The Potential of Deep Learning in Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks and Noise Canceling for the Effective Monitoring of Aquatic Life.

This paper describes a revolutionary design paradigm for monitoring aquatic life. This unique methodology addresses issues such as limited memory, insufficient bandwidth, and excessive noise levels by combining two approaches to create a comprehensive predictive filtration system, as well as multiple-transfer route analysis. This work focuses on proposing a novel filtration learning approach for underwater sensor nodes. This model was created by merging two adaptive filters, the finite impulse response (FIR) and the adaptive line enhancer (ALE). The FIR integrated filter eliminates unwanted noise from the signal by obtaining a linear response phase and passes the signal without distortion. The goal of the ALE filter is to properly separate the noise signal from the measured signal, resulting in the signal of interest. The cluster head level filters are the adaptive cuckoo filter (ACF) and the Kalman filter. The ACF assesses whether an emitter node is part of a set or not. The Kalman filter improves the estimation of state values for a dynamic underwater sensor networking system. It uses distributed learning long short-term memory (LSTM-CNN) technology to ensure that the anticipated value of the square of the gap between the prediction and the correct state is the smallest possible. Compared to prior methods, our suggested deep filtering-learning model achieved 98.5% of the sensory filtration method in the majority of the obtained data and close to 99.1% of an adaptive prediction method, while also consuming little energy during lengthy monitoring.

Deep Complex Gated Recurrent Networks-Based IoT Network Intrusion Detection Systems.

The explosive growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) has highlighted the urgent need for strong network security measures. The distinctive difficulties presented by Internet of Things (IoT) environments, such as the wide variety of devices, the intricacy of network traffic, and the requirement for real-time detection capabilities, are difficult for conventional intrusion detection systems (IDS) to adjust to. To address these issues, we propose DCGR_IoT, an innovative intrusion detection system (IDS) based on deep neural learning that is intended to protect bidirectional communication networks in the IoT environment. DCGR_IoT employs advanced techniques to enhance anomaly detection capabilities. Convolutional neural networks (CNN) are used for spatial feature extraction and superfluous data are filtered to improve computing efficiency. Furthermore, complex gated recurrent networks (CGRNs) are used for the temporal feature extraction module, which is utilized by DCGR_IoT. Furthermore, DCGR_IoT harnesses complex gated recurrent networks (CGRNs) to construct multidimensional feature subsets, enabling a more detailed spatial representation of network traffic and facilitating the extraction of critical features that are essential for intrusion detection. The effectiveness of the DCGR_IoT was proven through extensive evaluations of the UNSW-NB15, KDDCup99, and IoT-23 datasets, which resulted in a high detection accuracy of 99.2%. These results demonstrate the DCG potential of DCGR-IoT as an effective solution for defending IoT networks against sophisticated cyber-attacks.

Arabic version of the intermittent and constant osteoarthritis pain questionnaire (ICOAP-Ar): translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and measurement properties.

BACKGROUND: Pain is the most incapacitating symptom of knee osteoarthritis (OA), with intermittent and/or continuous nature as described by the patients. Accuracy of pain assessment tools across different cultures is important. This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the Intermittent and Constant OsteoArthritis Pain (ICOAP) measure into Arabic (ICOAP-Ar) and evaluate its psychometric properties in patients with knee OA. METHODS: The ICOAP was cross-culturally adapted following the recommended guidelines from English. Knee OA patients from outpatient clinics were recruited to assess the structural (confirmatory factor analysis) and construct validity (Spearman's correlation coefficient - rho) to assess the relationship between the ICOAP-Ar and the pain and symptoms subscales of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), in addition to internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha and the corrected item-total correlation). A week later, test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)) was evaluated. Following four weeks of physical therapy treatment, the ICOAP-Ar responsiveness was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: Ninety-seven participants were recruited (age = 52.97 ± 9.9). A model with single pain construct showed acceptable fit (Comparative fit index = 0.92). The ICOAP-Ar total and subscales had a strong to moderate negative correlation with the KOOS pain and symptoms domains, respectively. The ICOAP-Ar total and subscales demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (α = 0.86-0.93). The ICCs were excellent (ICCs = 0.89-0.92) with acceptable corrected item total correlations (rho = 0.53-0.87) for the ICOAP-Ar items. The ICOAP-Ar responsiveness was good with moderate effect size (ES = 0.51-0.65) and large standardized response mean (SRM = 0.86-0.99). A cut-off point of 51.1/100 was determined with moderate accuracy (Area under the curve = 0.81, sensitivity = 85%, specificity = 71%). No floor or ceiling effects were found. CONCLUSIONS: The ICOAP-Ar exhibited good validity, reliability, and responsiveness after physical therapy treatment for knee OA, which renders it reliable for evaluating knee OA pain in clinical and research settings.

Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir in Adolescents With Chronic Hepatitis C and Hematological Malignancies Undergoing Chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: In children with hematological malignancies, chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been associated with more rapid liver disease progression and higher risk of malignancy relapse due to chemotherapy interruption. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of ledipasvir-sofosbuvir for 12weeks in these patients. METHODS: In a phase 2, open-label study, at one site in Egypt, patients ages 12-<18years with chronic HCV genotype 1 or 4 infection undergoing maintenance chemotherapy for hematological malignancies received ledipasvir-sofosbuvir (90 mg/400 mg) once daily for 12weeks. The efficacy endpoint was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12). Safety was assessed by the incidence of adverse events and clinical and laboratory data, including HCV flares defined as alanine aminotransferase >3-fold increase from Day 1 and HCV RNA elevation >1 × log10 from Day 1. RESULTS: Of the 19 adolescents enrolled and treated, median age was 14 years (range 12-17), 84% (16/19) were male, and all had HCV genotype 4 and were HCV treatment naive. All patients completed treatment and achieved SVR12 (19/19, 100%, 95% confidence interval, 82-100). Common adverse events were pyrexia (5/19, 26%), diarrhea (4/19, 21%), and headache (4/19, 21%). Three patients experienced serious adverse events of pneumonia (two patients), and osteoarthritis and diarrhea (one patient); none were considered related to study drug. No patient experienced HCV flares. CONCLUSIONS: Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir was well-tolerated and efficacious in adolescents with chronic HCV genotype 4 and leukemia undergoing maintenance chemotherapy. These data support the use of this interferon and ribavirin-free regimen in adolescents with hematological malignancies.

Relationship between sagittal spinal curves geometry and isokinetic trunk muscle strength in adults.

PURPOSE: Sagittal spinal deviation has been reported to be a significant musculoskeletal problem affecting both genders and could develop at any age. Factors triggering this issue are still not well defined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between sagittal spine angles and isokinetic peak, average torque, and power of trunk muscles in asymptomatic adults. METHODS: A convenient sample of 79 subjects with asymptomatic spine participated in this study. Thoracic and lumbar curves angles were measured using the Formetric 4D device. Thoracolumbar (T/L) ratio was calculated as an indicator of spine balance. Isokinetic peak and average torque and average power for trunk flexors and extensors were measured at 60°/s in seated and semi-standing test positions. RESULTS: Lumbar curve angle was moderately inversely correlated (p < 0.001) with peak extension torque (ρ = - 0.532 and - 0.495 in seated and semi-standing positions, respectively) and peak flexion torque (ρ = - 0.604 and - 0.542 in seated and semi-standing positions, respectively). The T/L ratio was found to be significantly associated (p < 0.001) with trunk extension torque (ρ = 0.422 and 0.378 in seated and semi-standing positions, respectively) and trunk flexion torque (ρ = 0.396 and 0.321 in seated and semi-standing positions, respectively). Similarly, average torque and power measurements were significantly correlated with lumbar curve angle and T/L ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Sagittal spine balance is associated with trunk muscles strength in adults, particularly, the lumbar spine muscles. Therefore, assessment of sagittal spinal balance and trunk muscles strength should be taken into consideration when designing rehabilitation programs for correction of sagittal spine curvature.

