 3 months after the final adjustment. The outcomes were analyzed using two-way mixed analysis of variance and a paired t-test. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. ResultsThe masticatory performance was lower in the RD group than in the CD group; it increased significantly over time in the CD group, but not in the RD group. The maximum occlusal force in the RD group was significantly higher than that in the CD group; it increased significantly over time in the RD group, but not in the CD group. ConclusionsSilicone-based RD liners applied to mandibular complete dentures are effective in improving the maximum occlusal force but not the masticatory performance, as measured with gummy jelly. Clinical significancePrior evidence has suggested that mandibular complete dentures with resilient denture liners improve masticatory function. However, the results of this study indicate that difficulties may remain with the mastication of foods with a certain texture (e.g., gummy jelly).

Dual-Tasking Effects on Gait and Turning Performance of Stroke Survivors with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy.

BackgroundStroke survivors depend on the unaffected leg during walking and standing. The presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) affecting both legs may further affect the postural balance and gait instability and increase the risk for falls in such patients. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of dual taskings on the gait and turning performance of stroke survivors with DPN.MethodsForty stroke survivors were recruited (20 with DPN and 20 without DPN) in this cross-sectional study design. Instrumented timed up and go (iTUG) tests were conducted in three different tasking conditions (single task, dual motor and dual cognitive). APDM® Mobility Lab system was used to capture the gait parameters during the iTUG tests. A two-way mixed analysis of variance was used to determine the main effects of gait performance on three taskings during the iTUG test.ResultsSpatiotemporal gait parameters and turning performance (turning time and turning step times) were more affected by the tasking conditions in stroke survivors with DPN compared to those without DPN (P < 0.05).ConclusionStroke survivors with DPN had difficulty walking while turning and performing a secondary task simultaneously.

Comparison of the Isometric Hip Flexors Strength in Supine Position in Subjects With and Without Weak Isometric Core Strength

Background: Hip flexor muscles are very important in the hip joint structure as a mover and stabilizer. In addition, isometric hip flexor strength in the supine position needs to be considered with isometric core strength (WICS) to measure a precise strength in a clinical way. Objects: We compared isometric hip flexor strength in the supine position in subjects with and without WICS (between factors) and conditions with and without an external support (within factors). Methods: A total of 34 subjects (16 with WICS, 18 without WICS) participated in this study. We used the double-bent leg-lowering test to divide the subjects in two groups according to the presence of WICS. Isometric hip flexor strength was evaluated in the supine position both with and without an external support condition. The two-way mixed analysis of variance was applied to identify significant differences between groups (with vs. without WICS: between factors) and conditions (with vs. without an external support: within factors). Statistical significance was set at α = 0.05. Results: In subjects with WICS, isometric hip flexor strength was greater with an external support than without it (p = 0.0064). In subjects without WICS, there were no significant differences in isometric hip flexor strength in the presence or absence of an external support (p = 0.075). The isometric hip flexor strength was significantly greater with an external support condition in particular in subjects with WICS. Conclusion: The findings of this study reported that an external support condition in individuals with WICS may contribute to the improvement of isometric hip flexion strength in the supine position. Therefore, isometric core strength should be evaluated to distinguish the weakness between core region and hip flexors.

Does delayed onset muscle soreness affect the biomechanical variables of the drop vertical jump that have been associated with increased ACL injury risk? A randomised control trial.

