Is implementing a post-lunch nap beneficial on evening performance, following two nights partial sleep restriction?

We have investigated the effects that partial-sleep-restriction (PSR0, 4-h sleep retiring at 02:30 and waking at 06:30 h for two consecutive nights) have on 07:30 and 17:00 h cognitive and submaximal weightlifting; and whether this performance improves at 17:00 h following a 13:00 h powernap (0, 30 or 60-min). Fifteen resistance-trained males participated in this study. Prior to the experimental protocol, one repetition max (1RM) bench press and back squat, normative habitual sleep and food intake were recorded. Participants were familiarised with the testing protocol, then completed three experimental conditions: (i) PSR with no nap (PSR0); (ii) PSR with a 30-min nap (PSR30) and (iii) PSR with a 60-min nap (PSR60). Conditions were separated by 7 days with trial order counterbalanced. Intra-aural temperature, Profile of Mood Scores, word-colour interference, alertness and tiredness values were measured at 07:30, 11:00, 14:00, 17:00 h on the day of exercise protocol. Following final temperature measurements at 07:30 h and 17:00 h, participants completed a 5-min active warm-up before performing three repetitions of left and right-hand grip strength, followed by three repetitions at each incremental load (40, 60 and 80% of 1RM) for bench press and back squat, with a 5-min recovery between each repetition. A linear encoder was attached perpendicular to the bar used for the exercises. Average power (AP), average velocity (AV), peak velocity (PV), displacement (D) and time-to-peak velocity (tPV) were measured (MuscleLab software) during the concentric phase of the movements. Data were analysed using general linear models with repeated measures. The main findings were that implementing a nap at 13:00 h had no effect on measures of strength (grip, bench press or back squat). There was a main effect for time of day with greatest performance at 17:00 h for measures of strength. In addition to a significant effect for "load" on the bar for bench press and back squat where AP, AV, PV, D values were greatest at 40% (P < 0.05) and decreased with increased load, whereas tPV and RPE values increased with load; despite this no interaction of "load and condition" were present. A post lunch nap of 30- and 60-minute durations improved mood state, with feelings of alertness, vigour and happiness highest at 17:00 h, in contrast to confusion, tiredness and fatigue (P < 0.05), which were greater in the morning (07:30 h). The word-colour interference test, used as an indicator of cognitive function, reported significant main effect for condition, with the highest total test score in PSR60 condition (P = 0.015). In summary, unlike strength measures the implementation of a 30 or 60-minute nap improved cognitive function when in a partially sleep restricted state, compared to no nap.

Interactive translational research model and cadaveric simulation: where minimally invasive cardiac surgery and industry meet.

Focused research targeting an identified clinical problem may result in more rapid development of medical devices, technologies, and surgical techniques that directly impact patient care. These medical advances to improve patient care may be expedited by adopting an interactive translational research model in which inventors, designers, and engineers work in collaboration with surgeons. In addition, cadaveric simulation is a high-fidelity model that is bridging the translational and logistical gap to bring new surgical devices, technologies, and techniques to patients. We describe the partnership between the University of Rochester and LSI SOLUTIONS® in which an interactive translational research model utilizing cadaveric simulation has been successfully applied to accelerate bringing minimally invasive cardiac surgical techniques and innovative devices to patients.

Three-Year Survival Comparison Between Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement for Intermediate- and Low-Risk Patients.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a suitable therapeutic intervention for patients deemed inoperable or high risk for surgical aortic valve replacement. Current investigations question whether it is a suitable alternative to surgery for intermediate- and low-risk patients. The following meta-analysis presents a comparison between transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement in patients that are intermediate and low risk for surgery. Articles were collected via an electronic search using Google Scholar and PubMed. Articles of interest included studies comparing the survival of intermediate- and low-risk patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation to those undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement. Primary end points included 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival. Secondary end points included postintervention thromboembolic events, stroke, transient ischemic attacks, major vascular complications, permanent pacemaker implantation, life-threatening bleeding, acute kidney injury, atrial fibrillation, and moderate-to-severe aortic regurgitation. Six studies met the criteria for the meta-analysis. One- and two-year survival comparisons showed no difference between the two interventions. Surgical aortic valve replacement, however, presented with favorable 3-year survival compared with the transcatheter approach. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation had more major vascular complications, permanent pacemaker implantation, and moderate-to-severe aortic regurgitation rates compared with surgery. Surgical aortic valve replacement presented more life-threatening bleeding, acute kidney injury, and atrial fibrillation compared with a transcatheter approach. There was no statistical difference between the two approaches in terms of thromboembolic events, strokes, or transient ischemic attack rates. Surgical aortic valve replacement presents favorable 3-year survival rates compared with transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Effectiveness of adaptive seating on sitting posture and postural control in children with cerebral palsy.

PURPOSE: We reviewed research on the effect of adaptive seating on sitting posture/postural control in children with cerebral palsy. Second, we examined whether changes in postural control related to changes in other aspects of functioning. METHODS: Electronic database/hand searches were undertaken to locate studies published in English. Reviewers screened studies for inclusion criteria, extracted data, indexed outcomes to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, assigned levels of evidence, and assessed study quality. RESULTS: Thirteen of 14 articles used group designs and the other a single-subject design. Conflicting findings were reported for saddle seats and optimal seat/back angle for improving sitting posture/postural control. Significant improvements were reported with seat inserts, external supports, and modular seating systems. Evidence supporting effects of postural control on functional abilities was limited. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies on the effects of adaptive seating should describe participants with standardized classification systems and employ stronger research designs.