Reliability of a three-dimensional spinal proprioception assessment for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

PURPOSE: Although it is evident that some patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) have proprioceptive deficit in peripheral joints, knowledge on the proprioceptive function of the deformed spine is limited. Nonetheless, spinal proprioception in AIS may be affected three-dimensionally, prior studies only focussed on evaluating peripheral proprioception in single plane. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a novel spinal proprioception assessment using three-dimensional motion analysis in patients with AIS. METHODS: Participants were included if they had a primary diagnosis of AIS who did not receive or failed conservative treatments. Three trunk repositioning tests involving flexion-extension, lateral-flexion, and axial-rotation were conducted. A three-dimensional kinematics of the trunk was used as the outcome measures. The proprioceptive acuity was quantified by the repositioning error. The intra-examiner and test-retest reliability were analysed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients with AIS were recruited. Regarding the trunk flexion-extension test, the single measure ICC showed moderate reliability (0.46) and the average measures ICC demonstrated good reliability (0.72). As for the trunk lateral-flexion test, the reliability of single measure and average measures ICC was moderate (0.44) and good (0.70) reliability, respectively. For the trunk axial-rotation test, the single measure ICC indicated fair reliability (0.32), while the average measures ICC showed moderate reliability (0.59). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to evaluate the reliability of novel three-dimensional spinal proprioception assessments in patients with AIS. The trunk flexion-extension repositioning test may be preferable clinical test given its highest reliability.

Comparison between Accelerometer and Gyroscope in Predicting Level-Ground Running Kinematics by Treadmill Running Kinematics Using a Single Wearable Sensor.

Wearable sensors facilitate running kinematics analysis of joint kinematics in real running environments. The use of a few sensors or, ideally, a single inertial measurement unit (IMU) is preferable for accurate gait analysis. This study aimed to use a convolutional neural network (CNN) to predict level-ground running kinematics (measured by four IMUs on the lower extremities) by using treadmill running kinematics training data measured using a single IMU on the anteromedial side of the right tibia and to compare the performance of level-ground running kinematics predictions between raw accelerometer and gyroscope data. The CNN model performed regression for intraparticipant and interparticipant scenarios and predicted running kinematics. Ten recreational runners were recruited. Accelerometer and gyroscope data were collected. Intraparticipant and interparticipant R2 values of actual and predicted running kinematics ranged from 0.85 to 0.96 and from 0.7 to 0.92, respectively. Normalized root mean squared error values of actual and predicted running kinematics ranged from 3.6% to 10.8% and from 7.4% to 10.8% in intraparticipant and interparticipant tests, respectively. Kinematics predictions in the sagittal plane were found to be better for the knee joint than for the hip joint, and predictions using the gyroscope as the regressor were demonstrated to be significantly better than those using the accelerometer as the regressor.

Differences in lower-limb coordination and coordination variability between novice and experienced runners during a prolonged treadmill run at anaerobic threshold speed.

This study investigated differences in lower-limb coordination and coordination variability between experienced and novice runners during a prolonged run. Thirty-four participants were categorised as either experienced (n = 17) or novice runners (n = 17). All participants performed a 31-min treadmill run at their individual anaerobic threshold speed, and lower-limb kinematic data were acquired in the sagittal plane at the beginning, middle, and end of the run. Lower-limb coordination and variability during the stance phase were quantified using a vector coding technique for hip-knee, knee-ankle, pelvis-thigh, thigh-shank, and shank-foot couplings. Repeated-measure analysis of covariance revealed that running experience and time had significant interactions on the coordination patterns for hip-knee and pelvis-thigh couplings. During the midstance, experienced runners exhibited a higher percentage of in-phase motion for pelvis-thigh and knee-ankle couplings while novice runners displayed a higher percentage of distal motion for pelvis-thigh coupling and anti-phase motion for hip-knee coupling. Experienced runners displayed more variability in hip-knee and shank-foot couplings, and novice runners had more variability in hip, knee, and thigh motion. Experienced and novice runners adapted to progressive fatigue through different lower-limb coordination patterns. Throughout the prolonged run, experienced runners demonstrated greater coordination variability and novice runners displayed greater joint and segment variability.

Oxygen Saturation and Heart Rate Variations as Predictors of Intradialytic Hypotension.

AIntradialytic hypotension (IDH) occurring during hemodialysis (HD) may cause severe complications and can be life-threatening. IDH is a common symptom in patients with end stage renal disease undergoing HD. Currently, no effective predictive models for IDH exist. This study analyzed data on variations in oxygen saturation (SaO2) and heart rate (HR) in 68 patients during their HD sessions by using sequence alignment and Boolean algebra. Three classifiers derived from SaO2 and HR variation data were developed as predictors for predetermining IDH occurrence within 30 minutes. The accuracy of these classifiers in predicting IDH occurrence was approximately 80%. SaO2 and HR variations can potentially be used as predictors for developing an alarm system for detecting IDH occurrence.