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are both prevalent in sport. It is currently unknown whether DOMS increases ACL injury risk. This study aimed to provide preliminary insight on whether DOMS affects ACL injury risk by investigating whether DOMS affects the biomechanical variables of the DVJ that have been identified as risk factors for future ACL injury. This was a randomised control trial involving 32 active individuals aged 18-35years, with no history of ACL injury. Participants underwent two sessions of force-plate testing and 3D motion analysis of the drop vertical jump (DVJ). The DVJ was chosen as it has been investigated prospectively for association with future ACL injury. Initial testing was followed by randomisation to DOMS or control group. The DOMS group underwent a DOMS-inducing exercise protocol, the control group did not. Both groups were re-tested 48h after initial testing. Five variables of the DVJ that have been associated with future ACL injury were chosen for analysis - peak knee flexion angle, peak vertical ground reaction force, ground contact time, peak knee abduction angle & peak knee abduction moment. Between-group differences were compared using a two-way mixed analysis of variance; alpha level set to 0.05. DOMS was successfully induced in all participants of the DOMS group however no statistically significant group x time interactions were found for any of the five variables analysed. DOMS did not affect the biomechanical variables of the DVJ that have been associated with future ACL injury. By extension, this may suggest that DOMS might not affect ACL injury risk. However, it is also possible that certain attributes of the DVJ meant that any effect of DOMS was simply unable to be quantified, even if an effect existed. All considered, our position is that conclusion cannot be drawn from this study alone on whether DOMS affects ACL injury risk. Further research is required.

Effects of 12 Weeks Cosmos caudatus Supplement among Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized, Double-Blind and Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Cosmos caudatus (CC) contains high flavonoids and might be beneficial in neuroprotection. It has the potential to prevent neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of Cosmos caudatus supplement on cognitive function, mood status, blood biochemical profiles and biomarkers among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) through a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The subjects were randomized into CC supplement (n = 24) and placebo group (n = 24). Each of them consumed one capsule of CC supplement (250 mg of CC/capsule) or placebo (500 mg maltodextrin/capsule) twice daily for 12 weeks. Cognitive function and mood status were assessed at baseline, 6th week, and 12th week using validated neuropsychological tests. Blood biochemical profiles and biomarkers were measured at baseline and 12th week. Two-way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis showed significant improvements in mini mental state examination (MMSE) (partial η2 = 0.150, p = 0.049), tension (partial η2 = 0.191, p = 0.018), total mood disturbance (partial η2 = 0.171, p = 0.028) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (partial η2 = 0.097, p = 0.047) following CC supplementation. In conclusion, 12 weeks CC supplementation potentially improved global cognition, tension, total mood disturbance, and oxidative stress among older adults with MCI. Larger sample size and longer period of intervention with incorporation of metabolomic approach should be conducted to further investigate the underlying mechanism of CC supplementation in neuroprotection.

The Effects of 6-Week Supplementation with Multicomponent Herbal Extract on Exercise Performance, Antioxidant Status and Telomere Length, and Self-Reported Side Effects in Healthy Men: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

The main aim of this study was to examine the effects of medium-term supplementation with an eight-herbs extract on running performance, biomarkers of antioxidant status and telomere length, and self-reported outcome measures of safety events in healthy men. Ten healthy young men (age 23.1±3.2 years, weight 73.7±9.9kg, and height 179.4±8.0cm) volunteered to participate in this randomized controlled trial. The participants were allocated in a double-blind cross-over design to receive either an eight-herbs extract or placebo during a 6-week intervention period. Two-way mixed analysis of variance (treatment vs. time interaction) revealed no significant differences for exercise performance outcomes and telomere length between groups (P&gt;0.05). Compared with placebo, P-DNA provoked a significant rise in serum total antioxidant capacity (316.0±183.4µmol/mL at baseline; 792.7±68.1µmol/mL at follow-up in the eight-herbs extract group vs. 298.1±90.7µmol/mL at follow-up in the placebo group; P&lt;0.001), and less reduction in serum superoxide dismutase levels at follow-up (150.4±5.1IU/mL at baseline; 145.5±3.0IU/mL at follow-up in the eight-herbs extract group vs. 139.3±3.3IU/mL at follow-up in the placebo group; P=0.01). No participant reported any side effects of either intervention. The eight-herbs extract can thus be recommended as a well tolerated dietary supplement that can enhance antioxidant capacity in healthy men. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04263246).