Effect of combined rehabilitation program with botulinum toxin type A injections on gross motor function scores in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

[Purpose] To examine whether combining botulinum toxin type A with physiotherapy is better than botulinum toxin type A alone in reducing muscle tone and improving gross motor function in spastic diplegia. [Subjects and Methods] Forty-six ambulatory children with spastic diplegia (age: 25-154 months) were recruited. Patients were assigned to Groups 1 (n=18) and 2 (n=28). After baseline assessment, all children received botulinum toxin type A injections (6 units/kg) into the lower limb muscles. A second botulinum toxin type A injection was given 6 months later. The ankles were placed in plaster casts for 2 weeks after the first injection and an orthosis was prescribed after cast removal. Group 2 received 2 weeks of intensive physiotherapy. The gross motor function scores for the 2 groups were recorded at baseline, 4, 6, and 52 weeks. [Results] The improvement in gross motor function scores was significant for Group 2 and non-significant for Group 1. After 4, 6, and 52 weeks, Groups 1 and 2 showed 2.6% and 6.3% improvement, 4.8% and 12% improvement, and 5.5% and 19.4% improvement, respectively. [Conclusion] The addition of a 2-week physiotherapy programme after the initial botulinum toxin type A injections produced significantly greater improvements in gross motor function scores.

Weight knowledge and weight magnitude: impact on lumbosacral loading.

Several factors can impact lumbosacral loads during lifting, including weight knowledge and weight magnitude. However, interaction between them has never been tested. This study investigated the interaction effect of these variables on lumbosacral forces and moments. Participants performed symmetrical lifts using three different weights. Weight knowledge involved known and unknown weight conditions. A biologically assisted dynamic model was used to calculate spinal loading parameters. Weight impacted all variables, while knowledge impacted only compression, by a moderate amount (5%), and spinal moments. Lifting a lightweight resulted in a difference of 16% and 7.2% between knowledge conditions for compression and anterior-posterior shear forces, respectively, compared with a negligible difference of < 1% when lifting a heavy weight. Increased spinal loading with light unknown weight can be attributed to increased muscular co-contraction. Weight knowledge is important to consider at low weight levels as it can increase tissue loading to values equivalent to lifting a heavier weight.

Building a better society: The Vital role of Family's social values in creating a culture of giving in young Children's minds.

This study aimed to investigate the role of families in instilling social values that enhance children's awareness of the culture of giving. A descriptive research design was used, and a sample survey method was employed, with 174 children participating. Results showed that the family's role in instilling social values was rated as moderate (weighted relative weight of 61.97%), with a total weight of 9705. The study also found that children face difficulties in adhering to the encouraging social values of volunteering. Specifically, the difficulties that children face were rated as moderate (weighted relative weight of 61.58%), with a total weight of 4822. One of the most important of these difficulties was the frequent family disputes between a child's parents that do not give them a way to practice volunteering. Besides, the families of some children are not interested in explaining the nature and mechanism of applying the encouraging social values of giving. Furthermore, the study revealed statistically significant differences in children's awareness of social values based on gender, age, educational stage, parents' educational level, and family cultural level. One of the study's key recommendations is to activate the role of families and educational institutions in organizing field visits for children to participate in voluntary and humanitarian programs. This would create constructive communication between children and vulnerable groups in society, such as orphans and the elderly, and deepen children's sense of the existence of these categories within society and the importance of providing support and assistance to them. Overall, this study highlighted the crucial role of families in instilling positive social values in children, which is essential for building a compassionate and committed future generation capable of giving back to society in various fields, particularly in human services.

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching exercises for treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction in patients with forward head posture: A double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching exercises have been widely advocated for the management of patients with different musculoskeletal conditions. However, its effect on the treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) in patients with forward head posture (FHP) has not been fully investigated. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of PNF stretching exercises on the treatment of TMD in patients with FHP. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial. Twenty-four patients with TMD and FHP aged from 18-40 years were randomly assigned to PNF or control group. The PNF group composed of 12 patients received PNF stretching exercises of masticatory muscles in addition to routine physical therapy treatment (FHP correction exercises and ultrasound for the temporomandibular joint); the control group composed of 12 patients received routine physical therapy treatment only. Interventions were conducted twice a week for six weeks. Craniovertebral angle, pain threshold, pain intensity, temporomandibular joint ROM, and temporomandibular joint function were assessed for all participants before and after the intervention. The outcomes were analyzed using Two-way mixed MANOVA. For further multiple comparisons, post-hoc tests with the Bonferroni correction were performed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between both groups pre-treatment (p> 0.05). Comparison between groups post-treatment revealed statistically significant differences in all outcome measures (p< 0.05) in favor of the PNF group. CONCLUSION: Adding PNF stretching exercises of masticatory muscles to routine physical therapy programs is an effective method for management of TMD in patients with FHP more than routine physical therapy programs alone.

