A predictive logistic regression equation for neck pain in helicopter aircrew.

INTRODUCTION: While many studies have investigated neck strain in helicopter aircrew, no one study has used a comprehensive approach involving multivariate analysis of questionnaire data in combination with physiological results related to the musculature of the cervical spine. METHODS: There were 40 aircrew members who provided questionnaire results detailing lifetime prevalence of neck pain, flight history, physical fitness results, and physiological variables. Isometric testing data for flexion (Flx), extension (Ext), and right (RFlx) and left (LFlx) lateral flexion of the cervical spine that included maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force and submaximal exercise at 70% MCV until time-to-fatigue (TTF) was also collected. Muscles responsible for the work performed were monitored with electromyography (EMG) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and the associated ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected simultaneously. Results were compiled and analyzed by logistic regression to identify the variables that were predictive of neck pain. RESULTS: While many variables were included in the logistic regression, the final regression equation required two, easy to measure variables. The longest single night vision goggle (NVG) mission (NVGmax; h) combined with the height of the aircrew member in meters (m) provided an accurate logistic regression equation for approximately one-half of our sample (N = 19). Cross-validation of the remaining subjects (N = 21) confirmed this accuracy. CONCLUSION: Our regression equation is simple and can be used by global operational units to provide a cursory assessment without the need for acquiring specialized equipment or training.

Cervical cancer screening practices among university women.

OBJECTIVE: To assess predictors of young women's intentions to be screened for cervical cancer. DESIGN: A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). PARTICIPANTS: A total of 904 young women (mean age=20.7 years; SD=1.77) participated in an online cervical cancer screening survey. METHOD: A web-based survey (WebCT) was used to survey young women, 25 years of age or less, attending a university in eastern Canada. Descriptive, correlational, and logistic regression statistics were calculated. RESULTS: Findings indicated that social norms (perceptions about whether or not people close to them think Pap screening is important) and perceived behavioral control (perceptions about personal resources or barriers to receiving a Pap test) were significantly related to young women's intentions to be screened. CONCLUSION: Strategies to promote cervical cancer screening among young university women need to recognize the impact of social norms and perceived barriers on Pap screening intentions in this population.

Prefrontal cortex oxygenation during incremental exercise in chronic fatigue syndrome.

This study examined the effects of maximal incremental exercise on cerebral oxygenation in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) subjects. Furthermore, we tested the hypothesis that CFS subjects have a reduced oxygen delivery to the brain during exercise. Six female CFS and eight control (CON) subjects (similar in height, weight, body mass index and physical activity level) performed an incremental cycle ergometer test to exhaustion, while changes in cerebral oxy-haemoglobin (HbO2), deoxy-haemoglobin (HHb), total blood volume (tHb = HbO2 + HHb) and O2 saturation [tissue oxygenation index (TOI), %)] was monitored in the left prefrontal lobe using a near-infrared spectrophotometer. Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded at each workload throughout the test. Predicted VO2peak in CFS (1331 +/- 377 ml) subjects was significantly (P < or = 0.05) lower than the CON group (1990 +/- 332 ml), and CFS subjects achieved volitional exhaustion significantly faster (CFS: 351 +/- 224 s; CON: 715 +/- 176 s) at a lower power output (CFS: 100 +/- 39 W; CON: 163 +/- 34 W). CFS subjects also exhibited a significantly lower maximum HR (CFS: 154 +/- 13 bpm; CON: 186 +/- 11 bpm) and consistently reported a higher RPE at the same absolute workload when compared with CON subjects. Prefrontal cortex HbO2, HHb and tHb were significantly lower at maximal exercise in CFS versus CON, as was TOI during exercise and recovery. The CFS subjects exhibited significant exercise intolerance and reduced prefrontal oxygenation and tHb response when compared with CON subjects. These data suggest that the altered cerebral oxygenation and blood volume may contribute to the reduced exercise load in CFS, and supports the contention that CFS, in part, is mediated centrally.