scholarly journals The Impact of Aging and Hand Dominance on the Passive Wrist Stiffness of Squash Players: Pilot Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taya Hamilton ◽  
Stan Durand ◽  
Hermano Igo Krebs
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Joint Stiffness ◽  
Estimation Methods ◽  
Dominant Male ◽  
Passive Joint ◽  
Average Ratio ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Wrist Stiffness

BACKGROUND Passive joint stiffness can influence the risk of injury and the ability to participate in sports and activities of daily living. However, little is known about how passive joint stiffness changes over time with intensive repetitive exercise, particularly when performing unilateral activities using the dominant upper limb. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the difference in passive wrist quasi-stiffness between the dominant and nondominant upper limb of competitive squash players, compare these results with a previous study on young unskilled subjects, and explore the impact of aging on wrist stiffness. METHODS A total of 7 healthy, right-side dominant male competitive squash players were recruited and examined using the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Wrist-Robot. Subjects were aged between 24 and 72 years (mean 43.7, SD 16.57) and had a mean of 20.6 years of squash playing experience (range 10-53 years, SD 13.85). Torque and displacement data were processed and applied to 2 different estimation methods, the fitting ellipse and the multiple regression method, to obtain wrist stiffness magnitude and orientation. RESULTS Young squash players (mean 30.75, SD 8.06 years) demonstrated a stiffer dominant wrist, with an average ratio of 1.51, compared with an average ratio of 1.18 in young unskilled subjects. The older squash players (mean 64.67, SD 6.35 years) revealed an average ratio of 0.86 (ie, the nondominant wrist was stiffer than the dominant wrist). There was a statistically significant difference between the magnitude of passive quasi-stiffness between the dominant and nondominant wrist of the young and older squash player groups (P=.004). CONCLUSIONS Findings from this pilot study are novel and contribute to our understanding of the likely long-term effect of highly intensive, unilateral sports on wrist quasi-stiffness and the aging process: adults who participate in repetitive sporting exercise may experience greater joint quasi-stiffness when they are younger than 45 years and more flexibility when they are older than 60 years.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Online Training and Supervisor Feedback on Safe Eating and Drinking Practices for Individuals With Developmental Disabilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-125
Author(s):  
Emaley McCulloch ◽  
Audra Cuckler ◽  
Elise Valdes ◽  
M. Courtney Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Online Training ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Follow Up Study ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Dysphagia is common in individuals with developmental disabilities. Little research exists on the impact of trainings aimed at improving Direct Care Staff's (DCS) use of safe eating and drinking practices. This article presents two studies using pre-and postexperimental design, evaluating online training to improve DCSs' knowledge and ability to identify nonadherence to diet orders. A pilot study (n = 18) informed improvements to the intervention. The follow-up study (n = 64) compared those receiving training with those receiving training plus supervisor feedback. There was no significant difference between groups after training. Both groups increased in knowledge and identification of nonadherence to diet orders. Online training may be an effective tool for training DCS in safe eating and drinking practices.

scholarly journals Acute Effects of Dermal Suction on Passive Muscle and Joint Stiffness

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1483
Author(s):  
Shota Enomoto ◽  
Tomonari Shibutani ◽  
Yu Akihara ◽  
Miyuki Nakatani ◽  
Kazunori Yamada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shear Wave ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Joint Stiffness ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Neutral Position ◽  
Acute Effects ◽  
Passive Joint ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Right ◽  
Passive Muscle

The aim of the present study was to examine the acute effects of dermal suction on the passive mechanical properties of specific muscles and joints. Dermal suction was applied to the calves of 24 subjects. Passive plantar flexion torque was measured with the right knee fully extended and the right ankle positioned at 20°, 10°, 0°, and −10° angles, where 0° represents the ankle neutral position, and positive values correspond to the plantar flexion angle. The shear wave velocity (SWV) (m/s) of the medial gastrocnemius was measured in the same position using ultrasound shear wave elastography. The relationship between the joint angle and passive torque at each 10° angle was defined as passive joint stiffness (Nm/°). Passive muscle and joint stiffness were measured immediately before and after the dermal suction protocol. When the ankle joint was positioned at 20° (r = 0.53, P = 0.006), 10° (r = 0.43, P = 0.030), and −10° (r = 0.60, P = 0.001), the SWV was significantly higher after dermal suction than that before dermal suction. Regarding joint stiffness, we found no significant difference between the pre- and post-dermal suction values (partial η2 = 0.093, P > 0.05). These findings suggest that dermal suction increases passive muscle stiffness and has a limited impact on passive joint stiffness.

