Key transition technology of ski jumping based on inertial motion unit, kinematics and dynamics.

BACKGROUND: The development and innovation of biomechanical measurement methods provide a solution to the problems in ski jumping research. At present, research on ski jumping mostly focuses on the local technical characteristics of different phases, but studies on the technology transition process are less. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate a measurement system (i.e. the merging of 2D video recording, inertial measurement unit and wireless pressure insole) that can capture a wide range of sport performance and focus on the key transition technical characteristics. METHODS: The application validity of the Xsens motion capture system in ski jumping was verified under field conditions by comparing the lower limb joint angles of eight professional ski jumpers during the takeoff phase collected by different motion capture systems (Xsens and Simi high-speed camera). Subsequently, the key transition technical characteristics of eight ski jumpers were captured on the basis of the aforementioned measurement system. RESULTS: Validation results indicated that the joint angle point-by-point curve during the takeoff phase was highly correlated and had excellent agreement (0.966 ≤ r ≤ 0.998, P < 0.001). Joint root-mean-square error (RMSE) differences between model calculations were 5.967° for hip, 6.856° for knee and 4.009° for ankle. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with 2D video recording, the Xsens system shows excellent agreement to ski jumping. Furthermore, the established measurement system can effectively capture the key transition technical characteristics of athletes, particularly in the dynamic changes of straight turn into arc in inrun, the adjustment of body posture and ski movement during early flight and landing preparation.

[Biomechanical analysis of ankle-foot complex during a typical Tai Chi movement-Brush Knee and Twist Step].

The purpose of this study is to analyze the biomechanics of ankle cartilage and ligaments during a typical Tai Chi movement-Brush Knee and Twist Step (BKTS). The kinematic and kinetic data were acquired in one experienced male Tai Chi practitioner while performing BKTS and in normal walking. The measured parameters were used as loading and boundary conditions for further finite element analysis. This study showed that the contact stress of the ankle joint during BKTS was generally less than that during walking. However, the maximum tensile force of the anterior talofibular ligament, the calcaneofibular ligament and the posterior talofibular ligament during BKTS was 130 N, 169 N and 89 N, respectively, while it was only 57 N, 119 N and 48 N during walking. Therefore, patients with arthritis of the ankle can properly practice Tai Chi. Practitioners with sprained lateral ligaments of the ankle joint were suggested to properly reduce the ankle movement range during BKTS.

Tai Chi Is Safe and Effective for the Hip Joint: A Biomechanical Perspective.

There is little research related to the biomechanical effects of Tai Chi on the hip joint. This study was aimed to analyze the biomechanical characteristic of a typical Tai Chi movement, Brush Knee and Twist Step. A total of 12 experienced older men voluntarily participated in this study. Each participant was requested to perform standard Brush Knee and Twist Step and normal walking. The scaled-generic musculoskeletal model of each participant was developed. A finite element model of the hip joint and pelvis was established and validated. Data from each trail were input to the model for simulation, and the biomechanics were compared between Brush Knee and Twist Step and walking. Compared with walking, Tai Chi may have better improvement in the range of motion of the hip joint and the coordination of the neuromuscular system under safer condition. It is suitable for patients with hip osteoarthritis and the older adults with severe muscle loss, and clinical studies are required to confirm it further.

Relationship between Muscle Mass/Strength and Hepatic Fat Content in Post-Menopausal Women.

Background and Objectives: Recent studies have shown that low skeletal muscle mass can contribute to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through insulin resistance. However, the association between muscle mass/strength and hepatic fat content remains unclear in postmenopausal women. Methods: In this study, we assessed the associations between muscle mass/strength and various severities of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Using single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, 96 postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 and 65 were divided into four groups (G0-G3) by hepatic fat content: G0 (hepatic fat content <5%, n = 20), G1 (5% ≤ hepatic fat content < 10%, n = 27), G2 (10% ≤ hepatic fat content < 25%, n = 31), and G3 (hepatic fat content ≥25%, n = 18). Muscle mass indexes were estimated as skeletal muscle index (SMI)% (total lean mass/weight × 100) and appendicular skeletal muscular mass index (ASM)% (appendicular lean mass/weight × 100) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Maximal isometric voluntary contraction of the handgrip, elbow flexors, and knee extensors was measured using an adjustable dynamometer chair. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and follicle-stimulating hormones were assessed in venous blood samples. Results: The results showed negative correlations between hepatic fat content and SMI% (r = -0.42, p < 0.001), ASM% (r = -0.29, p = 0.005), maximal voluntary force of grip (r = -0.22, p = 0.037), and knee extensors (r = -0.22, p = 0.032). Conclusions: These significant correlations almost remained unchanged even after controlling for insulin resistance. In conclusion, negative correlations exist between muscle mass/strength and the progressed severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among post-menopausal women, and the correlations are independent of insulin resistance.

