Validation of intraocular pressure measurement using tonometer AVIA across different postures: A Bland Altman analysis.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES: Tonometry is a fundamental procedure in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma. Different tonometers have been proposed but none are as accurate as the Goldman applanation tonometry (GAT). Nonetheless, due to the limitations of GAT, mobile tonometry methods became prevalent. This study aims to examine the reliability of the Tono-Pen AVIA® (TPA) in measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) across different postures. METHODS: A total of 196 eyes were prospectively examined for IOP changes using GAT and TPA. IOP measurements were taken across different postures using the TPA. Reliability of measurements was compared using interclass correlation coefficients (ICC), while agreement was represented using Bland-Altman analysis. Pearson r coefficient was used to measure correlations. RESULTS: When compared to GAT (14.5 ± 4.4 mmHg), IOP readings were significantly higher for TPA at both seated (16.5 ± 4.5 mmHg; p < 0.001) and supine (16.9 ± 5.7; p < 0.001) positions. The ICC values for GAT and TPA among seated and supine patients were 0.79 (0.54-0.90) and 0.76 (0.48-0.87) indicating good reliability between the readings. There were significantly positive correlations between GAT and TPA at both seated (r = 0.626, p < 0.001) and supine (r = 0.727, p < 0.001) positions. Per Bland-Altman analysis, limits of agreement were -8.57 to 4.37 for GAT and seated TPA and -10.34 and 5.34 for GAT and supine TPA. CONCLUSION: Good reliability exists between IOP measurements using GAT and TPA. However, the devices are not interchangeable and therefore cannot be used reciprocally in the same patient.

Breathing, postural stability, and psychological health: a study to explore triangular links.

Objective: This study aims to test the hypothesis that breathing can be directly linked to postural stability and psychological health. A protocol enabling the simultaneous analysis of breathing, posture, and emotional levels in university students is presented. This aims to verify the possibility of defining a triangular link and to test the adequacy of various measurement techniques. Participants and Procedure: Twenty-three subjects (9 females and 14 males), aged between 18 and 23 years, were recruited. The experiment consisted of four conditions, each lasting 3 minutes: Standard quiet standing with open eyes 1), with closed eyes 2), and relaxed quiet standing while attempting deep abdominal breathing with open eyes 3) and with closed eyes 4). These latter two acquisitions were performed after subjects were instructed to maintain a relaxed state. Main Outcome Measures: All subjects underwent postural and stability analysis in a motion capture laboratory. The presented protocol enabled the extraction of 4 sets of variables: Stabilometric data, based on the displacement of the center of pressure and acceleration, derived respectively from force plate and wearable sensors. Postural variables: angles of each joint of the body were measured using a stereophotogrammetric system, implementing the Helen Hayes protocol. Breathing compartment: optoelectronic plethysmography allowed the measurement of the percentage of use of each chest compartment. Emotional state was evaluated using both psychometric data and physiological signals. A multivariate analysis was proposed. Results: A holistic protocol was presented and tested. Emotional levels were found to be related to posture and the varied use of breathing compartments. Abdominal breathing proved to be a challenging task for most subjects, especially females, who were unable to control their breathing patterns. In males, the abdominal breathing pattern was associated with increased stability and reduced anxiety. Conclusion: In conclusion, difficulties in performing deep abdominal breathing were associated with elevated anxiety scores and decreased stability. This depicts a circular self-sustaining relationship that may reduce the quality of life, undermine learning, and contribute to muscular co-contraction and the development of musculoskeletal disorders. The presented protocol can be utilized to quantitatively and holistically assess the healthy and/or pathological condition of subjects.

Relationship Between Postural Asymmetry, Balance, and Pain in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy.