4H-SiC Diode Avalanche Breakdown Voltage Estimation by Simulation and Junction Termination Extension Analysis

2014 ◽  
Vol 778-780 ◽  
pp. 824-827 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua Rong ◽  
Yogesh K. Sharma ◽  
Fan Li ◽  
Mike R. Jennings ◽  
Phil A. Mawby
Keyword(s):  
Breakdown Voltage ◽  
Schottky Diodes ◽  
Estimation Methods ◽  
Avalanche Breakdown ◽  
Curvature Effects ◽  
Element Simulation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Simulation Results ◽  
Avalanche Breakdown Voltage ◽  
The Impact

This paper presents and compares different avalanche breakdown voltage estimation methods in 4H-SiC (silicon carbide) using finite element simulation results on Schottky diode. 4H-SiC avalanche breakdown voltage and depletion width estimated with Baligas equations have shown to be higher than other estimation techniques and simulation results, especially for voltages higher than 5kV. This paper discusses the impact of choosing different junction termination extension (JTE) structures on two-dimensional junction curvature effects and electric field crowding for Schottky diodes Space-Modulated JTE (SMJTE) structure with optimum JTE dose and dimension could achieve up to 90% of the parallel plane breakdown voltage. For ultra high voltage devices (>15 kV) the SMJTE has significant improvement in terms of breakdown voltage. It also has a wider optimum JTE dose window. For 1 kV device there is not a significant difference in breakdown voltage between JTE and SMJTE structures.

scholarly journals Determinants of Post-Operative Cognitive Decline in Elderly People

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
J. Cartailler ◽  
C. Loyer3 ◽  
E. Vanderlynden ◽  
R. Nizard ◽  
C. Rabuel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Sociodemographic Data ◽  
Single Center Study ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Lower Limb Surgery ◽  
The Impact

Background: Surgery and anesthesia can result in temporary or permanent deterioration of the cognitive functions, for which causes remain unclear. Objectives: In this pilot study, we analyzed the determinants of cognitive decline following a non-emergency elective prosthesis implantation surgery for hip or knee. Design: Prospective single-center study investigating psychomotor response time and changes in MoCA scores between the day before (D-1) and 2 days after (D+2) following surgery at the Lariboisière Hospital (Paris, France). Participants: 60 patients (71.9±7.1-year-old, 72% women) were included. Measurements: Collected data consisted in sociodemographic data, treatments, comorbidities and the type of anesthesia (local, general or both). Furthermore, we evaluated pain and well-being before as well as after the surgery using point scales. Results: Post-operative (D+2) MoCA scores were significantly lower than pre-operative ones (D-1) with a median difference of 2 pts [IQR]=4pts, (p<0.001), we found no significant difference between locoregional and general anesthesia. Pre-operative benzodiazepine or anticholinergic treatments were also associated to a drop in MoCA scores (p=0.006). Finally, the use of ketamine during anesthesia (p=0.043) and the well-being (p=0.006) evaluated before intervention, were both linked to a reduced cognitive impact. Conclusion: In this pilot study, we observed a post-operative short-term cognitive decline following a lower limb surgery. We also identified pre and perioperative independent factors linked to cognitive decline following surgery. In a next stage, a larger cohort should be used to confirm the impact of these factors on cognitive decline.

scholarly journals Three Dimensional Upper Limb Joint Kinetics of a Golf Swing with Measured Internal Grip Force

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (13) ◽  
pp. 3672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyeob Choi ◽  
Sukyung Park
Keyword(s):  
Upper Limb ◽  
Grip Force ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Golf Swing ◽  
Estimation Methods ◽  
Joint Kinetics ◽  
Joint Force ◽  
Closed Chain ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Kinetics Of

The biomechanics of a golf swing have been of interest to golfers, instructors, and biomechanists. In addition to the complexity of the three-dimensional (3D) dynamics of multi-segments of body, the closed-chain body posture as a result of both hands holding a club together makes it difficult to fully analyze the 3D kinetics of a golf swing. To identify the hand-grip joint force and torque applied by each hand, we directly measured the 3D internal grip force of nine registered professional golfers using an instrumented grip. A six-axis force-torque sensor was connected to a custom-made axially separated grip, which was then connected to a driver shaft using a manufactured screw thread. Subjects participated in two sessions of data collection featuring five driver swings with both a regular and customized sensor-embedded grip, respectively. Internal grip force measurement and upper limb kinematics were used to calculate the joint force and torque of the nine-linkage closed-chain of the upper limb and club using 3D inverse dynamics. Direct measurement of internal grip forces revealed a threefold greater right-hand torque application compared to the left hand, and counterforce by both hands was also found. The joint force and torque of the left arm tended to precede that of the right arm, the majority of which had peaks around the impact and showed a larger magnitude than that of the left arm. Due to the practical challenge of measuring internal force, heuristic estimation methods based on club kinematics showed fair approximation. Our results suggest that measuring the internal forces of the closed-chain posture could identify redundant joint kinetics and further propose a heuristic approximation.