Fatigue-related electromyographic coherence and phase synchronization analysis between antagonistic elbow muscles.

The aim of this study was to examine coherence and phase synchronization between antagonistic elbow muscles and thus to explore the coupling and common neural inputs of antagonistic elbow muscles during sustained submaximal isometric fatiguing contraction. Fifteen healthy male subjects sustained an isometric elbow flexion at 20 % maximal level until exhaustion, while surface electromyographic signals (sEMG) were collected from biceps brachii (BB) and triceps brachii (TB). sEMG signals were divided into the first half (stage 1 with minimal fatigue) and second half (stage 2 with severe fatigue) of the contraction. Coherence and phase synchronization analysis was conducted between sEMG of BB and TB, and coherence value and phase synchronization index in alpha (8-12 Hz), beta (15-35 Hz) and gamma (35-60 Hz) frequency bands were obtained. Significant increase in EMG-EMG coherence and phase synchronization index in alpha and beta frequency bands between antagonistic elbow flexion muscles was observed all increased in stage 2 compared to stage 1. Coupling of EMG activities between antagonistic muscles increased as a result of fatigue caused by 20 % maximal level sustained isometric elbow flexion, indicating the increased interconnection between synchronized cortical neurons and the motoneuron pool of BB and TB, which may be cortical in origin. This increased coupling may help to maintain coactivation level so as to ensure joint stability on the basis of maintaining the joint force output.

Effects of sedentary behaviour and long-term regular Tai Chi exercise on dynamic stability control during gait initiation in older women.

Background: Sedentary behaviour has been associated with an increased risk of falls among older adults. Although gait initiation (GI) is a promising tool used to assess fall risk, it has yet to be quantitatively evaluated for dynamic stability in sedentary populations. Tai Chi exercise is believed to be effective in preventing falls in older adults, but its effect on GI stability has not been quantified. This study aims to compare the stability of GI in sedentary older individuals versus those who are long-term Tai Chi exercisers by using a quantitative approach. Methods: This study included 17 sedentary older women without exercise habits (age: 65.59 ± 3.66 years, average daily sitting time: 8.735 ± 1.847 h/day) and 19 older women who regularly engage in Tai Chi exercise (age: 65.58 ± 3.63 years, years of exercise: 9.84 ± 3.48 years). Every participant underwent five trials of self-paced GI walking tests. Eight cameras and four force plates were used to obtain kinematic and kinetic parameters. The trajectory of the centre of mass (CoM) and the position of the foot placement were recorded. The anterior-posterior (A-P) and medio-lateral (M-L) dynamic stability at the onset and end moments of the single-legged support was calculated using CoM and gait spatiotemporal parameters. The stepping dynamic stability and foot placement positions of both groups were compared. Results: The Tai Chi group had greater stability in the M-L directions at the swing leg's toe-off moment and in the M-L and A-P directions at the heel-strike moment, as well as significantly larger step length, step width and step speed during locomotion than sedentary older women. However, the stability in the A-P directions at the swing leg's toe-off moment and the foot inclination angle was not statistically different between the two groups. Conclusion: Long-term regular Tai Chi exercise can enhance the dynamic stability of GI in older women, and effectively improve their foot placement strategy during GI. The findings further confirm the negative effect of sedentary on the stability control of older women and the positive role of Tai Chi in enhancing their gait stability and reducing the risk of falls.

The non-invasive evaluation technique of patellofemoral joint stress: a systematic literature review.