Using weighted blankets in an inpatient mental health hospital to decrease anxiety

ObjectivePatients who are involuntarily committed to a psychiatric facility often experience anxiety or increased anxiety in response to being placed in the institutional environment. The weighted blanket introduced a proactive treatment option. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients’ anxiety symptoms before and after weighted blanket, compared to a group that did not use a weighted blanket to control anxiety. MethodsThis study was conducted in an inpatient mental health facility from June 10, 2019, through November 7, 2019, with psychiatric patients who were not actively psychotic. Participants were offered the choice of weighted or unweighted blankets for a 20-minute intervention. The treatment group was comprised of individuals who had opted to use a 14-pound weighted blanket, 20-pound weighted blanket or 5-pound weighted lap pad. Participants in the comparison group were active in a wider range of settings. Before application of the blankets, pulse rate was measured using a pulse oximeter, and anxiety was measured using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory shortened form (STAI: Y-6). Both measures were taken again after the intervention. A two-way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) was run to examine the interaction effects between time (pre/post) and group (comparison/weighted blanket). Simple main effects were then further examined for the comparison/weighted blanket groups using a repeated measures ANOVA. Within the weighted blanket group, additional two-way mixed ANOVA was run to determine if gender or blanket weight made a statistically significant difference. ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) among those who used weighted blankets (n = 61) and those who did not (n = 61) based on the pre/post data for both the STAI: Y-6 inventory and the patients’ pulse rates. The results of two-way ANOVA indicated a significant interaction effect between intervention time and group (P < 0.001). Repeated measures ANOVA indicated a change between pre/post for the weighted blanket group only, and showed significant reductions in both the STAI: Y-6 (P < 0.001) and pulse rates (P = 0.040). Within the weighted blanket group, additional two-way mixed ANOVA showed that neither gender nor blanket weight had significant difference for either the STAI: Y-6 or the pulse measures. ConclusionThe use of weighted blankets is a safe and potentially effective way to help individuals in a psychiatric facility manage anxiety. This study found a statistically significant drop in anxiety for adults at an inpatient facility, as shown by the STAI: Y-6 scores and drop in pulse rates among patients using weighted blankets. This study suggests a possible alternative to medications, seclusion and physical restraints, which are not patient-centered or trauma-supported.

The Ascending Aortic Function In Elite Endurance Athletes: An Mri Study

High-intensity chronic endurance training has chronotropic and inotropic effects on the heart; however, adaptations of the ascending aorta which is directly exposed to cardiac pulsations remain unclear. PURPOSE: We investigated the functional and structural properties of the thoracic aorta, including the ascending and descending locations, in elite endurance athletes. METHODS: Fourteen young endurance-trained men (21±1 years, peak oxygen uptake=69.6±3.1 ml/kg/min) were compared with 19 sedentary control men (21±2 years). The ascending and descending aortic cross-sectional areas were measured by 2D CINE phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the aortic strain, compliance, and distensibility were calculated. Aortic blood pressure was measured during MRI using the general transfer function method. Two-way mixed analysis of variance was used to determine the effects of exercise status and aortic locations. RESULTS: Endurance athletes had similar body mass index and aortic blood pressures to sedentary control subjects. At rest, heart rate was slower (58±9 vs. 48±5 bpm, P=0.001) and stroke volume was greater in athletes (82.1±10.8 vs. 95.8±18.5 ml/beat, P=0.012) while cardiac output was similar between the groups. The systolic aortic cross-sectional areas were increased in athletes compared with sedentary subjects (ascending: 6.32±0.99 vs. 6.95±1.00 cm2, descending: 4.08±0.64 vs. 4.85±0.83 cm2, P=0.012). The diastolic aortic areas (P=0.062) and the aortic compliances (P=0.069) showed a trend of elevations in athletes. The greater ascending aortic strain and compliance were associated with slower heart rate (r=-0.56 and -0.43 respectively) and higher stroke volume (r=0.44 and 0.35 respectively) across all participants (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that endurance athletes have dilated thoracic aorta and better recoiling function of the ascending aorta due to increased systolic expansion and a longer time of relaxation with slower heart rate. This study was supported by the JSPS (19K19970, TT) and the ARIHHP Cooperative Grant (University of Tsukuba, TT)

Impact of Visual Biofeedback of Trunk Sway Smoothness on Motor Learning during Unipedal Stance.

