Influence of Different Instrument Carrying Systems on the Kinematics of the Spine of Saxophonists

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 251-257
Author(s):  
Stephanie Piatek ◽  
Jürgen Hartmann ◽  
Petra Günther ◽  
Daniela Adolf ◽  
Egbert J Seidel
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Coefficient Of Variation ◽  
Body Position ◽  
Muscle Tension ◽  
Spinal Column ◽  
Axial Position ◽  
Musculoskeletal Complaint ◽  
Frontal Section ◽  
Head Posture ◽  
Larger Sample

AIMS: Back strain is a common musculoskeletal complaint affecting musicians, which may be related to unsuitable playing positions causing fatigue and muscle tension. In this study, three saxophone-carrying systems (neck-strap, shoulder-strap, and Saxholder) were examined for their effects on spinal column kinematics. METHODS: The influence of saxophone-carrying systems was investigated in 14 physically healthy alto saxophonists using ultrasound topometry. Additional tests were performed on 1 subject to examine the influence of the different weights of alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones with the three different carrying systems. RESULTS: The clearest difference between two systems (shoulder-strap vs Saxholder) was found in the angle at which the player’s head bows forward while playing (3.35°; 95% CI 0.44, 6.26; p=0.0272). The use of the Saxholder resulted in a physiologically favorable axial position of the head. The head posture to ankle distance showed that the shoulder-strap and Saxholder, compared to the neck-strap, allowed a sagittal straightening and therefore advantageous axially balanced body position, although the differences were not statistically significant. The Saxholder also enabled a stabilization in the frontal section of the shoulders. In additional tests on 1 subject, the coefficient of variation showed that the instruments’ weights had a larger influence on the physiologically favorable balanced body position than the different carrying systems. CONCLUSION: This pilot study was able to show that the technique of sonometric examination (Zebris) is an effective way to investigate the influence of instrument-carrying systems on the kinematics of the spine. The Saxholder may be physiologically advantageous, but further research with a larger sample is needed to verify the findings.

Effect of upper body posture on forced inspiration and expiration

1982 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 879-886 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Haas ◽  
M. Simnowitz ◽  
K. Axen ◽  
D. Gaudino ◽  
A. Haas
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Tension ◽  
Spinal Column ◽  
Peak Inspiratory Pressure ◽  
Body Posture ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Distance Runners ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Upper Body Posture ◽  
Residual Capacity ◽  
Expiratory Flow

The upper body posture naturally adopted by long distance runners was quantified, and its effects on ventilation were assessed in 14 subjects. Maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) and flow-volume loop maneuvers were performed in three seated positions: 1) natural running posture (RUN), with back angled forward 11 degrees, neck flexed, and head extended 35 degrees forward of the spinal column; 2) back vertical with head and neck as above (NEF); and 3) head and back vertical (VERT). MVV was significantly higher in RUN compared with both NEF and VERT, as were peak inspiratory pressure (PImax) from functional residual capacity, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and peak inspiratory flow (PIF). Expiratory flow at 50% of vital capacity was significantly higher in RUN and NEF than in VERT, consistent with reported increases in flow due to tracheal stiffening. The increased PIF and PImax in RUN indicate increased inspiratory muscle tension and/or improved transduction of tension into a more negative pleural pressure. Magnetometer tracings of rib cage dimensions demonstrated greater anteroposterior stability during maximal inspiratory efforts in RUN compared with VERT. The improved inspiratory function seen in RUN may be due to more effective diaphragmatic and/or accessory muscle function. These findings demonstrate that the position naturally adopted by long distance runners favors ventilation.

scholarly journals Anemia in relation to body mass index among female students of North Kerala: a pilot study

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (11) ◽  
pp. 3607
Author(s):  
Veena Thamban ◽  
Kavana G. Venkatappa ◽  
Swarnalatha P. K. ◽  
Sparshadeep E. M.
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Female Students ◽  
First Year ◽  
Nutrition And Health ◽  
Larger Sample

