The association between kinesiophobia and dynamic balance in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between Kinesiophobia and dynamic balance in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty subjects with PFPS [20 Low Kinesiophobia (LK), 20 High Kinesiophobia (HK)], and 20 pain-free subjects (control group) were enrolled in the study. All subjects performed a Y-balance test to measure the dynamic balance. Normalized reach distance and balance parameters were recorded. RESULTS: Our findings indicated that patients with PFPS who have a greater Kinesiophobia showed a poorer dynamic balance. In addition, the HK group showed a significantly lower mean reach distance score in the anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial directions compared to LK and healthy groups. CONCLUSIONS: Addressing the psychological factors such as Kinesiophobia during examination and treatment of people with PFPS may be important to improve the dynamic balance.

Effects of patient-specific three-dimensional lumbar traction on pain and functional disability in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse.

BACKGROUND: Prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc is one of the most prevalent causes of low back pain and traction is one of the most common physical therapy treatments offered to affected patients. Advancements in traction equipment are needed to ensure their effectiveness in clinical situations. AIMS: The objective of the study was to find out the effect of patient-specific three-dimensional lumbar traction on pain and functional disability in individuals with lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Original article and Experimental design. Twenty-five participants (age range: 34-67 years) diagnosed with lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse were included in this study. Patient-specific three-dimensional lumbar traction was given as three sessions per week for the duration of one month. All participants completed a 10-cm visual analog pain scale and pain pressure threshold to assess pain and the Oswestry disability index to assess the functional disability. RESULTS: On pre to post interventions, a significant change in mean values were found for visual analog scale pain score, pain pressure threshold, and Oswestry disability index (P < 0.001). The pain intensity was reduced from 8.5 to 3.2, pain pressure threshold increased from 0.7 to 1.6 kg/cm2, and functional disability was reduced from 53.5% to 31.3%. CONCLUSION: Twelve sessions of patient-specific three-dimensional lumbar traction promoted a reduction in pain and improvement in functional disability among subjects with lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse.

On the Kinetics of Degradation Reaction Determined Post Accelerated Weathering of Polyolefin Plastic Waste Blends.

Polyolefin (PO) polymers constitute the majority of consumer plastic commodities. The reliance on such materials make it near imposable to avoid touching one in any given day. Therefore, the accumulation of plastic solid waste (PSW) in developed and developing societies alike requires immediate attention to manage and valorize this type of waste. In this work, PSW originating from real life sources and virgin linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) films were compounded in a mechanical recycling effort. The recycled blends constituted up to 100% (by weight) of the waste material. Accelerated weathering (aging) was conducted on the blends, reaching threshold limit of exposure to study the major changes occurring on the recycled blends. Thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to determine their characteristics and applicability for future recycling using thermo-chemical treatment (TCT) methods. Analytical solution methods following the international committee of thermal analysis and calorimetry (ICTAC) were followed in conducting the measurements and kinetic calculations alike. A novel analytical mathematical solution model is also introduced to determine both the pre-exponential factor (Ao) and apparent activation energy (Ea) of the degradation reaction. The model proved to be a more accurate analysis tool, and the work in whole enabled the determination of future plans for using such waste components as a feedstock to thermal units.

Limits on gravitational-wave emission from selected pulsars using LIGO data.

We place direct upper limits on the amplitude of gravitational waves from 28 isolated radio pulsars by a coherent multidetector analysis of the data collected during the second science run of the LIGO interferometric detectors. These are the first direct upper limits for 26 of the 28 pulsars. We use coordinated radio observations for the first time to build radio-guided phase templates for the expected gravitational-wave signals. The unprecedented sensitivity of the detectors allows us to set strain upper limits as low as a few times 10(-24). These strain limits translate into limits on the equatorial ellipticities of the pulsars, which are smaller than 10(-5) for the four closest pulsars.

Cesarean section in the primigravid.

OBJECTIVE: To review all cases of cesarean section in the primigravid mother delivered at the Riyadh Armed Forces Hospital between January 1996 and December 1997. To determine its incidence, describe the clinical indications, outcome and highlight areas of improvement in an attempt to reduce the rate of cesarean section. METHODS: Retrospective case record analysis. RESULTS: During the study period there were 15301 deliveries. The overall cesarean section rate for 1996 was 12% and for 1997 was 13%. The rate of cesarean section in the primigravid was 12%. The rate of cesarean section in primiparas breech was 41%. Cesarean section in the unbooked primiparas was 15% as compared to 12% in the booked ones. Fetal distress with or without failure of progress was the main indication for cesarean section in singleton cephalic presentations. In breech presentations, cesarean section was carried out as an elective procedure in 45% and fetal distress was the indication in 21% of cases. Fetal distress was the main indication in twins. CONCLUSION: The rate of cesarean section in the primiparas was similar to the rate of cesarean section in the obstetric population. The rate of cesarean section in the primiparas breech was slightly higher than cesarean section in the multiparas breech. Fetal distress was the leading indication for cesarean section in twins and those with cephalic presentation. The rate of cesarean section can be safely reduced by reviewing and auditing the primary indication for cesarean section, the Consultants doing frequent rounds on delivery suites and being involved directly in cesarean section decision, careful interpretation of fetal monitoring and allowing more patients with breech presentation to have vaginal delivery under close observation.