BACKGROUND: Primary symptoms of cerebral palsy (CP), such as spasm and weakness, can lead to secondary musculoskeletal problems. Exploring the interplay and impact of secondary symptoms is essential in CP management. METHODS: A total of 56 children (32 males and 24 females) aged eight to 12 years in level I to III of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) completed The Pediatric Balance Scale and Wong-Baker Faces Scale and the Posture and Postural Ability Scale. Relationships between the three groups were examined using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Tukey test, gamma coefficient, De Somers D, phi coefficient, Cramér V, and one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between balance and postural asymmetry (P < 0.001), and no significant difference in balance was there between the severe and moderate asymmetry groups (P = 0.759) and between the mild asymmetry and no asymmetry groups (P = 0.374). Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between postural asymmetry and each of the variables of pain (P < 0.001) and gross motor function (P = 0.002). Although a meaningful correlation was identified between balance and gross motor function (P < 0.001), the relationship between postural asymmetry and balance in GMFCS levels was not found (P = 0.052, P = 0.052, P = 0.233). Conversely, no significant relationship was detected between pain and gross motor function (P = 0.072). SIGNIFICANCE: Postural asymmetry negatively impacts balance and correlates with pain intensity. Addressing postural problems can contribute to pain management and improved balance.

Age and gender differences in the perception and use of soft vs. rigid exoskeletons for manual material handling.

We investigated age and gender differences in the perception and use of soft (Apex) vs. rigid (Paexo Back) passive back-support exoskeletons (BSE) for repetitive lifting and lowering. A gender-balanced sample of 20 young (18-30 years) and 16 old (45-60 years) individuals were recruited. In the first session, participants' self-reported maximum acceptable load (MAL) was assessed using a psychophysical approach. Changes in muscle activity and kinematics due to BSE use in repetitive lifting/lowering tasks were also assessed. Overall, both BSEs increased MAL (by ∼7%), and reduced trunk extensor muscle activity across all groups (by ∼7-18%), compared to the control condition. Both BSEs promoted more squatting postures, increased quadriceps muscle activity (by ∼34%) and abdominal muscle activity during asymmetric tasks (by 5-20%). Some age and gender differences were significant, particularly for the trunk kinematics when using the Apex. Future work should include more diverse user groups in studying willingness to adopt BSEs and characterising their consequent effects on the body.

Manual material handling is difficult to eliminate in several industries. There are now viable rigid and soft exosuit systems that can offer varying levels of support. We found both kinds of exoskeletons to be equally effective in reducing trunk extensor muscle activity, among young and old males and females.

Skeletal muscle architecture and aging: A comparison of ultrasound techniques and an assessment of intrarater reliability.

OBJECTIVE: To assess intrarater reliability of ultrasound-determined measurements of skeletal muscle characteristics across different measurement outcomes, imaging techniques, and age groups. METHODS: 2D ultrasound images (B-mode) of the quadriceps were obtained from young (26 ± 4 year, n = 8 M, 8 F) and older (70 ± 7 year, n = 7 M, 5 F) adults on two occasions, separated by 6 ± 3 days. With participants in both standing and supine postures, images were collected from five anatomical sites along the anterior (two sites) and lateral (three sites) compartments of the thigh corresponding to 56%, 39%, and 22% (lateral only) of femur length. Images were analysed for muscle thickness, pennation angle, and echogenicity. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to assess reliability. RESULTS: Muscle thickness values were higher (p < 0.05) on images collected in the stand versus supine posture only for muscles of the anterior compartment, independent of age. Echogenicity values were higher (p < 0.05) in the vastus intermedius on images collected in the supine versus stand posture only in older adults. Pennation angle values were not impacted by imaging posture (p > 0.05). ICC values for thickness, echogenicity, and pennation angle were generally higher for analyses conducted on images collected in the supine versus stand posture. Imaging posture generated a greater difference in ICC values in the lateral versus anterior muscles and in older versus younger participants. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that participant posture during imaging impacts the absolute values and intrarater reliability of ultrasound-determined muscle characteristics in a muscle-specific fashion, and this effect is greater in older compared to younger individuals.

Detection and Evaluation for High-Quality Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Based on a Three-Dimensional Motion Capture System: A Feasibility Study.

High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and training are important for successful revival during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). However, existing training faces challenges in quantifying each aspect. This study aimed to explore the possibility of using a three-dimensional motion capture system to accurately and effectively assess CPR operations, particularly about the non-quantified arm postures, and analyze the relationship among them to guide students to improve their performance. We used a motion capture system (Mars series, Nokov, China) to collect compression data about five cycles, recording dynamic data of each marker point in three-dimensional space following time and calculating depth and arm angles. Most unstably deviated to some extent from the standard, especially for the untrained students. Five data sets for each parameter per individual all revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). The correlation between Angle 1' and Angle 2' for trained (rs = 0.203, p < 0.05) and untrained students (rs = -0.581, p < 0.01) showed a difference. Their performance still needed improvement. When conducting assessments, we should focus on not only the overall performance but also each compression. This study provides a new perspective for quantifying compression parameters, and future efforts should continue to incorporate new parameters and analyze the relationship among them.

