Mixing transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation and galvanic cutaneous stimulation to decrease simulator adaptation syndrome.

Purpose: Simulator Adaptation Syndrome arises from a perceptual discordance between expected and actual motion, giving rise to symptoms such as nausea and disorientation. This research focused on determining the benefit of Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) and Galvanic Cutaneous Stimulation (GCS), where both were applied in conjunction, as compared to their administration in isolation, to decrease Simulator Adaptation Syndrome (SAS). Method: A driving simulation study was proposed where SAS, body balance, and driving performance were measured. These measurements were taken during seven different stimulation scenarios with a baseline condition without stimulation compared against tVNS and GCS conditions. Results: The main result showed that the combination of tVNS and GCS reduced SAS and improved body balance and driving performance more successfully than their administration in isolation. Conclusion: Similar neuromodulation in the temporoparietal junction is proposed to mitigate SAS for GCS and tVNS (although additional explanations are discussed). Applying both techniques simultaneously is encouraged to decrease SAS in future interventions.

Effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation program on pulmonary function, exercise performance, and quality of life in patients with severe COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Severe coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) causes acute hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Once these symptoms are resolved, patients can present systemic deterioration. OBJECTIVE: The two objectives of this study were as follows: to describe the results of a pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP), which is divided into three groups with different numbers of sessions (12, 24, and 36), and to associate the variables of pulmonary function, exercise performance, and functionality with the number of sessions and functional improvement. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. METHODS: PRP consisted of aerobic + strength + flexibility exercises under the supervision and individualized into 12, 24, or 36 sessions (12s, 24s, and 36s), depending on the evolution of each patient. At the beginning of the study and immediately after the intervention, forced vital capacity (FVC), maximal inspiratory pressure, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), sit-to-stand test (STS), maximal handgrip strength (HGS), Fatigue Assessment Scale, Post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were measured. RESULTS: The proposed PRP demonstrated a positive effect on pulmonary function, exercise performance, and HRQoL, regardless of the number of sessions. A higher score on the PCFS and more days on IMV were associated with the increased likelihood of needing more sessions, whereas more meters on the 6MWT in the initial evaluation was associated with a reduced likelihood of needing more sessions. Finally, more repetitions on the STS and less distance covered on the initial 6MWT were associated with a greater improvement in exercise performance evaluated with the 6MWT. CONCLUSION: Supervised and individualized PRP for patients with severe post-COVID-19 improves pulmonary function, exercise performance, functionality, and quality of life. Functionality, distance covered on the 6MWT, and the days on IMV are central to the scheduling of the number of sessions for these patients.

Factores que Afectan la Percepción de Dolor ¿Cómo Influyen en la Toma de Decisiones Clínicas durante el Proceso de Rehabilitación Kinesiológica? / Factors That Affect Pain Perception: How Do They Influence Clinical Decision Making During the Kinesiological Rehabilitation Process?

Introducción. La percepción del dolor es un fenómeno complejo y subjetivo. Comprender los factores que afectan en la percepción del dolor es crucial en el contexto de la toma de decisiones clínicas durante el proceso de rehabilitación kinesiológica. Objetivo. Exponer los factores que afectan la percepción del dolor, desde la perspectiva del modelo biopsicosocial y discutir sus implicancias para la toma de decisiones clínicas. Métodos. Se describen factores que afectan la percepción de dolor, separados en biológicos como la injuria, sexo, genética y edad, psicológicos como creencias, catastrofismo, kinesiofobia, afectividad negativa, calidad de sueño, atención, afrontamiento y autoeficacia; y socio-culturales como soporte social, rol de género, etnia, aculturación y estatus socioeconómico. Luego se discute cómo estos factores impactan en las decisiones clínicas del profesional kinesiólogo. Finalmente, se entregará un análisis de las barreras y facilitadores descritos por la literatura científica respecto al uso del modelo biopsicosocial.