Introduction: Patellofemoral joint stress (PFJS) is an important parameter for understanding the mechanism of patellofemoral joint pain, preventing patellofemoral joint injury, and evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of PFP rehabilitation programs. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify and categorize the non-invasive technique to evaluate the PFJS. Methods: Literature searches were conducted from January 2000 to October 2022 in electronic databases, namely, PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO (Medline, SPORTDiscus). This review includes studies that evaluated the patellofemoral joint reaction force (PJRF) or PFJS, with participants including both healthy individuals and those with patellofemoral joint pain, as well as cadavers with no organic changes. The study design includes cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, and randomized controlled trials. The JBI quality appraisal criteria tool was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Results: In total, 5016 articles were identified in the database research and the citation network, and 69 studies were included in the review. Discussion: Researchers are still working to improve the accuracy of evaluation for PFJS by using a personalized model and optimizing quadriceps muscle strength calculations. In theory, the evaluation method of combining advanced computational and biplane fluoroscopy techniques has high accuracy in evaluating PFJS. The method should be further developed to establish the "gold standard" for PFJS evaluation. In practical applications, selecting appropriate methods and approaches based on theoretical considerations and ecological validity is essential.

Kinematic and electromyography characteristics of performing butterfly stroke with different swimming speeds in flow environment.

Objective: To investigate effect of flow speeds on the upper limb muscular activity of butterfly swimmers training in a flow environment. A comparison of kinematic characteristics and muscular activity of upper limbs were made when the swimmers training with different flow speeds in a swimming flume. The purpose was to provide a basis for scientifically formulating special swimming training advice for athletes' training in flow environment. Methods: Ten youth female butterfly swimmers participated in the study with the speed of 70%, 80%, and 90% level of their max speeds. A stroke cycle was divided into four phases (entry, pull, push, and recovery). The kinematic parameters of upper limbs (stroke rate, stroke length, duration of each phase in a stroke cycle) and muscular activity (onset timing, integrated electromyography (iEMG), contribution ratio) of four muscles (Biceps brachii (BB), Triceps brachii (TB), Pectoralis major (PM), and Latissimus dorsi (LD)) were collected and analyzed in different stroke phases. Results: There was no significant difference between stroke rate and stroke length with different flow speeds. There were significant differences among the duration of the four stroke phases. The entry phase had the longest duration, the pull phase had the shortest duration, the push phase was longer than the recovery phase, and the recovery phase was shorter than the entry phase. The BB and PM were activated significantly earlier at 90% of target speed than at 80% of target speed, while the TB was activated significantly later than other two speeds. The muscular contribution ratio of the PM was highest in the pull phase and lowest in the pushing phase. The muscular contribution ratio of the BB was significantly lower in the pushing phase than in other three stroke phases. The muscular contribution of the TB was significantly higher in the recovery phase than in other three stroke phases. The muscular contribution ratio of the LD was highest in the pushing phase, and it was significantly higher in pushing phase and recovery phase than in pull phase. Conclusions: (1) When butterfly athletes training with 70%, 80% and 90% of their max speed in a flow environment, it didn't make significant differences between the kinematic or muscle activation characteristics of the upper limbs movement except the muscle onset timing. (2) Stroke phase was the main factor of the duration and the muscle contribution ratio during butterfly arm stroke for young athletes.

In vivo knee biomechanics during badminton lunges at different distances and different foot positions by using the dual fluoroscopic imaging system.

Background: Lunges are common in badminton. Distance and foot position affect knee joint loadings under lunges, which are closely related to knee injury incidence. Investigations involving dynamic knee motion in vivo, kinetics, and muscle activation in lunges, especially during lunges of different distances and foot positions, are instrumental for understanding knee performance and injury risks of players. Methods: A total of 10 experienced badminton athletes (10 females; height, 164.5 ± 5.0 cm; weight, 59.3 ± 6.0 kg; and age, 22 ± 1.0 years) were recruited. By using a high-speed dual fluoroscopic imaging system, Qualisys motion capture system, Kistler force plate, and Delsys electromyography simultaneously, data were collected during players' 1.5 times leg length lunge, the maximum lunge, and the maximum lunge while the foot rotated externally. Magnetic resonance and dual fluoroscopic imaging techniques were used to analyze the in vivo knee kinematics. Results: Compared with the 1.5 times leg length lunge, knee flexion for the maximum lunge increased significantly (p < 0.05). The anterior-posterior ground reaction force (GRF) and vertical GRF of the maximum lunge were significantly higher than those of the 1.5 times leg length lunge. During the two different foot position lunges with the maximum distance, the posterior translation of knee joint was larger (p < 0.05) when the foot rotated externally than the normal maximum lunge. Moreover, the anterior-posterior GRF and vertical GRF increased significantly when the foot rotated externally. Significant differences were observed in valgus-varus rotation torque and internal-external rotation torque of the knee joint under the two distance lunges and two foot position lunges (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in knee muscle activation during the two distance lunges and during the two foot position lunges. Conclusion: High knee torque and compressive loadings with increasing lunge distance may cause knee injuries in badminton. When lunging in the external foot rotation under the maximum distance, high quadriceps force and posterior tibia translation force could result in knee injuries among badminton players.