Measurement of Sedentary Behavior-The Outcomes of the Angle for Posture Estimation (APE) Method.

Hip-worn accelerometers are commonly used to assess habitual physical activity, but their accuracy in precisely measuring sedentary behavior (SB) is generally considered low. The angle for postural estimation (APE) method has shown promising accuracy in SB measurement. This method relies on the constant nature of Earth's gravity and the assumption that walking posture is typically upright. This study investigated how cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body mass index (BMI) are related to APE output. A total of 3475 participants with adequate accelerometer wear time were categorized into three groups according to CRF or BMI. Participants in low CRF and high BMI groups spent more time in reclining and lying postures (APE ≥ 30°) and less time in sitting and standing postures (APE < 30°) than the other groups. Furthermore, the strongest partial Spearman correlation with CRF (r = 0.284) and BMI (r = -0.320) was observed for APE values typical for standing. The findings underscore the utility of the APE method in studying associations between SB and health outcomes. Importantly, this study emphasizes the necessity of reserving the term "sedentary behavior" for studies wherein the classification of SB is based on both intensity and posture.

Spinal Postures and Mobility in Children with Achondroplasia vs. Age- and Sex-Matched Healthy Individuals: A Preliminary Report.

Background: Achondroplasia is a rare genetic disease, yet the most common form of dwarfism, characterized by limb shortening and disproportionate short stature along with musculoskeletal changes, such as postural deviations. Although postural changes in the spine in children with achondroplasia have been well investigated, little is known about the association of achondroplasia with spinal movements/mobility. Methods: This preliminary study aims to explore the association of achondroplasia with spinal mobility in children with achondroplasia compared to age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Spinal posture and mobility were assessed using a radiation-free back scan, the Idiag M360 (Idiag, Fehraltorf, Switzerland). Between-group differences were determined using a two-way analysis of variance. Results: Children with achondroplasia had smaller thoracic lateral flexion [difference between groups (Δ) = 20.4°, 95% CI 0.1°-40.6°, p = 0.04], lumbar flexion (Δ = 17.4°, 95% CI 5.5°-29.4°, p = 0.006), lumbar extension (Δ = 14.2°, 95% CI 5.7°-22.8°, p = 0.002) and lumbar lateral flexion (Δ = 19.6°, 95% CI 10.7°-28.4°, p < 0.001) than age- and sex-matched healthy individuals, except for thoracic extension (Δ = 16.5°, 95% CI 4.4°-28.7°, p = 0.009) which was greater in children with achondroplasia. No differences were observed in global spinal postures between the two groups. Conclusions: Spinal mobility appears to be more influenced by achondroplasia than global spinal postures in childhood. These results also highlight the importance of considering the musculoskeletal assessment of segmental spinal postures and rehabilitative interventions aimed at promoting spinal flexibility in children with achondroplasia.

Two Methods of Forward Head Posture Assessment: Radiography vs. Posture and Their Clinical Comparison.

Background: Forward head posture (FHP) and altered cervical lordotic curvatures are common spine displacements often associated with neck pain and disability. Two primary categories for determining FHP exist: radiographic and postural measurements. Methods: This study investigated the correlation between the craniovertebral angle (CVA), the radiographically measured C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), and cervical lordosis (absolute rotation angle: ARA C2-C7) in a sample of participants with chronic myofascial pain (CMP). In 120 participants, we performed both a postural measurement of the CVA and a lateral cervical radiograph, where the C2-C7 SVA and ARA C2-C7 were measured. A linear-regression R2 value to assess the correlation between the CVA, C2-C7 SVA, and ARA C2-C7 was sought. Results: A statistically significant weak linear fit was identified (Spearman's r = 0.549; R2 = 0.30, p < 0.001) between the CVA and C2-C7 SVA, having considerable variation between the two measures. A statistically significant linear fit (very weak) was identified for the lordosis ARA C2-C7 and the CVA: Spearman's r = 0.524; R2 = 0.275; p < 0.001. A value of 50° for the CVA corresponded to a value of 20 mm for the C2-C7 SVA on an X-ray. Conclusion: While the CVA and radiographic C2-C7 SVA are weakly correlated in an individual, they seem to represent different aspects of sagittal cervical balance. The CVA cannot replace radiographically measured cervical lordosis. We recommend that more emphasis be given to radiographic measures of sagittal cervical alignment than the CVA when considering patient interventions.