Background. The perception of pain is a complex and subjective phenomenon. Thus, understanding the factors that influence pain perception is crucial in the context of clinical decision-making during the kinesic rehabilitation process. The objective of this article is to expose the factors that affect the perception of pain, from the perspective of the biopsychosocial model and discuss its implications for clinical decision making during this process. Initially, the biological, psychological and sociocultural factors that affect the perception of pain with the greatest presence in the scientific literature are described. It is discussed how these factors impact the clinical decisions of the kinesiologist professional. Finally, an analysis of the barriers and facilitators described by the scientific literature regarding the use of the biopsychosocial model will be provided.

Copper concentrate dual-band joint classification using reflectance hyperspectral images in the VIS-NIR and SWIR bands.

A study on the classification of copper concentrates relevant to the copper refining industry is performed by means of reflectance hyperspectral images in the visible and near infrared (VIS-NIR) bands (400-1000 nm) and in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) (900-1700 nm) band. A total of 82 copper concentrate samples were press compacted into 13-mm-diameter pellets, and their mineralogical composition was characterized via quantitative evaluation of minerals and scanning electron microscopy. The most representative minerals contained in these pellets are bornite, chalcopyrite, covelline, enargite, and pyrite. Three databases (VIS-NIR, SWIR, and VIS-NIR-SWIR) containing a collection of average reflectance spectra computed from 9×9p i x e l neighborhoods in each pellet hyperspectral image are compiled to train the classification models. The classification models tested in this work are a linear discriminant classifier and two non-linear classifiers, a quadratic discriminant classifier, and a fine K-nearest neighbor classifier (FKNNC). The results obtained show that the joint use of VIS-NIR and SWIR bands allows for the accurate classification of similar copper concentrates that contain only minor differences in their mineralogical composition. Specifically, among the three tested classification models, the FKNNC performs the best in terms of overall classification accuracy, achieving 93.4% accuracy in the test set when only VIS-NIR data are used to construct the classification model, up to 80.5% using only SWIR data, and up to 97.6% using both VIS-NIR and SWIR bands together.

Pain and Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport in Elite Volleyball Players: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Pain is modulated by multiple factors. A relevant psychological process peculiar to athletes and which could be associated with pain is Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport (PRRS). The analysis of this association in competition context is particularly important. OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation between the PRRS and pain intensity in elite volleyball players during their participation in a continental sporting event. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data from 107 male volleyball players (23.50 ± 4.08 years of age) participating in the South American Volleyball Championship were used. The athletes answered a self-report questionnaire on the day the championship began regarding their history of injuries in the previous six months. The athletes who declared injuries were asked about the current pain intensity using the Pain Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport using the Injury-Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport scale (I-PRRS). RESULTS: 43.93% (n = 47) of the athletes (23.70 ± 3.54 years) reported an injury in the six months prior to the championship. They presented a median on the NRS of three (interquartile range (IQR), 2-5), and 54 (IQR, 46-58) on the I-PRRS. The Spearman's Rho correlation test showed an inversely and moderate correlation (rs = -0.36; p = 0.011; CI: -0.64--0.08) between pain intensity and PRRS. CONCLUSIONS: In male elite volleyball players who participate in a Continental Championship in South America, higher levels of PRRS was correlated to lower pain intensity.

Influencia de Factores Psicológicos en el Pronóstico de Individuos con Artroplastia de Cadera por Artrosis: una Revisión de la Literatura / Influence of Psychological Factors on the Prognosis of Individuals with Hip Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis: A Review of the Literature