Background: Anemia among women causes many serious health problems and is pervasive in developing country. Many research studies have documented that malnutrition affects body growth and development, especially during the crucial period of adolescence. The association between anemia and body mass index (BMI) is a measure of nutrition and health status of adults. Aim was to study the association between anemia and BMI among female students.Methods: An observational study was conducted among first year medical and dental female students (n=109) aged 18-20years. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels (g/dL) by Sahli’s hemoglobinometer and BMI (kg/m2) were estimated. Anemia was defined as Hb content <12g/dL. Subjects were classified by BMI categories as underweight (BMI <18.5kg/m2), normal weight (BMI:18.5-24.99kg/m2), overweight (BMI ≥25kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥30kg/m2) according to WHO. Then the relation between anemia and BMI were statistically analyzed.Results: Overall, 48.62% female students were anemic. Of which 43.4% were underweight, 22.6% normal weight and 34.5% were above normal weight (over weight and obese). Mean value of hemoglobin was significantly decreased in underweight and overweight compared to normal weight (p<0.001). Anemia was significantly associated with BMI (χ2 =46.48, p=0.000).Conclusions: The study concludes the occurrence of anemia in both undernourished and over-nourished individuals which were significantly associated. Further studies are needed with larger sample size to document the factors that may be associated with anemia in females.

scholarly journals Exhaled Breath Condensate: Pilot Study of the Method and Initial Experience in Healthy Subjects

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-16
Author(s):  
Eva Peterová ◽  
Jaroslav Chládek ◽  
Darina Kohoutová ◽  
Veronika Knoblochová ◽  
Paula Morávková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Healthy Volunteers ◽  
Coefficient Of Variation ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Lung Diseases ◽  
Exhaled Breath Condensate ◽  
Exhaled Breath ◽  
Initial Experience ◽  
Major Disadvantage ◽  
Breath Condensate

Analysis of Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a re-discovered approach to monitoring the course of the disease and reduce invasive methods of patient investigation. However, the major disadvantage and shortcoming of the EBC is lack of reliable and reproducible standardization of the method. Despite many articles published on EBC, until now there is no clear consensus on whether the analysis of EBC can provide a clue to diagnosis of the diseases. The purpose of this paper is to investigate our own method, to search for possible standardization and to obtain our own initial experience. Thirty healthy volunteers provided the EBC, in which we monitored the density, pH, protein, chloride and urea concentration. Our results show that EBC pH is influenced by smoking, and urea concentrations are affected by the gender of subjects. Age of subjects does not play a role. The smallest coefficient of variation between individual volunteers is for density determination. Current limitations of EBC measurements are the low concentration of many biomarkers. Standardization needs to be specific for each individual biomarker, with focusing on optimal condensate collection. EBC analysis has a potential become diagnostic test, not only for lung diseases.

scholarly journals Forest Landowners' Willingness to Sell Carbon Credits: A Pilot Study

2009 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lena S. Fletcher ◽  
David Kittredge ◽  
Thomas Stevens
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
The United States ◽  
Carbon Markets ◽  
Private Forest ◽  
Private Forest Owners ◽  
Forest Owners ◽  
Forest Landowners ◽  
New Forest ◽  
Carbon Prices ◽  
Larger Sample

Abstract Sequestered carbon is a new forest product that could help private forest owners earn financial returns while keeping their forests intact. Private forest owners are responsible for 78% of forests in Massachusetts, and the carbon these trees sequester could be traded in emerging cap-and-trade carbon markets in the United States. In forming policy about climate change and forestry, it is important to understand the factors that influence the likelihood of landowners choosing to sell sequestered carbon and participate in the carbon marketplace. In this pilot study, we explored the likelihood of Massachusetts forest owners selling carbon sequestered on their forestland. We found that landowners significantly favor higher payments, no withdrawal penalty, and, unexpectedly, longer time commitments. We also found that at current carbon prices, very few participants (less than 7%) would be willing to sell. Additional studies need to be conducted, with a larger sample of respondents, which may elucidate how socioeconomic variables and ownership attitudes influence forest owners' willingness to enroll in carbon markets.

scholarly journals A Pilot Evaluation of On-Road Detection Performance by Drivers with Hemianopia Using Oblique Peripheral Prisms

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex R. Bowers ◽  
Mark Tant ◽  
Eli Peli
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Real World ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Heavy Vehicle ◽  
Blind Side ◽  
Road Detection ◽  
Trial Testing ◽  
Pedestrian Traffic ◽  
Larger Sample