The assessment of trunk sway smoothness using an accelerometer sensor embedded in a smartphone could be a biomarker for tracking motor learning. This study aimed to determine the reliability of trunk sway smoothness and the effect of visual biofeedback of sway smoothness on motor learning in healthy people during unipedal stance training using an iPhone 5 measurement system. In the first experiment, trunk sway smoothness in the reliability group (n = 11) was assessed on two days, separated by one week. In the second, the biofeedback group (n = 12) and no-biofeedback group (n = 12) were compared during 7 days of unipedal stance test training and one more day of retention (without biofeedback). The intraclass correlation coefficient score 0.98 (0.93–0.99) showed that this method has excellent test–retest reliability. Based on the power law of practice, the biofeedback group showed greater improvement during training days (p = 0.003). Two-way mixed analysis of variance indicates a significant difference between groups (p < 0.001) and between days (p < 0.001), as well as significant interaction (p < 0.001). Post hoc analysis shows better performance in the biofeedback group from training days 2 and 7, as well as on the retention day (p < 0.001). Motor learning objectification through visual biofeedback of trunk sway smoothness enhances postural control learning and is useful and reliable for assessing motor learning.

Differences in limb coordination in polyrhythmic production among water polo players, artistic swimmers and drummers

This study compares polyrhythmic production ability between water polo players (WPs), artistic swimmers (ASs) and drummers (Ds), to assess how their differing experiences in coordinating complex inter-limb activity with music affected this ability. Eight ASs, eight WPs and eight Ds participated. They were asked to perform finger and foot taps in a single-rhythm task (every 750 ms) and two polyrhythmic tasks (finger and foot taps at 750 and 500 ms, respectively, and vice versa). The percentage of correct response cycles (PCRC), subjective difficulty scores were collected and analysed using a two-way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) and coefficients of variation of the inter-tap interval (CVITI) were collected and analysed using a three-way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA). The three groups showed no statistically significant differences in the single-rhythm task. However, on polyrhythmic tasks, the WPs were significantly outperformed by the other two groups in PCRC and CVITI. These results suggest that the experience of coordinating limbs with music has positive impacts on polyrhythmic production ability. They also imply that ASs and Ds have similar polyrhythmic production ability despite the apparent differences in task complexity in their daily training and performances.

Collaborative Home-Visit Program for Young Children With Motor Delays in Rural Taiwan: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Caregiver engagement and collaborative team early childhood intervention (ECI) services are international trends; however, relevant evidence of collaborative home-visiting ECI in rural areas is as yet undetermined. The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a collaborative ECI program in a rural area of Taiwan. The study was a pilot randomized control led trial. Children aged 6 to 33months experiencing motor delays and their caregivers were enrolled in Taitung, Taiwan. Using stratified randomization, 24 participants were allocated to either experimental or control groups, and both received 5 home visits within 3months. The experimental group received ECI services based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework and family-centered approaches. The control group received regular home visits by local social workers. Child outcomes included Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Chinese Version and Peabody Developmental Motor Scale, 2nd edition. Family outcomes included the Disability-Adapted Infant-Toddler version of Home Observation for Measurement, and Chinese versions of the Knowledge of Infant Development Inventory and Parental Stress Index-Short Form. A tester blinded to the study conducted assessments at baseline, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up. Two-way mixed analysis of variance was used with α=.05 (2-tailed). The experimental group improved scores on the Disability-Adapted Infant-Toddler version of Home Observation for Measurement significantly more than the control group with an effect size of 0.64 at follow-up. In other outcomes, both groups showed no significant differences. The follow-up rate was 69%, and adherence to the ECI program was acceptable. A limitation of the study was the heterogeneity of the sample. This pilot study revealed possible effectiveness in implementing collaborative ECI programs based on family-centered approaches and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health in rural areas. Larger field studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Effects of Online Training on Educators' Knowledge and Use of System of Least Prompts to Support Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