Introducción. Los factores psicológicos preoperatorios pueden influir en los resultados de la rehabilitación de la artroplastia de cadera por artrosis. No existe consenso de cuáles serían estos factores, ni sobre en qué medidas de resultados influirían. Objetivo. Sintetizar la evidencia respecto a los factores psicológicos que pronostican los resultados de la artroplastía de cadera en términos de función física y dolor en individuos con artrosis de cadera. Métodos. Se efectuó una búsqueda en PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS y CINAHL. Los términos incluyeron artroplastia de cadera, artrosis, factores psicológicos, función física y dolor. Se incorporaron estudios observacionales prospectivos. Los resultados se agruparon por factor psicológico en periodos menor a un año e igual o mayor a un año. Resultados. La búsqueda arrojó 895 artículos, dos cumplieron los criterios de elegibilidad. Los resultados descritos fueron: 1) un mayor nivel de expectativas preoperatorias genera un efecto positivo en la disminución de la intensidad de dolor y 2) tiene un efecto positivo en la función física, ambas a menos de un año, y 3) la depresión preoperatoria genera un efecto negativo en la disminución de intensidad de dolor a un año o más. Conclusiones. La presencia de depresión preoperatoria se asoció a una menor reducción de dolor, y las altas expectativas preoperatorias se asociaron con una mejor función física y una menor intensidad de dolor. Sin embargo, se hace necesaria la generación de nueva evidencia científica que profundice en la asociación factores psicológicos preoperatorios y dolor crónico en esta población.

Background. Preoperative psychological factors may influence the results of hip arthroplasty rehabilitation for osteoarthritis. There is no consensus on what these factors would be, nor on what outcome measures they would influence. Objetive. To review was to synthesize the evidence regarding psychological factors that predict hip arthroplasty outcomes in terms of physical function and pain in individuals with hip osteoarthritis. Methods. A search was carried out in PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS and CINAHL. Terms included hip arthroplasty, osteoarthritis, psychological factors, physical function, and pain. Prospective observational studies were incorporated. The results were grouped by psychological factor in periods of less than one year and equal to or greater than one year. Results. The search yielded 895 articles, two met the eligibility criteria. The results described were: 1) a higher level of preoperative expectations generates a positive effect in the reduction of pain intensity and 2) has a positive effect on physical function, both at less than one year, and 3) preoperative depression generates a negative effect in the reduction of pain intensity at one year or more. Conclusions. The presence of preoperative depression was associated with less pain reduction, and high preoperative expectations were associated with better physical function and less pain intensity. However, it is necessary to generate new scientific evidence that deepens the association of preoperative psychological factors and chronic pain in this population.

Análisis del Modelo de Miedo-Evitación (Fear-avoidance model) del Dolor Crónico / Analysis of the Fear-avoidance model of Chronic Pain

Se han propuesto diversos modelos para entender la experiencia dolorosa, dentro de los que destaca el "fear-avoidance model" o modelo de miedo-evitación. Este ensayo presenta y discute los principales postulados de los artículos más relevantes para entender el desarrollo y evolución de este modelo. Esta evolución nos permite comprender nuestra propia evolución como kinesiólogos musculoesqueléticos, visualizando una concepción fenomenológica del dolor, comprendiendo su complejidad y multidimensionalidad.

Several models have been proposed to understand the painful experience, among which the "fear-avoidance model" stands out. This essay presents and discusses the main postulates of the most relevant articles to understand the development and evolution of this model. This evolution allows us to understand our own evolution as musculoskeletal physical therapists, visualizing a phenomenological conception of pain, understanding its complexity and multidimensionality.

Calidad de vida, nivel de actividad física y pruebas funcionales en personas adultas y mayores laboralmente activas / Quality of life, level of physical activity and functional tests in actively working adults and older people