Comparison of muscle activity in school students while carrying backpacks and trolley bags.

BACKGROUND: Trolley bags have gained popularity among students, but there is limited research comparing them to backpack-style school bags. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare how carrying a backpack versus a trolley bag affects the activity of trunk and lower limb muscles in secondary school students. METHODS: Electromyographic activity was measured in 25 students (13.4±1.1 years) as they walked on level ground and up/down stairs while carrying both types of bags. The activity of the gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, semitendinosus, rectus femoris, lumbar erector spinae, and rectus abdominis muscles was assessed on both the dominant and non-dominant sides. RESULTS: The study found significantly reduced muscle activation in most of the targeted muscles when walking on level ground with the trolley bag and when going up/down stairs with the backpack. CONCLUSIONS: Lifting a trolley bag depends on the slope of the walking surface and is more efficient on level ground, while carrying a backpack is more efficient when going up and down stairs. Since it is not practical to switch bags when encountering stairs in schools, a bag with a mixed model design incorporating features of both trolley and backpack may be more beneficial and practical for students to use. Students, parents, and teachers should be aware of the injury risks associated with carrying different types of bags.

Building and testing of a robotic intervention framework to enhancing the social engagement of children with autism spectrum disorder.

PURPOSE: Humanoid robot intervention programmes for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are being developed rapidly. This study aimed to develop and test a robotic intervention framework for children with ASD to ensure best practice. METHODS: In Phase I of this study, an initial framework was built based on a scoping review. This review aimed to identify the core elements conducive to effective robotic intervention programmes for children with ASD. In Phase II, the content of the initial framework was verified using a case study approach in a real-life setting. RESULTS: The robotic intervention framework, which comprised three domains, was built and tested. The three domains were robot-, child-, and programme-related factors. Elements within each domain were identified and verified in real-life contexts. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed framework will enhance evidence-based practice in robotic intervention programmes. However, further clinical testing is warranted to enhance the efficacy and validity of this framework. A good programme design incorporating all essential elements for effective intervention will ensure the success of the training programme for children with ASD.

Contribute to the development of knowledge of and theoretical base for using robotic interventions for children with ASD.This study developed a testable program framework and inform researchers about scientific evidence regarding effective use of robotic intervention in the fields of rehabilitation and education.Contribute to the advancement of evidence-based practice (EBP) in the field of autism.

Effectiveness of Robotic Intervention on Improving Social Development and Participation of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder - A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Evidence-based robotic intervention programmes for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been limited. As yet, there is insufficient evidence to inform therapists, teachers, and service providers on effectiveness of robotic intervention to enhance social development and participation of children with ASD in a real context. This study used a randomised controlled trial to test the efficacy of robotic intervention programmes in enhancing the social development and participation of children with ASD. 60 children with ASD were included. The participants were randomly assigned to the following groups: (1) robotic intervention programme (n = 20), (2) human-instructed programme (n = 20), and (3) control group (n = 20). Both the performance-based behavioural change in social communication and parent-reported change in social responsiveness were evaluated. The participants in the robotic intervention group demonstrated statistically significant changes in both the performance-based assessment and parent-reported change in social participation. Significant differences were found in the communication and reciprocal social interactions scores between the experimental group and the control and comparison groups in the performance-based assessment (p < 0.01). The effectiveness of robotic intervention programme to enhance the social communication and participation was confirmed. Future studies may also consider adding a maintenance phase to document how the effects of the intervention carry over to the participants over a longer period. (Clinical trial number: NCT04879303; Date of registration: 10 May 2021).

Effects of Creatine Supplementation on the Performance, Physiological Response, and Body Composition Among Swimmers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Although recent studies have increasingly focused on examining the potential benefits of creatine supplementation to improve performance in swimming events, the impact of creatine supplementation on swimming performance remains a topic of debate and controversy. A comprehensive meta-analytical review was undertaken to evaluate the effects of creatine supplementation on the performance, physiological response, and body composition among swimmers. METHODS: The research methodology adhered strictly to the guidelines outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A comprehensive search was conducted across six databases (Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus) until March 23, 2024. Eligible studies that investigated the impact of creatine supplementation on swimming time, physiological parameters, and body composition in swimmers were included. For the meta-analysis, a random-effects model was employed to determine the collective effect and assess variations across distinct subgroups defined by swimming time, physiological metrics, and body composition. Meta-regression analysis was conducted on datasets comprising ten or more studies. Standardized mean differences (SMD) along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. To evaluate the methodological rigor of the included studies, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale was utilized. RESULTS: The systematic review included seventeen studies with a total of 361 subjects. No significant differences were observed in the overall effect during single sprint swimming (SMD: -0.05, 95% CI: -0.26, 0.15; p = 0.61), repeated interval swimming (SMD: -0.11; 95% CI: -0.46, 0.25; p = 0.56), physiological response (SMD: 0.04, 95% CI: -0.16, 0.23; p = 0.71), and body composition (SMD: 0.18; 95% CI: -0.05, 0.41; p = 0.12) between creatine and placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS: Creatine supplementation exhibited ineffectiveness in enhancing the performance, physiological response, and body composition among swimmers.