Optimisation of stable flight posture of ski jumping based on computational fluid dynamics simulation technology.

The stable flight posture that affects sports performance during flight is usually formed by the multiple angles of the athlete-ski posture. At present, research on the flight phase is mainly based on the single-factor impact analysis based on computational fluid dynamics simulation technology, but studies on the multi-factor coupling relationship of two or more factors is less. This study aims to determine the best optimal-level combination based on the simulation model of this work through comprehensive evaluation from the optimisation perspective of multi-factor coupling. Here, a refined model of the athlete-ski system with the characteristics of ski jumping was established. Reynolds time-averaged method was used for the simulation. A three-factor and five-level simulation test was conducted on the relative inclination between skis, the angle between the body and the ski and the ski V-angle through orthogonal experiment design. Our results show that the optimal-level combination of the relative inclination between skis of 120°, the angle between the body and the ski of 20°, and the ski V-angle of 30° is relatively best in terms of aerodynamic characteristics. Simulation results were similar to the results of the winter field data from video analysis, and the results were effective.

Antagonistic muscle prefatigue weakens the functional corticomuscular coupling during isometric elbow extension contraction.

OBJECTIVE: During muscle fatigue, acute changes in the interaction between the sensorimotor cortex and peripheral neurons have been widely studied. However, it is still unclear about the effect of antagonist muscle prefatigue on corticomuscular coupling and central modulation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in the magnitude of electroencephalogram-electromyography (EEG-EMG) coherence and phase synchronization index (PSI) induced by antagonistic muscle prefatigue. METHODS: Twelve young male volunteers conducted a 30-s long, nonfatiguing isometric elbow extension with a target force level of 20% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) before and after a fatiguing sustained elbow flexion contraction at 20% MVC until task failure. Coherence and PSI between the EEG recorded over the sensorimotor cortex and the surface EMG of the triceps brachii (TB) muscle were quantified for the pre- and post-fatigue elbow extension contractions. RESULTS: Coherence and PSI in the gamma frequency band (35-60 Hz) were found significantly decreased in the postfatigue elbow extension contraction than the prefatigue contraction. The power of the EEG in the beta and gamma band were significantly increased, while the EMG power showed no significant changes when the antagonistic muscle was prefatigued. PSI in the gamma frequency band between the EMG of the TB muscle and the EEG were found significantly decreased during postfatigue elbow extension contraction compared with prefatigue contraction. CONCLUSION: Antagonistic muscle prefatigue led to significantly lower gamma band corticomuscular coherence and phase coupling during an isometric elbow extension position task. The lower corticomuscular coupling may indicate a central modulation mechanism of antagonist muscle prefatigue that related to decreased descending common drive or joint instability compensation modulation mechanism.

Biomechanical analysis of the meniscus and cartilage of the knee during a typical Tai Chi movement-brush-knee and twist-step.