BACKGROUND: The population of actively working older people is growing rapidly. The relationship between quality of life, levels of physical activity and functionality in this population is not entirely clear. AIM: To determine the association between quality of life, levels of physical activity and functional tests in actively working adults and older people. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross sectional assessment of 138 adults aged 40 to 50 years (53% women) and 119 older people aged 60 to 75 years (53% women) who were actively working in two public services. Quality of life was measured with the SF-36 questionnaire and usual physical activity was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-short). Handgrip strength, the timed up and go (TUG) and chair stand test (CST) were used as functional tests. RESULTS: Compared to older people, adults had better physical functional tests (P < 0.01). Older people had better scores in the mental health component (MHC) of quality of life (p < 0.05). In adults, the physical health component of quality of life (CSF) had a positive association with physical activity (Spearman Rho (rs)= 0.270; p = 0.01), grip strength (rs = 0.330; p < 0.01) and the TUG (rs = −0.229; p < 0.01). In older patients, CSM and CST were positively correlated (rs = 0.201; P = 0.029). In both groups, a correlation was observed between CSM, grip strength (adults rs = 0.283; p < 0.01; older people rs = 0.211; P = 0.02) and with TUG (adults rs = −0.197; P = 0.021; older people rs = - 0.212; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive correlation between quality of life and level of physical activity in working adults, which is not observed in older people. Adequate performance in physical functional tests is positively correlated with better quality of life (CSF and CSM) in adults and only with the mental health component in older people.

Calidad de Sueño y Dolor en Individuos con Trastornos Musculoesqueléticos: un Estudio de Corte Transversal / Sleep Quality and Pain in Individuals with Musculoskeletal Disorders: a Cross-sectional Study

Introducción. Los trastornos musculoesqueléticos (TME) y una calidad de sueño (CS) deficiente tienen una alta comorbilidad y una relación recíproca. Son varios los factores capaces de influir esta relación, como el sexo, la duración del dolor y posiblemente el contexto socioeconómico. La información proviene principalmente de países de alto ingreso económico. Así, ampliar el estudio de esta relación a distintos escenarios sociales, como Hispanoamérica, resulta relevante. Objetivo. Analizar la relación entre CS y dolor en individuos chilenos con TME. Método. Estudio transversal, cuantitativo-analítico. Participaron 286 individuos con diagnóstico de TME (edad promedio 49,11±18,27 años). Se evaluó la CS con el índice de calidad de sueño de Pittsburgh (PSQI). Asimismo, se midió la intensidad e interferencia de dolor con escala visual análoga (EVA) y la duración del dolor en meses. Se comparó intensidad e interferencia del dolor según CS y se correlacionó el puntaje de PSQI con intensidad e interferencia del dolor. Resultados. Los individuos con CS deficiente presentaron mayores niveles de interferencia e intensidad de dolor. Un mayor puntaje total PSQI (es decir, menor CS) se correlacionó con mayor intensidad e interferencia de dolor. Conclusión. Una CS deficiente se relacionó con la percepción de mayor intensidad dolor y mayor interferencia de dolor. El manejo integral de pacientes con dolor musculoesquelético debe considerar abordar factores modificables que influyan en él, como la CS.

Background. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and poor sleep quality (SQ) have been reported to have a high comorbidity and a reciprocal relationship. Several factors can influence this relationship, such as gender, duration of pain, and possibly socioeconomic background. This, added to the fact that the information comes mainly from countries with high economic income, highlights the importance of expanding its study to different social scenarios, such as Latin America. Objective. To analyse the relationship between SQ and pain in Chilean individuals with MSD. Methods. Cross-sectional, quantitative-analytical study. 286 individuals with a diagnosis of MSD participated (mean age 49.11±18.27 years). SQ was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Likewise, the intensity and interference of pain with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the duration of the pain in months were measured. Pain intensity and interference were compared according to SQ and PSQI score was correlated with pain intensity and interference. Results. The frequency of poor SQ was 81.1%. Individuals with poor SQ presented higher levels of interference and pain intensity. A higher PSQI total score (i.e., lower SQ) correlated significantly with higher pain intensity and interference. Conclusion. A poor SQ was directly related to the perception of greater pain intensity and greater pain interference. Comprehensive management of patients with musculoskeletal pain should consider addressing modifiable factors that influence it, such as SQ.