Individual-specific postural discomfort prediction using decision tree models.

The objective of the current study was to explore the utilization of the decision tree (DT) algorithm to model posture-discomfort relationships at the individual level. The DT algorithm has the advantage that it makes no assumptions about the distribution of data, is robust in representing non-linear data with noise, and produces white-box models that are interpretable. Individual-level modelling is essential for examining individual-specific postural discomfort perception processes and understanding the inter-individual variability. It also has practical applications, including the development of individual-specific digital human models and more precise and informative population accommodation analysis. Individual-specific DT models were generated using postural discomfort rating data for various seated upper body postures to predict discomfort based on postural and task variables. The individual-specific DT models accurately predicted postural discomfort and revealed large inter-individual variability in the modelling results. DT modelling is expected to greatly facilitate investigating the human discomfort perception process.

Influence of short bouts of stair climbing on young adults during prolonged sitting on posture, discomfort, and musculoskeletal performance outcomes: a counterbalanced pilot randomised crossover trial.

Prolonged sitting is postulated to influence musculoskeletal performance (cervical flexor endurance, balance, and agility), discomfort and alter cervical spine angles during work-based computer use. Stair climbing breaks may be a great addition at typical and home offices however remain unexplored for its impact on musculoskeletal performance. In our counterbalanced pilot crossover trial, 24 adults were randomised to three interventions: (1) prolonged sitting, (2) interrupted by 2 min of self-paced, and (3) externally paced stair climbing for 2 h. Cervical spine angles were measured every 30 min while balance, agility, endurance, and discomfort were assessed before and after 120 min. Stair climbing interruptions have favourable effects on agility (F = 8.12, p = 0.009, ηp2 = 0.26) and musculoskeletal discomfort, but failed to improve other musculoskeletal outcomes associated with prolonged sitting. Brief stair climbing interruptions are effective in improving discomfort and agility while pragmatic trials are warranted for translated effects.

Stair climbing interventions are known for their cardiovascular benefits, however their impact on musculoskeletal performance remains unclear. In our randomised crossover pilot study, we explored the effects of stair climbing interruptions on cervical posture, endurance, agility, and balance during 120 min of prolonged sitting. Stair climbing interruptions were favourable in reducing time to complete agility tasks and neck/shoulder discomfort score compared to prolonged sitting. However other performance measures remained unaltered.

Improving wheelchair user sitting posture to alleviate lumbar fatigue: a study utilizing sEMG and pressure sensors.

Background: The wheelchair is a widely used rehabilitation device, which is indispensable for people with limited mobility. In the process of using a wheelchair, they often face the situation of sitting for a long time, which is easy to cause fatigue of the waist muscles of the user. Therefore, this paper hopes to provide more scientific guidance and suggestions for the daily use of wheelchairs by studying the relationship between the development of muscle fatigue and sitting posture. Methods: First, we collected surface Electromyography (sEMG) of human vertical spine muscle and analyzed it in the frequency domain. The obtained Mean Power Frequency (MPF) was used as the dependent variable. Then, the pose information of the human body, including the percentage of pressure points, span, and center of mass as independent variables, was collected by the array of thin film pressure sensors, and analyzed by a multivariate nonlinear regression model. Results: When the centroid row coordinate of the cushion pressure point is about 16(range, 7.7-16.9), the cushion pressure area percentage is about 80%(range, 70.8%-89.7%), and the cushion pressure span range is about 27(range, 25-31), the backrest pressure point centroid row coordinate is about 15(range, 9.1-18.2), the backrest pressure area percentage is about 35%(range, 11.8%-38.7%), and the backrest pressure span range is about 16(range, 9-22). At this time, the MPF value of the subjects decreased by a small percentage, and the fatigue development of the muscles was slower. In addition, the pressure area percentage at the seat cushion is a more sensitive independent variable, too large or too small pressure area percentage will easily cause lumbar muscle fatigue. Conclusion: The results show that people should sit in the middle and back of the seat cushion when riding the wheelchair, so that the Angle of the hip joint can be in a natural state, and the thigh should fully contact the seat cushion to avoid the weight of the body concentrated on the buttocks; The back should be fully in contact with the back of the wheelchair to reduce the burden on the waist, and the spine posture can be adjusted appropriately according to personal habits, but it is necessary to avoid maintaining a chest sitting position for a long time, which will cause the lumbar spine to be in an unnatural physiological Angle and easily lead to fatigue of the waist muscles.