This study aimed to analyze the biomechanical response of the knee cartilage and meniscus to a typical Tai Chi (TC) movement, brush-knee and twist-step (BKTS). Kinematic and kinetic data was recorded while an experienced TC practitioner performed normal walking, jogging and BKTS. The kinetic data were then imported into a validated finite element model of the knee joint to examine the biomechanical response of the articular cartilage and meniscus. Compared with walking and jogging, the BKTS movement showed a greater increase in the range of motion (ROM) of the knee. The ROM in the sagittal plane was 56° (walking), 38° (jogging) and 93° (BKTS). In coronal plane, the knee ROM was 8° (walking), 11° (jogging) and 28° (BKTS). And in horizontal plane the ROM was 17° (walking), 15° (jogging) and 29° (BKTS). The finite element simulation demonstrated that the pressure contact stress is much more concentrated during walking and jogging than BKTS, which is consistent with the lower peak contact stresses recorded on the cartilage and meniscus. In conclusion, the TC movement produced a gentler stress state on the meniscus and cartilage, while also requiring a greater knee ROM. Practicing TC may have a lower risk of knee joint injury compared to walking and jogging.

Badminton players show a lower coactivation and higher beta band intermuscular interactions of ankle antagonist muscles during isokinetic exercise.

Previous studies have suggested that skilled athletes may show a specific muscle activation pattern with a lower antagonist coactivation level. Based on the point, we hypothesize that the coupling of antagonistic muscles may be different between badminton players and non-skilled individuals during exercises. The current work was designed to verify the hypothesis. Ten male college students and eight male badminton players performed three maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVC) and a set of three maximal concentric ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexions at an angular velocity of 30°, 60°, 120°, and 180°/s. Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the tibialis anterior (TA) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) muscles during the test. Normalized average EMG amplitude and phase synchronization index (PSI) between surface EMG of TA and LG were calculated. Antagonist muscle coactivation was significantly lower (from 22.1% ± 9.4 and 10.7% ± 3.7 at 30°/s to 22.4% ± 9.7 and 10.6% ± 2.5 at 180°/s for non-players and badminton players group, respectively), and PSI in beta frequency band was significantly higher (from 0.42 ± 0.06 and 0.47 ± 0.15 at 30°/s to 0.35 ± 0.12 and 0.49 ± 0.14 at 180°/s) in the badminton player group compared with the non-player group during isokinetic ankle dorsiflexion contraction. No significant difference was found in antagonist muscle coactivation and PSI between two group subjects during ankle plantar flexion. The decrease of antagonist coactivation may indicate an optimal motor control style to increase the contraction efficiency, while the increase coupling of antagonistic muscles may help to ensure joint stability to compensate for the decrease of antagonist coactivation. Graphical abstract Significant difference of observed indexes between non-players and badminton players.

Detection of mutant p53 protein in workers occupationally exposed to benzidine.

To investigate the expression of mutant p53 protein in workers occupationally exposed to benzidine, we detected mutant p53 protein by immuno-PCR assay in the serum of 331 benzidine-exposed healthy workers, while we classified exfoliated urothelial cells in urine samples with Papanicoloau's grading (PG). The Papanicoloau's grading classified exfoliated urothelial cells of the subjects from grade I (normal cells) to grade III (suspicious malignant cells). The subjects were also divided into high, medium and low exposure groups according to the exposure intensity index. The results revealed that mutant p53 protein in the medium and high exposure groups were significantly higher than the in low exposure group (p<0.05), and in PG II and III were significantly higher than in the PG I (p<0.05). There was no significant differences among Papanicoloau's gradings strata in the low exposure group on the incidence and quantity of mutant p53 protein. In the medium and high exposure groups, the incidence and/or quantity of mutant p53 protein in the stratum of PG II and/or III were significantly higher than that of PG I (p<0.05). Detection of mutant p53 protein in conjunction with benzidine exposure level and Papanicoloau's gradings of exfoliated urothelial cells could provide more information to help us elevate surveillance efficiency and diagnose bladder cancer in the early period.

Field data: a study on trend and prediction of fatal traffic injuries prevalence in Shanghai.