Measuring uterine cavity volume with sonohysterography: A new objective method.

Introduction: The uterine cavity is a potential space with limited methods for evaluating its volume, limiting the evaluation of interventions' effectiveness in various uterine conditions. This study aims to objectively measure the uterine cavity volume using sonohysterography coupled with a Foley catheter to provide a normative model of age and parity-related uterine cavity volume. Methods: The research included 35 women (group 1) with a total abdominal hysterectomy and 150 women (group 2) who underwent sonohysterography for various gynecologic indications. Saline infusion sonography was administered to all patients. The most common shape obtained after the saline infusion was taken to measure the uterine cavity's dimensions and volume. The uterine cavity volumes, as measured by sonohysterography, and the volumes of saline injected after the hysterectomy were compared. Results: A significant association exists between uterine cavity volumes measured by sonohysterography and true volumes measured immediately after hysterectomy (p = 0.001). The association between uterine cavity volume measured by sonohysterography and using only a Foley catheter balloon was statistically insignificant (p = 0.13). A statistically significant positive association was observed between the uterine cavity volume and the patient's age and parity (p ⩽ 0.05). Conclusion: Measuring the uterine cavity volume using a paediatric Foley catheter balloon coupled with sonohysterography offers an objective approach to measuring a normal (without gross pathologies) uterus volume. This technique would improve the diagnostic accuracy and the management of women with distinct uterine cavity morphologies.

The combined effect of short foot exercises and orthosis in symptomatic flexible flatfoot: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Flatfoot is a musculoskeletal problem associated with dysfunctional active and passive supporting structures of the normal foot curvature. Strengthening of the intrinsic foot muscles or using shoe orthosis are recommend treatment approaches. However, investigating the effect of combining both approaches is still warranted. AIM: To examine the effect of applying short foot exercises (SFE) combined with shoe insole versus shoe insole alone on foot pressure measures, pain, function and navicular drop in individuals with symptomatic flexible flatfoot. DESIGN: Prospective, active control, parallel-group, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial and intention-to-treat analysis. SETTING: Outpatient physical therapy clinic of a university teaching hospital. POPULATION: Forty participants with symptomatic flexible flatfoot. METHODS: A six-week treatment protocol of SFE (three sets of 10 repetitions a day) in addition to shoe insole (eight hours a day) (experimental group, N.=20) or shoe insole only (eight hours a day) (control group, N.=20). Clinic visits were made at baseline and every two weeks for monitoring and follow-up. The static and dynamic foot area, force and pressure measures, pain, lower extremity function, and navicular drop were assessed at baseline and postintervention. RESULTS: Forty participants joined the study and 37 (92.5%) completed the six-week intervention period. Foot pressure, pain and function showed a significant interaction (P=0.02 - <0.001) and time (P<0.001) effects with a non-significant group effect in favor of the experimental group. Post-hoc analysis revealed that the experimental group had lesser pain (P=0.002) and better function (P=0.03) than the control group at six weeks. Navicular drop decreased equally in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of shoe insole and SFE for six weeks improved pain and function and altered foot pressure distribution greater than shoe insole alone in patients with symptomatic flatfoot. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Wearing shoe insole is an easy, but passive, treatment approach for a flatfoot problem. This study provided evidence regarding the added benefit of SFE. It is recommended that rehabilitation practitioners implement a comprehensive treatment protocol including both shoe insole and SFE for at least six weeks to achieve better results for their flatfoot patients.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical therapy practice in Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE: The new Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant impact on the medical sector worldwide, including physical therapy (PT). The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the PT services, and the associated psychological distress endured by PT practitioners in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to survey on-duty PT practitioners using a web-based questionnaire. Licensed PT practitioners working in Saudi Arabia (n = 265) participated and completed all the survey questions. The questionnaire comprised 30 questions covering the sociodemographic data and the outcome measures, which included the impact of the pandemic on the PT practice, use of telerehabilitation, administrative response during the pandemic, and PT practitioners' anxiety measured by the General Anxiety Disorder-7 scale. RESULTS: During the lockdown, disruptive impact on the PT practice was reported by most of the participants (80%). The majority of PT clinics/departments were either partially (43.8%) or completely (31.3%) shutdown, and therapists treated patients less than usual. Around 30% of participants reported using a telerehabilitation approach during the pandemic to communicate with patients, and about 33% received online courses and webinars to adapt the PT practice in response to the pandemic. About 21% of participants endured moderate to severe levels of anxiety, which was more pronounced among females. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the PT services in Saudi Arabia. Consequently, the number of patients treated was reduced, and therapists suffered notable psychological stress. Furthermore, although implemented, adaptive administrative measures were inadequate. Physical therapy practitioners and administrative authorities are encouraged to prioritize training and implementation of telerehabilitation as a likely prospective approach of PT practice.

Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on increasing the risks of children's addiction to electronic games from a social work perspective.

Children are among the social groups most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic because they have found themselves forced to stay at home, far from their schoolmates, their friends, and far from all the activities they used to do before the pandemic. so, it was their only refuge for recreation during their stay in Home is staying in front of the screens of tablets, smartphones, and computers to play electronic games for long hours, and there is no doubt that the sudden shift in the lifestyle of children during the Covid-19 pandemic had serious consequences and risks threatening their stability at all levels. In light of that, the current study aimed to determine the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on increasing the social, psychological, behavioral, and health risks of children's addiction to electronic games from a social work perspective. This study falls under the type of descriptive-analytical studies that are based on describing the reality of the problem under study. The study sample included 289 children in the age group 6-17 years in the first grade to the twelfth grade at school. The researcher designed a questionnaire that reflects the four risks facing children to assess these risks. The results showed is that the value of all impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the increasing risks of children's addiction to electronic games came to a total weight of (27907), weighted relative weight of (80.47%). This indication is High, indicating that the level of impact is High for the Covid-19 pandemic on the increase in all types of risks of children's addiction to electronic games. It ranked first " Behavioral Risks " at 91.15%, It is followed by the ranked second "Social risks " at 85.5%, Then came third place " Psychological Risks" at 80.91%, and in finally in fourth place " Health Risks" at 64.28%, which necessitates the need to take a set of serious measures by educating parents to monitor the content of electronic games that their children play, especially violent games, in addition to, reduce the number of hours the child spends practicing these games, and to encourage parents to form a bridge of communication and constructive dialogue between them and their children, and that parents put controls and restrictions on their children's practice of electronic games to confront abnormal behavioral, psychological and social patterns such as aggression, violence, deception, lying, imitation, vigilance, physical stress, poor eyesight, distance from practicing religious rituals, academic delay, introversion, depression, intolerance, selfishness, sadness, isolation from society, social withdrawal and lack of forming social relationships and lack of communication with others. The researcher took care that the results of the current study are very accurate and representative of the reality of the research problem, in light of the researcher's emphasis on the commitment to observe ethical rules to ensure the confidentiality of data. finally, the current study will greatly benefit researchers interested in the field of childhood and its problems and they will rely on its results and recommendations in how to protect children from the dangers of electronic game addiction in light of the Covid-19 crisis in particular.

The negative effects of social media on the social identity of adolescents from the perspective of social work.

The aim of this study was to understand the social identity levels of adolescents and to analyze the negative effects of social media on their social identity from the perspective of social work. The researcher used a descriptive-analytical technique in this study. The study's sample consisted of 200 adolescents (male and female) in the secondary stage at age group (15-18 years). The researcher designed a questionnaire based on the four main levels of James Marcia's theory of social identity. The results showed a variety of negative effects of social media on the social identity of adolescents in terms of "achievement - postponement - closure - dispersion", this requires taking serious measures from the family, the school, and other institutions to care for the family and the child to strengthen how to face these risks to protect the identity of adolescents from violating their privacy and negatively affecting their intellectual principles.