Aims. Homonymous hemianopia (HH), a severe visual consequence of stroke, causes difficulties in detecting obstacles on the nonseeing (blind) side. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the effects of oblique peripheral prisms, a novel development in optical treatments for HH, on detection of unexpected hazards when driving.Methods. Twelve people with complete HH (median 49 years, range 29–68) completed road tests with sham oblique prism glasses (SP) and real oblique prism glasses (RP). A masked evaluator rated driving performance along the 25 km routes on busy streets in Ghent, Belgium.Results. The proportion of satisfactory responses to unexpected hazards on the blind side was higher in the RP than the SP drive (80% versus 30%;P=0.001), but similar for unexpected hazards on the seeing side.Conclusions. These pilot data suggest that oblique peripheral prisms may improve responses of people with HH to blindside hazards when driving and provide the basis for a future, larger-sample clinical trial. Testing responses to unexpected hazards in areas of heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic appears promising as a real-world outcome measure for future evaluations of HH rehabilitation interventions aimed at improving detection when driving.

scholarly journals The influence of the deep muscle training on postural control and muscle tone among stroke patients. Preliminary observations

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 5-9
Author(s):  
Elżbieta Szczygieł ◽  
Katarzyna Zielonka ◽  
Tadeusz Mazur ◽  
Joanna Golec ◽  
Alicja Turczyk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Postural Control ◽  
Muscle Tone ◽  
Body Position ◽  
Muscle Tension ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Muscle Training ◽  
Deep Muscle ◽  
Deep Body

Abstract Introduction: An ischemic stroke is one of the most common causes of disability among adults. The results of a stroke incident are: abnormal muscle tension, free movement and postural control dysfunction, walking disturbances, body asymmetry. They contribute to the significant changes in the proper functioning in daily life. The aim of the project was to assess the influence of the exercises that activate deep body muscles on the postural control and muscle tension among people after ischemic stroke. Material and methods: The study included 18 patients (7 women and 11 men) after ischemic stroke with hemiparesis. Those patients was divided into two groups: research group (RG): 9 patients (average age 61,33), time from the stroke: 2 months to 4 years, control group (CG): 9 patients (average age 69,56), time from the stroke: 2 months to 4 years. RG was following the standard exercise program and additionally was performing exercises which activate deep body muscles. CG was following only the standard therapy program. PUM chair was used for deep muscles exercises. The posture control was assessed according to the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patient and the muscle tension was assessed according to the Ashworth scale. Results: In the study group after deep muscle training reported a significant correlation between muscle spasticity of the lower and changes in body position. Conclusions: Obtained results indicate on the need to introduce deep muscles therapy in the reeducation of postural control among patients with hemiparesis and to continue research on more extensive group of patients.

scholarly journals Life Plus Mini Capsule S®, Novel Intubating Box – A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-33
Author(s):  
Boris Tufegdzic ◽  
Massimo Lamperti ◽  
Kyne Woodsford
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Endotracheal Intubation ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Test Conditions ◽  
Clinical Conditions ◽  
Larger Sample ◽  
Insight Into

To protect clinicians without access to recommended personal protective equipment during aerosol-generating procedures such as endotracheal intubation, various products have been introduced to clinical practice. The authors would like to present a pilot study with a novel intubating box, the LIFE PLUS MINI CAPSULE S®, which has improved systems to prevent the egress of particles from the box as well as a built-in HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) aspiration filter. Nineteen anesthesiologists simulated endotracheal intubation on a mannequin in test conditions with and without using the LIFE PLUS MINI CAPSULE S®. All anesthesiologists successfully intubated the mannequin at first attempt, and there were no failed intubations. The median (range) intubation time was 9.1 (2.0–25.0) seconds longer when the LIFE PLUS MINI CAPSULE S® was used, and there were no breaches of personal protective equipment. The leakage of airborne particles was analyzed using a Qualitative and a Quantitative Fit Test. Although our pilot study shows promising results, further research is required to validate our results in vivo and in a larger sample size which will provide us with a better insight into the efficacy and applicability of this safety tool in emergency and elective clinical conditions.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document