Factores de Riesgo relacionados al Síndrome de Estrés Medial Tibial en Corredores Competitivos: Una Revisión Sistemática / Risk Factors related to Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome in Competitive Runners: A Systematic Review

Introducción. El síndrome de estrés tibial medial (SEMT) tiene una alta prevalencia entre corredores y genera un negativo impacto funcional. Un gran número de factores de riesgo se asocian con el desarrollo de SEMT, sin embargo, no existe claridad de cuales factores desencadenan la lesión en esta población. Objetivo. Identificar los factores de riesgo relacionados al SEMT en corredores sintetizando la información en una revisión sistemática. Métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda de estudios de cohorte y, casos y controles, en idioma inglés y español, en distintas bases de datos tales como Pubmed, EMBASE, EBSCO, SPORTDiscus, Scopus y Web of Science. Se incluyeron estudios con población de corredores de cross-country y track and field. Se analizaron factores de riesgo asociados a SEMT. Además, Se extrajeron datos como diseño y duración del estudio, definición del SEMT utilizada, características de la población y método diagnóstico. Se evaluó la calidad metodológica con el "NIH Quality Assessment Tool". Resultados. Cinco estudios y 43 factores de riesgo fueron analizados. 18 factores de riesgo presentaron una asociación significativa con SEMT. Los estudios tuvieron entre 64,3-85,7% de calidad metodológica. Los factores de riesgo más analizados fueron sexo, caída del navicular, índice de masa corporal, talla, peso, rango de dorsiflexión de tobillo y rotación de cadera en el plano transverso. Conclusión. Nuestra revisión no permitió determinar un factor de riesgo de SEMT, ya que los resultados entre los estudios fueron contradictorios o solo un estudio mostraba resultados significativos.

Background. Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) has a high prevalence among runners and creates a major functional impact. A large number of risk factors are associated with the development of MTSS, which are not conclusive in this population. Objective: To identify the risk factors associated with MTSS in runners summarizing the gathered data through a systematic review. Methods. A search for cohort and case-control studies retrieved from different databases was conducted in English and Spanish. Studies with cross-country, track, and field runners were covered, in which risk factors associated with MTSS will be analyzed. The extracted data included: the design and duration of the study, the definition of MTSS currently used, the characteristics of the population, the analyzed risk factors, and the diagnostic method. The methodological quality was screened through the use of the "NIH Quality Assessment Tool". Results. Five studies and 43 risk factors were analyzed. Eighteen risk factors had a significant association with MTSS. The studies had a methodological quality of 64.3 -85.7%. The most analyzed risk factors were gender, navicular drop, body mass index, height, weight, range of ankle dorsiflexion and hip rotation in the transverse plane. Conclusion. Our review did not allow us to determine a risk factor for SEMT, since the results between the studies were contradictory or only one study showed significant results.

Psychometric Properties of the PCS and the PCS-4 in Individuals With Musculoskeletal Pain.

BACKGROUND: The factor structure of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) has rarely been adequately analyzed (e.g., performing principal component analyses rather than factorial approximations). We aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the PCS through a variety of exploratory and confirmatory factorial approaches. METHOD: Three hundred ninety-four Chilean patients with musculoskeletal pain were included (age, M = 49.61, SD = 18.00; 71.57% women). Eight factorial models were proposed to analyze the structure of the data. In addition, validity evidence of the PCS based on relationships with other variables were analyzed considering pain intensity and kinesiophobia. RESULTS: The results suggest a unidimensional structure. Models with more than one dimension exhibited undesirable factor loadings or inadequate indices of fit. Based on these results, a short version of the scale composed of 4 items is proposed (PCS-4). The PCS-4 scores demonstrated high levels of invariance between sex, chronicity, and education groups and also were associated with pain and kinesiophobia. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the PCS-4 Spanish version showed evidence of reliability and validity for adequately measuring pain catastrophizing in Chileans who suffer from musculoskeletal pain. The PCS-4 is a short form that should be explored in future studies (e.g., in other Spanish-speaking populations).

Archaeological Mortar Characterization Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Imaging Microscopy.