The present study evaluated the effects of online training on educators' knowledge and use of system of least prompts (SLP) to support the communication of individuals with autism (ASD) who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). A pre/posttest group design with switching replications was utilized. Three dependent variables: (a) knowledge of SLP, (b) planning for SLP, and (c) performance of SLP implementation during teleconference role-plays, were analyzed using a two-way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results indicate that training was effective in increasing educators' knowledge as well as the ability to plan for SLP. Implementation of SLP also increased over time, however, data analysis did not support the conclusion that this result was directly related to the online training. Additional results suggest that the participants viewed online instruction, with teleconference role-play assessments and case study vignettes, as a socially valid activity. Participants reported learning a valuable skill and as a result of the training were more confident working with individuals who use AAC. Implications, limitations, and directions for future research are also discussed.

Age effect on gray matter volume changes after sleep restriction

Sleep deprivation disrupted functional and structural brain areas which are associated with cognition and emotion in healthy participants. However, the effect of age on the structural changes after sleep restriction remains unclear. In the current study, gray matter volume was calculated in 43 young adults and 37 old adults before and after sleep restriction. Two-way mixed analysis of variance (between-subject factor: deprivation; within-subject factor: age) was then employed to investigate differences in gray matter volume changes between young and old adults. Gaussian random field theory was applied for multiple comparison correction. Results revealed that sleep restriction decreases gray matter volume in the right thalamus, left precuneus, and postcentral gyrus. More importantly, we found a significant deprivation × age interaction effect mainly in the right dorsal/ventral anterior insula where the gray matter volume increased in young adults after sleep restriction but showed no difference in old adults. These findings highlight the crucial role of the anterior insula in the neural mechanisms underlying sleep lose, especially among young adults. The current work provided structural evidence for describing emotional dysfunction and suggests the potential effect of age on functional and structural changes after sleep restriction.

Effects of Massage and Cold Water Immersion After an Exhaustive Run on Running Economy and Biomechanics: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Duñabeitia, I, Arrieta, H, Rodriguez-Larrad, A, Gil, J, Esain, I, Gil, SM, Irazusta, J, and Bidaurrazaga-Letona, I. Effects of massage and cold water immersion after an exhaustive run on running economy and biomechanics: A randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 149-155, 2022-This study compares the effects of 2 common recovery interventions performed shortly after an exhausting interval running session on running economy (RE) and biomechanics. Forty-eight well-trained male runners performed an exhaustive interval running protocol and an incremental treadmill test 24 hours later at 3 speeds: 12, 14, and 16 km·h-1. Subjects randomly received either massage, cold water immersion (CWI), or passive rest (control). Runners repeated the treadmill test 48 hours after the first test. A two-way mixed analysis of variance was performed comparing groups and testing times. The massage group had significantly better recovery than the control group at 14 km·h-1 in RE (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.176) and greater stride height and angle changes at 16 km·h-1 (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.166 and p < 0.05; η2 = 0.208, respectively). No differences were observed between the CWI and control groups. The massage group had greater stride height and angle changes at 16 km·h-1 than the CWI group (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.139 and p < 0.05; η2 = 0.168, respectively). Moreover, differences in magnitude suggested moderate effects on RE (η2 = 0.076) and swing time (η2 = 0.110). These results suggest that massage intervention promotes faster recovery of RE and running biomechanics than CWI or passive rest.

PDB6 EFFECTIVENESS OF INSULIN PLUS OFF LABEL USE OF SODIUM-GLUCOSE COTRANSPORTER-2 INHIBITORS VERSUS INSULIN ALONE IN TYPE 1 DIABETES: A REAL-WORLD OBSERVATIONAL ANALYSIS