Plantar load distribution with centers of gravity balance and rearfoot posture in daily lives of Taiwanese college elite table tennis players: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Table tennis is an asymmetric sport involving the powerful forward swing of the upper limbs depends on the solid support of the lower limbs. The foot drive really affects the weight balance and stroke accuracy even though the distance and momentum of the lower limb displacement are limited within a limited range. Given that previous research on table tennis has typically focused on the footwork and stroke performance of professional players, the study aimed to investigate the daily static and dynamic plantar load distribution as well as the centers of gravity balance and rearfoot posture among Taiwanese college elite table tennis players. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 70 elite male table tennis players (age: 20.0 ± 0.9 years; height: 173.4 ± 5.1 cm, weight: 67.6 ± 5.3 kg, experience: 10.0 ± 1.6 years) and 77 amateur table tennis players of the same gender (age: 20.1 ± 0.8 years, height: 167.4 ± 4.4 cm, weight: 64.3 ± 4.0 kg, experience: 4.4 ± 1.2 years) from Taiwanese universities. The JC Mat optical plantar pressure analyzer was applied to determine the plantar load distribution along with arch index (AI) and centers of gravity balance. Assessment of rearfoot postural alignment was mainly used to contrast the performance of the centers of gravity balance. Results: The static arch indices of both feet in the elite group were symmetrical and considered normal arches (AI: 0.22 ± 0.07) during their non-training and non-competition daily lives. Their static plantar loads were symmetrically concentrated on the bipedal lateral metatarsals (P < 0.05) as well as shifted to the medial and lateral heels (P < 0.05) and the lateral metatarsals (P < 0.05) during the walking midstance phase. Additionally, the plantar loads were mainly applied to the bipedal medial (P < 0.01) and lateral heels (P < 0.05) during the transitional changes between both states. Elite athletes had symmetrical and evenly distributed centers of gravity on both feet (left: 50.03 ± 4.47%; right: 49.97 ± 4.47%) when standing statically, along with symmetrical rearfoot angles and neutral position of the subtalar joint (left: 2.73 ± 2.30°; right: 2.70 ± 2.32°) even though they were statistically lower than those of the amateur athletes (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The daily static and dynamic foot patterns of Taiwanese college elite table tennis players were characterized by plantar load distribution on the lateral metatarsals and the entire calcaneus along with balanced centers of gravity and normal rearfoot posture. This foot and posture layout outlines the excellent athletic performance of the foot and ankle in professional athletes. Portions of this text were previously published as part of a preprint (https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2993403/v1).

Adult-onset Sacral Meningocele Causing a Specific Headache Triggered by Compression or Adoption of a Sitting or Supine Posture.

We report a rare case of adult-onset sacral meningocele where compression triggered a specific headache. A 46-year-old woman presented with a headache, which worsened when she was in a sitting or supine position. A subcutaneous mass was observed on her left buttock, the compression of which also induced headache. No neurological deficits were evident. Lumbar and sacral magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a meningocele in the left dorsal buttock, connecting to the sacral cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space, and spinal computed tomography revealed sacral dysplasia. Initial meningocele resection improved the patient's headache, but the cyst recurred 2 years later. Following repeated surgery to reinforce the meningocele orifice, the headache was relieved and has been absent for more than 6 years. The headache was due to intracranial pressure fluctuations due to CSF influx into and drainage from the meningocele. Meningocele development in adulthood can be owing to a spinal bone defect and pressure load on the spinal dura. Surgical resection can improve symptoms resulting from meningocele, and reinforcement of the orifice using an artificial surgical membrane effectively prevents recurrence.