OBJECTIVE: The main objectives of the study are to analyze fatal traffic-injury trends in 1987-2003 in Shanghai and predict its prevalence in near future and provide scientific data for the local governmental decision on developing practical working methods on traffic-injury prevention and control. METHODS: In this study, epidemiological method and Grey dynamic model GM (1,1) were introduced to analyze and forecast traffic-injury mortality rates respectively. RESULTS: There was an apparent increasing trend of traffic-related injuries in Shanghai from 1987 to 2003 with the rate of growth in motorization. The average rates of annual increase are 3.59% in fatalities (from 7.78 per 100,000 population to 14.18 per 100,000 population) during the period. Pedestrians were the most common type of victims (29.6%), followed by bicyclists (25.1%), and motorcyclists (24.1%). Males accounted for the majority of all victims, over 69%. The population of high-school and lower high-school education level represented 66.4% victims of total road-traffic injuries. And if no special factors effect its development, the traffic fatalities would be up to 17.84 per 100,000 population in 2010, when calculating from equations we found and validated Y(t) = 359.90 x e0.027(t-1)-352.13, (t = 1, 2, ..., N) for Shanghai. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate the risk of fatal traffic injuries has increased in recent years and will go on growing in the near future in Shanghai. The findings showed that Grey dynamic model GM (1,1) is eligible on the prediction and can be a tool for injuries forecasting, implementing effective policies, programs, and interventions for reducing traffic injuries in the big cities.

[Cross-sectional investigation of prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Shanghai].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose regulation among the permanent urban and rural inhabitants in Shanghai. METHODS: Questionnaire survey, physical examination, and laboratory testing were conducted among 14401 urban and rural inhabitants aged 15 - 74 in Shanghai selected by multistage cluster random sampling. The data about the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose regulation were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The respondent rate of this investigation was 80.5% (11,589/14,401). The prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were 8.6% (1000/11,589), 6.9% (802/11,589), and 1.0% (120/11,589) respectively (the standardized rates were 6.2%, 5.1% and 0.8%). The prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes, IGT, and IFG were significantly higher in those with overweight, obesity, central obesity, and hypertension. The prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes, IGT, and IFG in men were 8.9% (412/4621), 6.4% (296/4621), and 1.0% (47/4621) respectively, all not significantly different from those of the women, i.e. e., 8.4% (588/6968), 7.3% (506/6968), and 1.0% (73/6968) respectively (all P > 0.05). The prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes and IGT in the urban area were 11.2% (730/6500) and 6.4% (419/6500) respectively, both significantly higher than those in the rural area, i.e., 5.3% (270/5089) and 7.5% (383/5089) respectively (both P < 0.05). The prevalence rate of IFG in the urban area was 1.2% (77/6500), not significantly different from that in the rural area (0.8%, 43/5039, P > 0.05). The prevalence of type 2 diabetes, IGT, and IFG increased apparently with age, body mass index, waist hip ratio, and waist circumference. The ratios of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes in the urban area and rural area were 39.6% (289/730) and 69.3% (187/270) respectively (chi(2) = 74.07, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes in Shanghai is higher than the mean national level and shows an increasing tendency. Screening of type 2 diabetes in rich rural areas should be emphasized.

[Epidemiological feature of metabolic syndrome in Shanghai residents aged 15 - 74 years].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Shanghai residents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Shanghai with a representative sample of 14,327 Chinese adults from 15 to 74 years of age. The sample was randomly selected using stratified cluster sampling. The criteria of International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the US National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) guidelines and the China Diabetes Society (CDS), respectively, were applied for diagnosis. RESULTS: Diagnosed by using the IDF criterion, the crude prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 17.51%, and the age and gender-adjusted prevalence was 12.81% (95% CI: 12.26 - 13.36). The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was higher in females than in males (14.79% and 10.93%, respectively), and higher in urban residents than in rural ones (13.71% and 10.72%, respectively). The age-specific prevalence of the metabolic syndrome increased in both male and female residents and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in females 45 years of age or elder was significantly increased. The prevalence of having at least 3 parameters of metabolic syndrome was 22.28%. According to the ATP III guideline, the crude and age-adjusted prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 12.03% and 8.62%, respectively. Based on the criterion of CDS, they were 13.98% and 10.41%. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Shanghai residents. Metabolic syndrome has become a noteworthy public health problem. It suggests that community-integrated control of metabolic syndrome should have its priority.

[Clinical observation of effectiveness in the treatment of senile knee osteoarthritis with the inactivation of myofascial trigger points---108 cases reports].