To evaluate the effectiveness of insulin plus sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors versus insulin alone among those with type 1 diabetes. This retrospective review involved observational analysis of the T1D exchange clinical registry. Two data sets (2015-2016 and 2016-2017) were assessed comparing insulin and SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2 cohort) versus insulin only users (insulin cohort) to manage their type 1 diabetes. Exclusion criteria were: patients lacking a medication record, with reported use of prescription medications other than SGLT2 inhibitors or insulin, or reported pregnancy during or previous year of their clinical visit. Propensity score was used to match insulin only users with those using SGLT2 inhibitors plus insulin. Unpaired t and Mann Whitney tests were used to compare age, body mass index (BMI) total daily insulin units, and the glycated hemoglobin (A1C), between the comparative groups. Two-way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) assessed change in total daily insulin units and A1C between the two groups. Stepwise linear regression assessed characteristics associated with A1C. The SGLT2 cohort (n=70, A1C=7.86±1.05) reported significantly higher A1C (p=0.01) in the clinic visit recorded for 2015-2016 in comparison to the insulin only cohort (n=83, A1C=7.44±1.00). Mixed ANOVA found A1C (p=0.003) and total daily insulin units (p<0.001) in the SGLT2 cohort were significantly higher between 2015 and 2017 in comparison to the insulin only cohort. Stepwise linear regression found A1C level was significantly and positively associated with use of SGLT2 inhibitors and negatively associated with age and annual income. This analysis found in a real-world cohort off-label use of SGLT2 inhibitors to be associated with higher total daily insulin units and A1C in comparison to a propensity matched cohort that only used insulin.

SHEARING LAYERS CONCEPT AND LEED GREEN BUILDINGS IN BOTH RATING SCHEMES AND CERTIFIED PROJECTS

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for New Construction and Major Renovations v3 (NC) and LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance v3 (EB) schemes were studied to examine the application of the shearing layer concept to green buildings. The manners in which (i) rating systems in their current configurations and (ii) certified projects in their practical applications treated the long life-expectances in buildings and short life-expectancies in systems were questioned. To maximally reduce nondemonic intrusion, we studied only those states in the United States in which statistically viable numbers of projects had been completed in 2016. A two-way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) model was used to evaluate the interaction between two types of buildings (i.e., NC vs EB) and two sets of sub-layers (i.e., Site, Structure, and Skin from the Building layer and Services, Space Plane, and Stuff from the Service layer). The discrepancy in the case of a new building and the similarity in the case of a renovated building between rating schemes and certified projects were revealed: (i) the NC rating scheme prefers to emphasize the Service layer (SL), whereas newly constructed projects prefer to emphasize the Building layer (BL) due to the high performance of the Site and Structure sub-layers; (ii) the EB rating scheme prefers to emphasize the Service layer, as do renovated building projects, due to the high performance of the Stuff sub-layer.

Metatarsophalangeal joint flexion affects dorsiflexor activity in subjects with a dominant extensor hallucis longus.

Normal dorsiflexion (DF) required for normal gait is achieved through balance of the tibialis anterior (TA) and extensor hallucis longus (EHL). Imbalance may induce ankle and foot deformities and exacerbate pathology. EHL dominance is associated with progressive TA weakness, attributable to muscle non-use. When the EHL dominantly dorsiflexes the ankle, the big toe extends at the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) and pure ankle DF is absent. The effects of active MTPJ flexion on TA and EHL muscles, TA/EHL ratio, and the force applied during active DF in EHL-dominant (EHL-D) and EHL-non-dominant (EHL-ND) subjects were compared. The 38 subjects were divided into EHL-D and EHL-ND groups. All subjects performed active ankle DF with and without active MTPJ flexion. Surface electromyographic data, ankle active range of motion, and DF force were measured. Two-way mixed analysis of variance was used to evaluate differences in dependent variables. Compared to the EHL-ND group, the EHL-D group exhibited less TA activity, more EHL activity, and a reduced TA/EHL activity ratio. Active application of MTPJ flexion during DF significantly reduced muscle imbalance, whereas EHL activity decreased and the TA/EHL activity ratio increased. The DF force decreased significantly with MTPJ flexion in both groups. Active MTPJ flexion can reduce EHL and/or increase TA activity and increase the TA/EHL activity ratio during active ankle DF in both EHL-D and EHL-ND subjects.