The Effectiveness of Early Rehabilitation in Limiting the Progression of Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess specific rehabilitation methods' effectiveness in early idiopathic scoliosis (IS) development, focusing on lower limb functional inequality's role in scoliosis progression. Materials and Methods: This study comprised 812 patients aged 6-16 years at risk of developing idiopathic scoliosis (IS). The mean (SD) age was 10.66 (3.16) years. Patients were categorized into high- and medium-risk groups based on the angle of trunk rotation (ATR) size. Specific scoliosis physiotherapy was used, and the average follow-up period was 28.1 ± 14.5 months. Changes in ATR, Cobb angle, and functional length of the lower limbs pre- and post-treatment were statistically analyzed across three age groups (6-9, 10-12, and 13-16 years) and three scoliosis locations. Results: Significant effectiveness of early rehabilitation was observed in the high-risk group of children aged 6-9 years. In the medium-risk group, significant reductions in ATR were observed in both the 6-9 and 10-12 age groups across all three scoliosis locations. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in the Cobb angle in the thoracolumbar region and a significant reduction in lower limb inequality across all age groups and scoliosis locations. Conclusions: The early implementation of specific physiotherapy may enhance the efficacy of idiopathic scoliosis treatment by attenuating factors contributing to its progression.

The Impact of Interaction between Body Posture and Movement Pattern Quality on Injuries in Amateur Athletes.

Background: this study aimed to examine the impact of interaction between body posture and the quality of movement patterns on injury frequencies in amateur athletes. Methods: The study sample consisted of 89 young amateur athletes. Movement pattern quality was assessed by the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), test and body posture in the frontal plane was assessed by the moire method for the parameters Shoulder Slope Angle, Lower Scapula Protrusion Difference, and Pelvic Tilt Angle. Injury data were collected through completion of the Injury History Questionnaire for the past 12 months. Results: Using cluster analysis, participants were allocated into a either category with good (BPg) body posture or poor (BPp), and using FMS cutoff points (14), either a category of good movement pattern quality (MPg) or poor (MPp). Two-way ANOVA was performed, and the Bonferroni post-hoc test revealed a reduction in injuries among participants from the MPg-BPg group compared to the other three groups (p < 0.05). However, no interaction between factors was revealed. No statistically significant differences were observed among the remaining three groups in the case of injury prevalence (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A combination of proper body posture and high-quality movement patterns is associated with a lower frequency of injuries, without direct interaction between chosen factors, which suggests that they impact injury risk independently. Practicing suitable BP and ensuring high-quality MPs should be regarded as a strategy in injury prevention.

Immediate Effect of Simulated High Heels on Pelvic and Spinal Posture in Healthy Young Subjects: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Investigations regarding the role of high-heeled shoes in the alteration of the spinopelvic profile attempted to identify a correlation with pain in the lower back. Conclusions from these studies, however, are controversial. In authors knowledge no studies were carried out to investigate the effect of heels on male population, which has been overlooked due to gender-related customs. Research question What is the immediate effect of the height of heels on the sagittal back profile (trunk inclination (TI), pelvic inclination, lordotic lumbar angle (ITL-ILS), kyphotic dorsal angle, lumbar arrow, and cervical arrow) in females and males, not used to wearing high-heeled shoes? Methods One hundred healthy young adult subjects were enrolled. Three were excluded. The remaining 97 subjects (48 female and 49 male) underwent a three-dimensional analysis of the posterior surface of the trunk, using rasterstereography. The spinopelvic profile in the barefoot condition, and with the heel raised by 3 and 7 cm, was recorded. To evaluate the reproducibility of the measure, the neutral evaluation was repeated twice in 23 subjects (13 males, 10 females). Results The change of heel height did not show statistically significant differences for any of the variables used; instead, significant differences were found stratifying the results according to the sex of the subjects tested. Test-retest evaluation in the neutral condition showed no significant differences using the Student's t-test (p > 0.05). Repeatability was excellent and significant for all data used (minimum TI r = 0.85, maximum ITL-ILS r = 0.97). Significance Studying the effect of heels on the spino-pelvic profile also in the male population is crucial for promoting gender-inclusive healthcare, enhancing occupational health practices and developing possible preventive measures. Nevertheless, in the sample of females and males evaluated in this study, the different heights of heel lift did not immediately induce significant changes in pelvis and spine posture. If there is therefore a correlation between low-back pain and the use of heels, it should not reasonably be sought in the immediate change of the spino-pelvic profile caused by raising the heels. However, the variables analyzed differed according to sex.

Neural correlates of breath work, mental imagery of yoga postures, and meditation in yoga practitioners: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study.

