Effect of Fatigue on Equine Metacarpophalangeal Joint Kinematics-A Single Horse Pilot Study.

The objective was to validate a scientific method for characterizing equine metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) motion in the nonfatigued and fatigued states using a single horse at trot, slow canter, and fast canter. One healthy Thoroughbred gelding exercised on a treadmill to exhaustion (fatigued state) (heart rate >190 BPM and blood lactate >10 mmol/L) while bilateral MCPJ angular data were acquired using electrogoniometry. Blood lactate and heart rate reflected transition from nonfatigued to fatigued states with increasing exercise duration and treadmill speed. Electrogoniometry consistently demonstrated: increase in mean MCPJ maximum extension angle with onset of fatigue; altered extension and flexion angular velocities with onset of fatigue; and increasing stride duration and decreasing stride frequency with onset of fatigue. The method allowed a preliminary but comprehensive characterization of the dynamic relationship between MCPJ kinematics and fatigue, prompting the need for multisubject studies that may enhance our ability to moderate exercise-related distal limb injury in equine athletes.

Movements of the wrist and the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome: a nationwide cohort study using objective exposure measurements.

OBJECTIVES: We conducted a large cohort study to investigate the association between work-related wrist movements and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: Electro-goniometric measurements of wrist movements were performed for 30 jobs (eg, office work, child care, laundry work and slaughterhouse work). We measured wrist angular velocity, mean power frequency (MPF) and range of motion (ROM). We established a cohort of Danish citizens born 1940-1979 who held one of these jobs from age 18-80 years, using Danish national registers with annual employment information from 1992 to 2014. We updated the cohort by calendar year with job-specific and sex-specific means of measured exposures. Dates of a first diagnosis or operation because of CTS were retrieved from the Danish National Patient Register. The risk of CTS by quintiles of preceding exposure levels was assessed by adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRadj) using Poisson regression models. RESULTS: We found a clear exposure-response association between wrist angular velocity and CTS with an IRRadj of 2.31 (95% CI 2.09 to 2.56) when exposed to the highest level compared with the lowest. MPF also showed an exposure-response pattern, although less clear, with an IRRadj of 1.83 (1.68 to 1.98) for the highest compared with the lowest exposure level. ROM showed no clear pattern. Exposure-response patterns were different for men and women. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of wrist movement were associated with an increased risk of CTS. Preventive strategies should be aimed at jobs with high levels of wrist movements such as cleaning, laundry work and slaughterhouse work.

[Age-related physiological and pathophysiological features of the masticatory apparatus of an adult.]

Based on the evaluation of the condition of the organs and tissues of the masticatory apparatus 275 (69 men and 206 women) people aged 25 to 86 years, including the 74 the elderly and old people suffering from diabetes mellitus type 2, chronic nonspecific inflammatory bowel disease, alcoholism, chronic kidney disease using the methods of electrodontometry, estesiometry, electro-gustometry, assessment thresholds and functional mobility of taste receptors of the tongue, studied age-related physiological and pathophysiological features of the masticatory apparatus. It was found that with age, the thresholds of pain sensitivity of teeth, oral mucosa, tongue and taste sensitivity increase, as well as there is a violation of the functional mobility of taste receptors. The presence in the elderly and old people of psychosomatic pathology, especially type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic alcoholism in older age groups exacerbates the existing age-related changes in pain, taste sensitivity, and also leads to severe violations of the directed reaction of taste receptors. Presented in the article indicators characterizing some age physiological and pathophysiological features of the masticatory apparatus of elderly and old people can be used as a starting point for studying the degree of functional disorders of the masticatory apparatus, as well as to take into account the degree of normalization of impaired functions in the treatment of people of older age groups.