OBJECTIVE: To study clinical treatment effects of inactivating myofascial trigger points with needling and muscle stretching for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis(OA). METHODS: Retrospective analyses were made to investigate the clinical data of pain clinic outpatient in our hospital from 2010 to 2014, and 108 patients with knee OA, including 35 males and 73 females, were treated with acupuncturing of myofascial trigger points and stretching of muscles and structure around knee. The puncturing of trigger points, and the back and forth movement of needle were required to elicit local twitch response of muscle. After acupuncture treatment, muscle stretch around the knee joint was performed by a therapist. All patients must do homework of self stretching exercise. The extent of stretching should be to gradually increased under a tolerable pain. The ROM and walking pain VAS scores were measured before and after whole therapy and were statistically analyzed during 1 year of follow up. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up, and 95 patients had no pain after 1 year. The VAS scores were improved from preoperative severe 7.6±0.5, moderate 4.9±0.7, to mild 1.9±0.6 and painless 0.3±0.2. CONCLUSIONS: The walking pain of knee OA might be alleviated by the acupuncture and stretch to inactivate the myofascial trigger point.

Effects of modified constraint-induced movement therapy on the lower extremities in patients with stroke: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to qualify the improvements of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (m-CIMT) on the lower limb of stroke patients via assessing the centre of mass (COM) displacement and the basic gait parameters. METHODS: A total of 22 hemiplegic patients after stroke with first-time clinical cerebral infarction or haemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident were included in this study from May to December, 2014. The patients were randomly divided into m-CIMT group and the conventional therapy group (control group), and received corresponding training for five days/week for four weeks. The COM displacement and gait parameters were assessed by three-dimensional segmental kinematics method in pre-intervention and post- intervention therapy. RESULTS: After four weeks of m-CIMT, the COM displacement on sagittal plane of paretic leg during stance phase was increased (pre: 91.04 ± 4.39 cm, post: 92.38 ± 4.58 cm, p < 0.05) and swing range of frontal plane was remarkably decreased (pre: 10.15 ± 3.05 cm, post: 7.83 ± 1.90 cm, p < 0.001). Meantime, the normalised swing range of COM in m-CIMT was superior to that in control group. Moreover, the gait parameters, including velocity (0.27 m/s), step width (0.10 m), step length (0.22 m) and swing time percentage (29.80%), were significantly improved by post-interventions of m-CIMT (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The m-CIMT intervention improves the COM displacement in sagittal and frontal plane, as well as gait parameters. These suggest that m-CIMT intervention may be feasible and effective for the rehabilitation of hemiplegic gait. Implications for Rehabilitation Segmental kinematics method was used to estimate the displacement of the COM. m-CIMT interventions improved the COM displacement of patients after stroke. m-CIMT interventions improved the hemiplegic gait parameters.

[Expression of protein p53 in workers occupationally exposed to benzidine and bladder cancer patients.].

OBJECTIVE: To study expression of mutant p53 protein in workers occupationally exposed to benzidine and bladder cancer patients. METHODS: Mutant p53 protein in serum from the workers occupationally exposed to benzidine and bladder cancer patients were determined with Immuno-PCR, while exfoliated urothelial cells in the urine samples were classified with Papanicolau grading. RESULTS: Positive rate of mutant p53 protein increased with the exposed intensity index in workers occupationally exposed to benzidine. The positive rate of mutant p53 protein in bladder cancer patients (83.3%) was significantly higher than that in the group 1 of exposed intensity index. The average scanning integrals of PCR amplified band in the group of bladder cancer patients and group 2 of exposed intensity index were both higher than that in the group 1 significantly. Workers in the groups of different exposed intensity indices were further stratified according to Papanicolau grades. In the group 2 of exposed intensity index, the average scanning integrals of PCR amplified band in the stratum of Papanicolau grade II and III were significantly higher than that in the strata of Papanicolau grade I. And in the group 3 of exposed intensity index, the positive rate of mutant p53 protein in the strata of Papanicolau grade III was higher than that in the strata of Papanicolau grade I significantly. CONCLUSION: The increase of exposed intensity may not only result in the positive rate of mutant p53 protein, but also the quantity of mutant p53 protein in serum within the low range of benzidine exposure. Once the exposed intensity was beyond that spectrum, the positive rate of mutant p53 protein in serum and the average scanning integrals of PCR amplified band were no longer enhanced with the increase of exposed intensity. There was tight correlation between Papanicolau grade of exfoliated urothelial cells and the positive rate or the quantity of mutant p53 protein for the higher benzidine exposure intensity.