Acute Effects of Brief Mindfulness Intervention Coupled with Carbohydrate Ingestion to Re-Energize Soccer Players: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

Background: This field experiment investigated the acute effects of brief mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) coupled with carbohydrate (CHO) intake on players' recovery from half-time break in a simulated soccer competition. Methods: In a single-blinded randomized crossover experiment, 14 male players received 3 treatments (Control: non-carbohydrate solution + travelling introduction audio; CHO: CHO-electrolyte solution + travelling introduction audio; and CHO_M: CHO-electrolyte solution + MBI) during simulated half-time breaks. Vertical jump, sprint performance, mindfulness level, rate of perceived exertion, muscle pain, mental fatigue, blood glucose, and lactate were measured immediately before, during, and after the exercise. Results: (1) MBI significantly increased participants' mindfulness level (Control vs. CHO_M, p < 0.01; CHO vs. CHO_M, p < 0.01) and decreased mental fatigue for CHO_M condition (pre vs. post, p < 0.01); (2) participants in the CHO_M condition performed better in the repeated sprint tests than in the Control and CHO condition (Control vs. CHO_M, p = 0.02; CHO vs. CHO_M, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Findings of this study provide preliminary evidence of the positive effect of MBI coupled with CHO ingestion on athletes' recovery from fatigue in the early stage of the second half of a game.

A piecewise mass-spring-damper model of the human breast.

Previous models to predict breast movement whilst performing physical activities have, erroneously, assumed uniform elasticity within the breast. Consequently, the predicted displacements have not yet been satisfactorily validated. In this study, real time motion capture of the natural vibrations of a breast that followed, after raising and allowing it to fall freely, revealed an obvious difference in the vibration characteristics above and below the static equilibrium position. This implied that the elastic and viscous damping properties of a breast could vary under extension or compression. Therefore, a new piecewise mass-spring-damper model of a breast was developed with theoretical equations to derive values for its spring constants and damping coefficients from free-falling breast experiments. The effective breast mass was estimated from the breast volume extracted from a 3D body scanned image. The derived spring constant (ka = 73.5 N m-1) above the static equilibrium position was significantly smaller than that below it (kb = 658 N m-1), whereas the respective damping coefficients were similar (ca = 1.83 N s m-1, cb = 2.07 N s m-1). These values were used to predict the nipple displacement during bare-breasted running for validation. The predicted and experimental results had a 2.6% or less root-mean-square-error of the theoretical and experimental amplitudes, so the piecewise mass-spring-damper model and equations were considered to have been successfully validated. This provides a theoretical basis for further research into the dynamic, nonlinear viscoelastic properties of different breasts and the prediction of external forces for the necessary breast support during different sports activities.

Biomechanical responses of the intervertebral joints to static and vibrational loading: a finite element study.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate the time-dependent responses of the intervertebral joint to static and vibrational loads. DESIGN: A poroelastic finite element model was established to analyse the fluid flow, stress distribution and deformation of the intervertebral disc. BACKGROUND: Long-term exposure to whole body vibration is highly associated with disc degeneration and low back pain. It is hypothesized that moderate vibrational loading may increase the efficiency of fluid and nutritional transport of the intervertebral disc while prolonged static and excessive vibrational loading may have deleterious effect. METHODS: A three-dimensional finite element model was established using the actual geometry of the L4-L5 lumber motion segment. Nonlinear poroelastic properties were assigned to the intervertebral disc and cancellous bone. Static and vibrational loads were applied and the responses of fluid flow and stress distributions were analysed. RESULTS: The finite element model showed that the loads carried by the annulus and the facets increased with time under static loading. The fluid flow and deformation of the intervertebral disc were dependent on the loading frequency. CONCLUSION: Vibration loading may be able to enhance disc fluid exchange via the fluid pumping mechanism. RELEVANCE: The predicted responses implied that vibrational motion may be important in facilitating fluid and metabolic transport of the intervertebral disc.