Ajustes cinemáticos do complexo articular do tornozelo sobre diferentes superfícies instáveis / Kinematic adjustments of the ankle joint complex on different unstable surfaces

INTRODUÇÃO: Poucos estudos discutem as reações corporais de indivíduos saudáveis no momento em que os exercícios em superfícies instáveis estão sendo executados, embora os efeitos do treinamento ­ efeitos crônicos do exercício- sejam bastante estudados. OBJETIVO: Descrever a cinemática articular do tornozelo e retropé durante essa interação. MÉTODOS: Dezoito voluntários participaram do estudo. A posição articular da região do tornozelo foi estudada em três superfícies: Airex® Balance-pad, BOSU® e chão (controle). Para análise estatística, utilizou-se ANOVA e Pós-teste de Tuckey, considerando um nível de significância menor que 0,05. RESULTADOS: A posição articular da região tornozelo no plano sagital foi diferente no BOSU® em relação ao Airex® (p < 0.001) e ao chão (p < 0.001). O tornozelo ficou em posição mais próxima à neutra no AIREX® e no chão. Com o BOSU, a dorsiflexão foi acentuada. Não houve diferença da posição média no no plano frontal. A variabilidade da posição da região do tornozelo foi maior no BOSU® que no Airex® (p < 0.001) e no chão (p < 0.001), tanto no plano sagital, quanto no plano frontal. A frequência média de deslocamento da posição articular na região do tornozelo no plano sagital foi maior no BOSU® que no chão (p < 0.001); e no plano frontal, para o retropé, foi maior no BOSU® que no Airex® (p < 0.001) e chão (p < 0.001). CONCLUSÃO: Houve diferença no comportamento articular da região do tornozelo na condição BOSU® em relação às demais nas superfícies utilizadas, havendo um aumento das oscilações articulares no processo de controle postural em condições mais instáveis e maior dosiflexão no BOSU®. [AU]

INTRODUCTION: There are few studies approaching the bodily reactions of healthy individuals while performing exercises on unstable surfaces, although the training effects ­ exercise chronic effects - are well studied. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to describe the ankle and rear foot region osteoarticular kinematic during this interaction. METHODS: Eighteen volunteers participated in the study. The ankle region osteoarticular displacement was studied in three different surfaces: AIREX® Balance-pad, BOSU® and Ground (control). Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey test, considering a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: The position of the ankle joint in the sagittal plane was greater in the BOSU® than in the AIREX® (p < 0.001) and ground (p < 0.001). The ankle was close to the neutral position in the AIREX® and on the ground. With BOSU, the dorsiflexion was accentuated. Considering the frontal plane, there was no difference in the rear foot position. Moreover, the variability in the ankle region position in sagittal and frontal planes was higher in BOSU® than AIREX® (p < 0.001) and ground (p < 0.001). The mean frequency of the ankle position in the sagittal plane was greater in the BOSU® than on the ground (p < 0.001), and, in frontal plane, the rear foot frequency displacement was largest in the BOSU® than in the AIREX® (p < 0.001) and on the ground (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There were observed differences in ankle region postural control strategies in the BOSU® condition when compared with the other surfaces tested. The ankle and rear foot oscillations increase and there is a greater dorsiflexion for the postural control under the most unstable condition - BOSU. [AU]

Evaluation of Goniometry and Electrogoniometry of Carpus and Elbow Joints in the Barred Owl (Strix varia).

The motion of wing joints is a critical factor for successful flight in avian patients, but little information is available about goniometry in birds. Elbow and carpus joints in flexed and extended positions from 10 orthopedically normal wings of 6 adult wild barred owls (Strix varia) were evaluated with the animals under general anesthesia using a modified universal plastic goniometer and an electrogoniometer. These measurements were compared to those obtained using radiographic assessment. Intra- and interobserver reliability was calculated. Measurements in live animals were compared to those obtained from frozen-thawed carcasses. Results showed that the modified universal plastic goniometer can be used to obtain accurate results for elbow flexion and extension and for carpal flexion with good to excellent reliability compared to measurements collected from radiographic assessment. Measurements obtained using an electrogoniometer were less accurate and less reliable than those obtained with a plastic goniometer, possibly because of the size and configuration of the model used. Comparison of measurements from live animals and carcasses revealed no significant differences between mean measurements and suggested that further evaluation of carcasses as a model for study of goniometry measurements in avian wing joints should be considered.