Lime mortar is a complex mixture resulting from hardening of lime, water, and aggregates. Lime mortar was used from the time of the Roman Empire until the Industrial Revolution. The recipes used differ according to the period, geographical area of preparation, craftsman, or function. This is why the study of archaeological mortars is of such great importance in building archaeology. In this study, we used laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to characterize the elemental composition of three lime mortar samples with a µ-LIBS instrument, allowing elemental image compilation. These samples originate from three different geographical locations: Angers (France), Dardilly (France), and Pompeii (Italy), and were taken from buildings that had different functions: cathedral, aqueduct, and house, respectively. Thanks to image processing and the creation of masks, it was possible to extract not only the lime signature and nature of the aggregate but also its granulometry and circularity. All this information is essential for cultural heritage research. This study shows the potential of the LIBS technique in archaeometric analysis of archaeological mortars.

The association of musculoskeletal complaints and individual and work-related factors with work ability in Chilean white-collar and blue-collar workers.

Objective. The maintenance of good work ability has proven to have a positive effect on health, quality of work and productivity. There is little evidence regarding the association between musculoskeletal complaints, individual and work-related factors, and work ability in blue-collar and white-collar workers. Methods. A cross-sectional study of hospital and university workers (n = 360) was performed to determine the association between musculoskeletal complaints, individual and work-related factors, and work ability; two multiple linear regression models were created. Results. In white-collar workers, musculoskeletal complaints of the dorsal/lumbar region (ß = -0.259) and the wrist/hand segment (ß = -0.151) were significantly associated with reduced work ability. A higher body mass index (ß = -0.227) was also negatively associated with the dependent variable. In blue-collar workers, musculoskeletal complaints of the dorsal/lumbar region (ß = -0.317) and the elbow/forearm segment (ß = -0.171) were significantly associated with lower work ability. Increased age (ß = -0.204) was associated with reduced work ability in this group. No significant correlations were found between work-related factors and work ability. Conclusions. Musculoskeletal complaints and individual factors, but not work-related factors, are associated with work ability in Chilean blue-collar and white-collar workers. Nevertheless, the variables that explain the change in work ability are different between these groups.

Transcutaneous Vagal Stimulation in Knee Osteoarthritis (TRAVKO): Protocol of a Superiority, Outcome Assessor- and Participant-Blind, Randomised Controlled Trial.

Current treatments for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) are partially effective. It is, therefore, necessary to find new strategies that can complement the existing ones. In this scenario, transcutaneous vagal stimulation (TVS) neurophysiological effects could be a helpful solution. However, there is no evidence of the efficacy of TVS in KOA. This trial aims to assess the efficacy of TVS in decreasing pain in participants aged 55 years or older with KOA. A randomised controlled, two-arm, double-blind (participants and outcome assessors) and clinical superiority trial will be conducted for 70 patients with KOA. All the participants will carry out an exercise program. It consists of 12 sessions over four weeks. In addition, they will be randomly assigned to (1) active TVS plus physical exercise or (2) sham TVS plus physical exercise. The application of active TVS consists of electronic stimulation of the auricular concha using a portable device. Sham TVS condition consists of the stimulation of the earlobe that does not cause neurophysiological effects. The primary outcome is the reduction in pain intensity. Additionally, functional capacity, physical performance, pain-related interference, pain-related distress, quality of life in older adults and global change will be measured. Assessments will be conducted at the beginning of the study (baseline), at the end of the intervention and after 1 and 3 months of follow-up. This trial will generate evidence regarding the efficacy of TVS in pain perception in individuals with KOA. This information will serve as an input in the clinical decision-making on the use or non-use of TVS in individuals with KOA. Thus, if the efficacy of TVS is confirmed, a new therapeutic tool may be included in the rehabilitation of individuals with KOA.

[Quality of life, level of physical activity and functional tests in actively working adults and older people]. / Calidad de vida, nivel de actividad física y pruebas funcionales en personas adultas y mayores laboralmente activas.