Objective: Previous research has shown numerous health benefits of yoga, a multicomponent physical and mental activity. The three important aspects of both traditional and modern yoga are breath work, postures, and meditation. However, the neural mechanisms associated with these three aspects of yoga remain largely unknown. The present study investigated the neural underpinnings associated with each of these three yoga components in long- and short-term yoga practitioners to clarify the neural advantages of yoga experience, aiming to provide a more comprehensive understanding of yoga's health-promoting effects. Methods: Participants were 40 Chinese women, 20 with a long-term yoga practice and 20 with a short-term yoga practice. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was conducted while participants performed abdominal breathing, mental imagery of yoga postures, and mindfulness meditation. The oxygenated hemoglobin concentrations activated in the brain during these three tasks were used to assess the neural responses to the different aspects of yoga practice. The self-reported mastery of each yoga posture was used to assess the advantages of practicing yoga postures. Results: Blood oxygen levels in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during breath work were significantly higher in long-term yoga practitioners than in short-term yoga practitioners. In the mental imagery of yoga postures task, self-reported data showed that long-term yoga practitioners had better mastery than short-term practitioners. Long-term yoga practitioners demonstrated lower activation in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, with lower blood oxygen levels associated with performing this task, than short-term yoga practitioners. In the mindfulness meditation task, blood oxygen levels in the orbitofrontal cortex and the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex were significantly higher in long-term yoga practitioners than in short-term yoga practitioners. Conclusion: The three core yoga components, namely, yogic breathing, postures, and meditation, showed differences and similarities in the activation levels of the prefrontal cortex. Long-term practice of each component led to the neural benefits of efficient activation in the prefrontal cortex, especially in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex.

Optimization of the clinical diagnostic examination algorithm of patients with a cross bite complicated by cranio-mandibular dysfunction and postural disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: Optimization of the clinical and diagnostic examination algorithm of patients with cross bite, aggravated by cranio-mandibular dysfunction and postural disorders. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: 22 patients aged 13-16 years with cross bite with displacement of the lower jaw were examined. The first group consisted of 15 people with a right-sided displacement of the lower jaw, the second - 7 patients with a left-sided one. The condition of the musculoskeletal system was assessed by the position of the head, shoulders, shoulder blades, back (curvature of the spine), legs, chest shape, and abdomen. To determine the state of stability of the body in space, posturological and kinesiological tests were performed. The location of TMJ elements was evaluated on orthopantomograms. Statistical processing of the material was carried out with the help of the "Excel" license package. RESULTS: Results: 63.64% of patients with a cross bite have disorders of the musculoskeletal system: scoliotic posture - 40.91% and scoliosis - 22.73%. TMJ dysfunction was detected in all examined patients. It was established that the anatomical and topographic features of the joint elements depend on the side of the lower jaw displacement. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The functional imbalance of all structural elements of the musculoskeletal system and the cranio-mandibular complex determined during the research proved the need to optimize the clinical-diagnostic algorithm: consultation of a traumatologist-orthopedic doctor, X-ray examination of TMJ, conducting posturological tests.

Interoceptive posture awareness and accuracy: a novel photographic strategy towards making posture actionable.

Interoception, sometimes referred to as the 'hidden sense,' communicates the state of internal conditions for autonomic energy regulation and is important for human motor control as well as self-awareness. The insula, the cortex of interoception, integrates internal senses such as hunger, thirst and emotions. With input from the cerebellum and proprioceptive inputs, it creates a vast sensorimotor network essential for static posture and dynamic movement. With humans being bipedal to allow for improved mobility and energy utilization, greater neuromotor control is required to effectively stabilize and control the four postural zones of mass (i.e., head, torso, pelvis, and lower extremities) over the base of support. In a dynamic state, this neuromotor control that maintains verticality is critical, challenging energy management for somatic motor control as well as visceral and autonomic functions. In this perspective article, the authors promote a simple series of posture photographs to allow one to integrate more accurate alignment of their postural zones of mass with respect to the gravity line by correlating cortical interoception with cognitive feedback. Doing this focuses one on their body perception in space compared to the objective images. Strengthening interoceptive postural awareness can shift the net result of each zone of postural mass during day-to-day movement towards stronger posture biomechanics and can serve as an individualized strategy to optimize function, longevity, and rehabilitation.