Electrogoniometer measurement and directional analysis of wrist angles and movements during the Sollerman hand function test.

STUDY DESIGN: Clinical measurement. INTRODUCTION: To investigate the characteristics of wrist motion (area, axis, and location) during activities of daily living (ADL) using electrogoniometry. METHODS: A sample of 83 normal volunteers performed the Sollerman hand function test (SHFT) with a flexible biaxial electrogoniometer applied to their wrists. This technique is accurate and reliable and has been used before for assessment of wrist circumduction in normal volunteers. A software package was used to overlay an ellipse of best fit around the 2-dimensional trace of the electrogoniometer mathematically computing the area, location, and axis angle of the ellipse. RESULTS: Most ADL could be completed within 20% of the total area of circumduction (3686°° ± 1575°°) of a normal wrist. An oblique plane in radial extension and ulnar flexion (dart-throwing motion plane) was used for rotation (-14° ± 32°) and power grip tasks (-29° ± 25°) during ADL; however, precision tasks (4° ± 28°), like writing, were performed more often in the flexion extension plane. In the dominant hand, only 2 power tasks were located in flexion region (cutting play dough [ulnar] and pouring carton [radial]), precision tasks were located centrally, and rotation and other power tasks were located in extension region. DISCUSSION: This study has identified that wrist motion during the ADL requires varying degrees of movement in oblique planes. Using electrogoniometry, we could visualize the area, location, and plane of motion during ADL. This could assist future researchers to compare procedures leading to loss of motion in specific quadrants of wrist motion and its impact on patient's ability in performing particular ADL. It could guide hand therapists to specifically focus on retraining the ADL that may be affected when wrist range of motion is lost after injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic level III.

Validity of the Microsoft Kinect for measurement of neck angle: comparison with electrogoniometry.

INTRODUCTION: Considering the importance of evaluating working postures, many techniques and tools have been developed to identify and eliminate awkward postures and prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The introduction of the Microsoft Kinect sensor, which is a low-cost, easy to set up and markerless motion capture system, offers promising possibilities for postural studies. OBJECTIVES: Considering the Kinect's special ability in head-pose and facial-expression tracking and complexity of cervical spine movements, this study aimed to assess concurrent validity of the Microsoft Kinect against an electrogoniometer for neck angle measurements. METHODS: A special software program was developed to calculate the neck angle based on Kinect skeleton tracking data. Neck angles were measured simultaneously by electrogoniometer and the developed software program in 10 volunteers. The results were recorded in degrees and the time required for each method was also measured. RESULTS: The Kinect's ability to identify body joints was reliable and precise. There was moderate to excellent agreement between the Kinect-based method and the electrogoniometer (paired-sample t test, p ≥ 0.25; intraclass correlation for test-retest reliability, ≥0.75). CONCLUSION: Kinect-based measurement was much faster and required less equipment, but accurate measurement with Microsoft Kinect was only possible if the participant was in its field of view.

Ergonomic design and evaluation of a diagnostic ultrasound transducer holder.

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are injuries and disorders that affect the body's movement and musculoskeletal system. Awkward postures represent one of the major ergonomic risk factors that cause WMSDs among sonographers while working with an ultrasound transducer. This study aimed to design and evaluate a new holder for the ultrasound transducer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the first phase a new holder was designed for the transducer, considering design principles. Evaluation of the new holder was then carried out by electrogoniometry and a locally perceived discomfort (LPD) scale. RESULTS: The application of design principles to the new holder resulted in an improvement of wrist posture and comfort. Wrist angles in extension, flexion, radial deviation and ulnar deviation were lower with utilization of the new holder. The severity of discomfort based on the LPD method in the two modes of work with and without the new holder was reported with values of 1.3 and 1.8, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Overall, this study indicated that applying ergonomics design principles was effective in minimizing wrist deviation and increasing comfort while working with the new holder.