BACKGROUND: The population of actively working older people is growing rapidly. The relationship between quality of life, levels of physical activity and functionality in this population is not entirely clear. AIM: To determine the association between quality of life, levels of physical activity and functional tests in actively working adults and older people. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross sectional assessment of 138 adults aged 40 to 50 years (53% women) and 119 older people aged 60 to 75 years (53% women) who were actively working in two public services. Quality of life was measured with the SF-36 questionnaire and usual physical activity was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-short). Handgrip strength, the timed up and go (TUG) and chair stand test (CST) were used as functional tests. RESULTS: Compared to older people, adults had better physical functional tests (P < 0.01). Older people had better scores in the mental health component (MHC) of quality of life (p < 0.05). In adults, the physical health component of quality of life (CSF) had a positive association with physical activity (Spearman Rho (rs)= 0.270; p = 0.01), grip strength (rs = 0.330; p < 0.01) and the TUG (rs = -0.229; p < 0.01). In older patients, CSM and CST were positively correlated (rs = 0.201; P = 0.029). In both groups, a correlation was observed between CSM, grip strength (adults rs = 0.283; p < 0.01; older people rs = 0.211; P = 0.02) and with TUG (adults rs = -0.197; P = 0.021; older people rs = - 0.212; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive correlation between quality of life and level of physical activity in working adults, which is not observed in older people. Adequate performance in physical functional tests is positively correlated with better quality of life (CSF and CSM) in adults and only with the mental health component in older people.

The Effect of Sleep Quality on Pain in Chilean Individuals with Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Poor sleep quality (SQ) negatively affects pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). As the level of economic development of a country determines its sanitary conditions, these can influence the sleep-pain relationship; therefore, it is relevant to generate evidence in the population with MSD in developing countries. This cross-sectional study sought to determine the effect of poor SQ on pain in Chilean individuals with MSD, controlling for sex and duration of pain (in months). METHOD: A total of 228 individuals were included. SQ was measured with the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), pain (intensity, interference and distress relative to pain) was measured with visual analog scales. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to analyze the effect of SQ on pain. RESULTS: A high frequency of poor SQ was present in the studied group, and was more prevalent in women. The SEM model evidenced that poor SQ predicts greater pain. Sex influences sleep quality and pain, but not pain duration. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that poor SQ predicts higher pain in MSD and that women exhibit worse SQ and more significant pain than men. Our findings support that SQ should be considered in the comprehensive approach to pain in individuals with MSD.

Effect of adduction during glenohumeral external rotation exercises in the scapulohumeral muscles / Efecto de la adducción durante ejercicios de rotación externa glenohumeral en los músculos escapulohumerales

SUMMARY: The effect of adduction during glenohumeral external rotation (ER) exercises on the scapulohumeral muscles is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of carrying out adduction during external rotation exercises in low and high shoulder positions on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the infraspinatus (IS), middle deltoid (MD), and posterior deltoid (PD) muscles. EMG activity of the IS, MD, and PD muscles of 20 healthy participants was evaluated. Subjects performed 6 ER exercises that combined two factors: i) different adduction pressures according to biofeedback unit (0, 5 and 10 mmHg), and ii) low and high shoulder position. The pressure was controlled using a biofeedback unit. The low and high shoulder positions were 20? and 90? of abduction. In the low shoulder position, the activity of the IS muscle increased as the pressure on the biofeedback unit increased and the MD and PD muscles presented the highest activity at 10 mmHg. In the high shoulder position, the activity of the IS muscle was higher at 0 and 10 mmHg, the MD muscle presented higher activity at 5 mmHg, and PD muscle activity did not vary with the pressure. The addition of adduction at a pressure of 5 mmHg in the low shoulder position promotes is activity. Likewise, adduction at a pressure of 10 mmHg will promote activity of the IS, MD, and PD.