Effect of 12-week Exercise Programs for Posture Correction on Standing Postural Alignment in Elderly Women

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of different 12-week exercise programs for posture correction on postural alignment in elderly women. Method: The study included 36 elderly women who were randomly divided into 3 groups: Group A (core exercise, n=12), Group B (combined exercise, n=12), and Group C (Pilates exercise, n=12). Postural alignment was measured using 6 variables in frontal and sagittal planes. Two-way mixed analysis of variance was used to compare the effect of exercise program types on postural alignment and a paired t-test was used to compare differences in postural alignment after exercise. Results: The core exercise group showed statistically significant improvement (p<.05) in multiple upper and lower body postural alignment measurements. The combined exercise and Pilates exercise groups showed statistically significant improvement (p<.05) in upper body measurements alone. Conclusion: Core exercise, combined exercise, and Pilates exercise improved postural alignment in elderly woman through improvement in muscle strength and ligament flexibility around the spine and pelvis.

Agreeableness and pregnancy: Relations with coping and psychiatric symptoms, a longitudinal study on Spanish pregnant women

ABSTRACTAgreeableness is associated with good mental health during pregnancy. Although different studies have indicated that agreeableness is related to adaptive coping, this relation has scarcely been studied in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to analyze the possible differences between high and low agreeableness in relation to coping strategies and psychiatric symptoms in pregnant women. We conducted a longitudinal prospective study between October 2009 and January 2013. Pregnant women (n = 285) were assessed in the first trimester of pregnancy, and 122 of them were assessed during the third. Data were collected using the Coping Strategies Questionnaire, the Symptom Check List 90-R, and the agreeableness subscale of the NEO-FFI. Using the SPSS 21 statistics package, binary logistic regression, two-way mixed analysis of variance, and multiple regression analyses and a Sobel test were conducted. Higher levels of agreeableness were associated with positive reappraisal and problem-solving, and lower levels of agreeableness were associated with overt emotional expression and negative self-focused coping. Women with low agreeableness had poorer mental health, especially in the first trimester. These findings should be taken into account to improve women’s experiences during pregnancy. Nevertheless, given the scarcity of data, additional studies are needed.

Changes in Plantar Pressure, Force and Contact Area when Carrying Incremental Loads among Adults with and without Low Back Pain

Plantar pressure, force and contact area information may provideinsights regarding stresses imparted to the foot when performing functional tasks. There is limited information regarding plantar pressure, force and contact area when carrying incremental loads (no load, 5 kg, 7.5 kg and 10 kg) using one hand between adults with and without low back pain (LBP). The aim of our study was to investigate the changes in the plantar pressure, force and contact area when carrying incremental loads (no load, 5 kg, 7.5 kg and 10 kg) using one hand between adults with and without low back pain (LBP). A total of 20 adults with non-specific LBP and 20 matched individuals without LBP were recruited according to the predefined recruitment criteria. Plantar pressure (PP), maximum force (MF) and contact area (CA were measured in standing position and during walking while carrying incremental loads (no load, 5 kg, 7.5 kg and 10 kg) using their right hand on a Matscan pressure assessment system. A two-way mixed analysis of variance (group× load) was conducted to analyse the data. No significant main effectof group was demonstrated on both the right and left foot during standing (PP: p = 0.74, p = 0.32; MF: p = 0.17, p = 0.67; CA: p = 0.25, p = 0.24) and walking (PP: p = 0.61, p = 0.48; MF: p = 0.19, p = 0.06; CA: p = 0.16, p = 0.26. Similarly, there was no interaction effect between the loads and groups on the PP (p = 0.89, p = 0.47), MF (p = 0.76, p = 0.83) and CA (p = 0.88, p = 0.20) on theright and left foot, respectively during standing. However, a significant interaction effect (p < 0.05), between the loads and groups was demonstrated on the PP, MF and CA on the left foot during walking. The results of our study suggest that stresses imparted to the foot alters during dynamic postures and this may be a compensatory mechanism. Plantar pressure, force and contact area were similar in adults both with and without LBP when standing and walking. Further biomechanical information that includes both kinematic and kinetic data in lumbopelvic and lower limbs in relation to the foot may be required to justify for prevention and management strategies among adults with LBP. DOI : http://dx.doi.org./10.17576/JSKM-2017-1502-11