Dynamic knee joint function in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

BACKGROUND: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic illness with a high risk of developing long-term disability. Disease activity is currently being monitored and quantified by ACR core set. Here, joint inflammation is determined; however joint function is the crucial component for developing disability. The aim of this study was to quantify and compare dynamic joint function in healthy and arthritic knee joints and to evaluate response to improvement. METHODS: A single center cohort study of consecutive children presenting to the rheumatology outpatient clinic was performed to measure dynamic knee joint function. Serial measures were performed if possible. Splint fixed electrogoniometers were used to measure dynamic knee joint function including ROM and flexion and extension torque. RESULTS: A total of 54 children were tested including 44 with JIA, of whom eight had to be excluded for non-JIA-related knee problems. The study included 36 JIA patients of whom eight had strictly unilateral knee arthritis, and nine controls. Dynamic joint function ROM and torque depended on age and bodyweight, as demonstrated in healthy joints. ROM and torques were significant lower in arthritic compared to unaffected knee joints in children with unilateral arthritis and across the cohort. Importantly, extension torque was the most sensitive marker of impaired joint function. Follow up measurements detected responsiveness to change in disease activity. CONCLUSIONS: Measuring dynamic joint function with electrogoniometers is feasible and objective. Active ROM and torque during flexion and extension of arthritic knee joints were significant lower compared to unaffected. In dynamic joint measurement extension torque is a sensitive marker for disease activity.

Kinematic and electromyographic analysis of the Nordic Hamstring Exercise.

The Nordic Hamstring Exercise (NHE) has been introduced as a training tool to improve the efficiency of eccentric hamstring muscle contraction. The aim of this study was to perform a biomechanical analysis of the NHE. Eighteen participants (20.4±1.9years) performed two sets of five repetitions each of the NHE and maximal eccentric voluntary contraction (MEVC) of the knee flexors on an isokinetic dynamometer whilst knee angular displacement and electrical activity (EMG) of biceps femoris were measured. EMG was on average higher during the NHE (134.3% of the MEVC). During the forward fall of the NHE, the angle at which a sharp increase in downward velocity occurred varied between 47.9 and 80.5deg, while the peak knee angular velocity (pVelocity) varied between 47.7 and 132.8degs(-1). A significant negative correlation was found between pVelocity and peak EMG (r=-0.62, p<0.01) and EMG at 45deg (r=-0.75, p<0.01) expressed as a percentage of peak MEVC EMG. Some of the variables analyzed exhibited good to excellent levels of intra- and inter-session reliability. This type of analysis could be used to indirectly monitor the level of eccentric strength of the hamstring muscles while performing the NHE and potentially any training- or injury-related changes.

30o inclination in handles of plastic boxes can reduce postural and muscular workload during handling

BACKGROUND: The handling of materials, which occurs in the industrial sector, is associated with lesions on the lumbar spine and in the upper limbs. Inserting handles in industrial boxes is a way to reduce work-related risks. Although the position and angle of the handles are significant factors in comfort and safety during handling, these factors have rarely been studied objectively. OBJECTIVE: To compare the handling of a commercial box and prototypes with handles and to evaluate the effects on upper limb posture, muscle electrical activity, and perceived acceptability using different grips while handling materials from different heights. METHOD: Thirty-seven healthy volunteers evaluated the handles of prototypes that allowed for changes in position (top and bottom) and angle (0°, 15°, and 30°). Wrist, elbow, and shoulder movements were evaluated using electrogoniometry and inclinometry. The muscle electrical activity in the wrist extensors, biceps brachii, and the upper portion of the trapezius was measured using a portable electromyographer. The recorded data on muscle movements and electrical activity were synchronized. Subjective evaluations of acceptability were evaluated using a visual analog scale. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The prototypes with handles at a 30° angle produced the highest acceptability ratings, more neutral wrist positions, lower levels of electromyographic activity for the upper trapezius, and lower elevation angles for the arms. The different measurement methods were complementary in evaluating the upper limbs during handling. .