RESUMEN: El efecto de la aducción durante los ejercicios de rotación externa (RE) glenohumeral sobre los músculos escapulohumerales es controversial. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la realización de la aducción durante los ejercicios de rotación externa en posiciones bajas y altas del hombro sobre la actividad electromiográfica (EMG) delos músculos infraespinoso (IS), deltoides medio (DM) y deltoides posterior (DP). Se evaluó la actividad EMG de los músculos IS, MD y PD de 20 participantes sanos. Los sujetos realizaron 6 ejercicios de RE que combinaron dos factores: i) diferentes presiones de aducción de acuerdo con la unidad de biorretroalimentación (0, 5 y 10 mmHg), y ii) posición del hombro baja y alta. La presión se controló mediante una unidad de biorretroalimentación. Las posiciones del hombro baja y alta fueron de 20? y 90? de abducción. En la posición del hombro bajo, la actividad del músculo IS aumentó a medida que aumentaba la presión sobre la unidad de biorretroalimentación y los músculos MD y PD presentaron la actividad más alta a 10 mmHg. En la posición del hombro alto, la actividad del músculo IS fue mayor a 0 y 10 mmHg, el músculo MD presentó mayor actividad a 5 mmHg y la actividad del músculo PD no varió con la presión. La adición de aducción a una presión de 5 mmHg en la posición baja del hombro promueve la actividad del músculo IS. Asimismo, la aducción a una presión de 10 mmHg promoverá la actividad del IS, MD y PD.

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy for monitoring the molten phase desulfurization process of blister copper.

The development of real-time monitoring sensors for pyro-metallurgical processes is an analytical challenge, mainly due to adverse environmental conditions, high spectral interferences and multiphase (molten and gas) reactions. This work demonstrates the suitability of stand-off LIBS (ST-LIBS) for real time monitoring of the desulfurization of blister copper which is carried out in molten phase. Here sulfur is removed by the formation of SO2 by supplying oxygen in molten phase. Using ST-LIBS the relative emission intensities of Cu(I) at 351.06 nm, O at 777.34 nm and S at 921.29 nm in both molten and gaseous phase were considered simultaneously during the process. This was possible only by the use high energy laser pulse over up to 270 mJ per pulse. In the case of copper, the selection of emission lines was assessed considering non-linear behavior, which is caused by self-absorption. For the first time, real time determination of sulfur in ppm range is reported by ST-LIBS using low sensitive lines from the NIR region. These results were validated with differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) as gold standard method. The analytical information obtained by LIBS can precisely determine the critical end-point of the desulfurization where the removal of sulfur is finished, and copper started to oxidize.

Frequency of Injury and Illness in the Final 4 Weeks before a Trail Running Competition.

We aimed to (i) determine self-reported injury and illness frequency in trail runners 4 weeks preceding competition; (ii) compare athletes with and without injury/illness by sex, age, body mass index (BMI) and competition distance; (iii) describe mechanism of injury, anatomical region (injury)/organ system (illness) involved, consequences of injury on preparation and self-perception of injury severity; (iv) compare anatomical region (injury) and organ system (illness) by sex. A total of 654 trail runners (age 36.2, IQR 30.6-43.0; 36.9% females) participated in this retrospective cross-sectional study by completing a self-reported questionnaire. Injury and illness frequency rates were 31.3% (n = 205, CI: 27.7-35.0%) and 22.3% (n = 146, CI: 19.1-25.7%), respectively. No significant difference was found between injured vs. non-injured or ill vs. non-ill study participants by sex, age, BMI and competition distance. Regarding injuries, gradual onset (41.6%) and knee (33.2%) were the most indicated mechanism and anatomical region of injury. At least 85.4% of trail runners changed their training following injury and 79% indicated that their injury would affect their competition performance. Regarding illness, the respiratory tract was the most frequent organ system involved (82.9%). Male and female participants reported similar proportions of anatomical regions (injury) and organ systems (illness) affected. These results could help to generate education strategies and appropriate medical support before and during these competitions.