The impact of forward head posture on the electromyographic activity of the spinal muscles.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the electromyographic activity of the regional spinal muscle between patients with forward head posture (FHP) and those with a normal cranio-vertebral (CV) angle. METHODS: We recruited 60 adult women aged between 18 and 29 years from a single institution. The CV angle was measured in the sagittal plane, which helped us to assign the participants in the FHP group (n = 30) with a large CV angle (53.1 ± 2.3) and the control group (n = 30) with a normal CV angle (43.0 ± 3.6). The surface electromyography (EMG) was used to measure the magnitude of normalised muscle activity of eight spinal muscles (cervical, lumbar, and thoracic levels) while standing and performing a specific manual handling task. RESULTS: The CV angle was significantly lower in the FHP group than in the control group (p = .001). The cervical erector spinae (CES) muscle activity was significantly increased in the FHP group compared to that in the control group. The right and left CES of those in the FHP group exhibited 73% and 87%, respectively, higher normalised muscle activity than those in the control group while performing the manual handling task (p = .001). No significant difference was detected for the thoracic or lumbar segment muscles between groups. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that greater neck muscle demands result from anterior head translation in FHP. This effect is a counterbalance to the reduced CV angle and to support the neck. The increased activity of the neck muscles in FHP could demand more support from the neck muscles and might increase the risk of spinal injuries. Management of FHP is essential to avoid overloading the spinal muscles.

Letter to the Editor.

Reply to the Letter to the Editor concerning "Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Arabic Version of the Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain Questionnaire" Sports Med Int Open 2020; 4(01): E8-E12; DOI: 10.1055/a-1031-0947.

Habitual Use of High-Heeled Shoes Affects Isokinetic Soleus Strength More Than Gastrocnemius in Healthy Young Females.

BACKGROUND: Habitual use of high-heeled shoes (HHS) has been reported to negatively impact different body structures. However, few studies have investigated its effect on plantarflexor performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of habitual wear of HHS and knee joint position (to isolate the function of the gastrocnemius) on the isokinetic performance of the plantarflexors and ankle joint range of motion (ROM). METHODS: A high-heel (HH) group included 12 women (25.4 ± 4.8 y) who have been wearing HHS for ≥40 hours/wk and for at least a year. A control group (CTRL) had 12 women (21.3 ± 0.5 y) who have occasionally been wearing HHS for <10 hours/wk. Participants performed isokinetic (60 degrees/s) plantarflexion movements through a range set between 15 degrees dorsiflexion and 30 degrees plantarflexion. Ankle joint ROM and average peak plantarflexion torque and power were recorded in 2 knee joint positions, extension and 90 degrees flexion. RESULTS: Overall, torque was significantly affected by knee position (P = .04) and habitual use of HHS (P < .001), whereas power was impacted by knee position only (P < .001). Within each group, flexing the knee reduced isokinetic measurements. However, the reduction was greater for the HH group (torque: 54 Nm, power: 35.6 W) compared with the CTRL group (torque: 42 Nm, power: 32.5 W). Ankle joint ROM was significantly different between groups in knee flexion only. CONCLUSION: Flexing the knee limited the plantarflexor muscular performance and the limitation was more significant in habitual users of HHS compared to nonusers. Thus, it is concluded that habitual use of HHS impacts the contractile properties of soleus more than gastrocnemius. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The soleus is important for walking and anterior cruciate ligament protection. Thus, HHS users could be susceptible to injury and may need longer and more intensive posttraumatic rehabilitation. Therefore, clinicians should consider knee position when examining the plantarflexors of habitual HHS users.

Changes in muscular activity and lumbosacral kinematics in response to handling objects of unknown mass magnitude.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the main and interaction effects of mass knowledge and mass magnitude on trunk muscular activity and lumbosacral kinematics. Eighteen participants performed symmetric box lifts of three different mass magnitudes (1.1 kg, 5 kg, 15 kg) under known and unknown mass knowledge conditions. Outcome measures were normalized peak electromyography of four trunk muscles in addition to three dimensional lumbosacral angles and acceleration. The results indicated that three out of four muscles exhibited significantly greater activity when handling unknown masses (p<.05). Meanwhile, only sagittal angular acceleration was significantly higher when handling unknown masses (115.6 ± 42.7°/s(2)) compared to known masses (109.3 ± 31.5°/s(2)). Similarly, the mass magnitude and mass knowledge interaction significantly impacted the same muscles along with the sagittal lumbosacral angle and angular acceleration (p<.05) with the greatest difference between knowledge conditions being consistently occurring under the 1.1 kg mass magnitude condition. Thus, under these conditions, it was concluded that mass magnitude has more impact than mass knowledge. However, handling objects of unknown mass magnitude could be hazardous, particularly when lifting light masses, in that they can increase mechanical burden on the lumbosacral spine due to increased muscular exertion and acceleration.