scholarly journals Residential Aged Care Pharmacist: An Australian Pilot Trial Exploring the Impact on Quality Use of Medicines Indicators

Medicines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 20
Author(s):  
Nicole McDerby ◽  
Sam Kosari ◽  
Kasia Bail ◽  
Alison Shield ◽  
Gregory Peterson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Hospital Admission ◽  
Medication Use ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Control Site ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Quality Use Of Medicines ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Background: This pilot study aimed to assess whether an on-site pharmacist could influence indicators of quality use of medicines in residential aged care. Methods: A pharmacist was embedded in a residential aged care home for six months. A similar control site received usual care. Polypharmacy, drug burden index, antipsychotic and benzodiazepine use, hospital admission rates and length of stay, and emergency department presentation rates were outcomes used to indicate medication use quality. Data were extracted from participating resident health records. Results: Fifty-eight residents at the study site and 39 residents at the control site were included in the analysis. There was a reduction in the proportion of residents at the study site who had at least one hospital admission at follow-up (28% to 12%, p < 0.01), but no significant difference in other outcomes. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that a residential care pharmacist may positively influence indicators of medication use quality in aged care; however, further research is needed to expand on these findings.

Victim Impact Testimony and Pennsylvania's Parole Decision Making Process: A Pilot Study

1992 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 187-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
William H. Parsonage ◽  
Frances P. Bernat ◽  
Jacqueline Helfgott
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Random Sample ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Probation And Parole ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Comparison Groups ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

While several states now permit victim participation in the parole process, little research exists concerning the extent, nature, and consequences of such involvement. During Fall 1991, the authors examined a random sample of 1989 parole cases decided by the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole in which victim testimony was proferred (experimental group), and a random sample of cases in which such testimony was not presented (comparison group). Decisional outcomes were compared between the experimental and comparison groups to determine the impact of victim testimony on the parole decisionmaking process in Pennsylvania. A significant difference was found between the groups—higher refusal rates were found in the victim testimony group despite comparable parole objective guidelines predictions, offender demographics, and offenses.

scholarly journals The Impact of Aging and Hand Dominance on the Passive Wrist Stiffness of Squash Players: Pilot Study

10.2196/11670 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e11670
Author(s):  
Taya Hamilton ◽  
Stan Durand ◽  
Hermano Igo Krebs
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Hand Dominance ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Wrist Stiffness

Implementation of a Symptom-Triggered Benzodiazepine Protocol for Alcohol Withdrawal in Family Medicine Inpatients

2009 ◽  
Vol 44 (10) ◽  
pp. 881-887 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon See ◽  
Sarah Nosal ◽  
Wendy Brooks Barr ◽  
Robert Schiller
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Family Medicine ◽  
Alcohol Withdrawal ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Fixed Dose ◽  
Medicine Service ◽  
Daily Alcohol Intake ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this pilot study was to review the implementation of symptom-triggered benzodiazepine therapy and evaluate the feasibility and outcomes as compared with a previous hospital standard of fixed-dose phenobarbital protocol for alcohol withdrawal on a family medicine service. Methods This retrospective chart review of 46 patients' medical records was performed on admissions to the family medicine service occurring between February and October of 2005 compared with February and October of 2006. Included in the study were adults who were suffering from alcohol withdrawal symptoms (AWS), who admitted to heavy daily alcohol intake, who were intoxicated on admission, and who had a history of AWS and/or history of AWS-related seizures. The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol Scale, Revised (CIWA-Ar) was used to evaluate the impact of individualized symptom-triggered therapy on outcome measurements utilizing symptom-triggered benzodiazepine therapy compared with the previous hospital standard using a fixed-dose phenobarbital protocol. Results One hundred percent of the patients in the phenobarbital group required drug compared with 38% in the benzodiazepine group ( P < 0.001). Fewer patients (9.5%) in the benzodiazepine group left the hospital against medical advice (AMA), while 36% of patients in the phenobarbital group left AMA ( P = 0.045). There was no significant difference in length of stay or the number of days on the protocol. Conclusion The results of the pilot study demonstrated that symptom-triggered therapy using benzodiazepines resulted in better outcomes than fixed-dosing phenobarbital. Importantly, most patients in the benzodiazepine group required no drug administration.

Comparing the impact of two types of bariatric surgery on food preferences: The BARIATASTE pilot study

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika Guyot ◽  
Sylvain Iceta ◽  
Julie-Anne Nazare ◽  
Emmanuel Disse ◽  
Anestis Dougkas
Keyword(s):  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Binge Eating ◽  
Weight Regain ◽  
Food Preference ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Vitamin Deficiencies ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

AbstractIntroduction:Up to day, the most effective treatment for obesity is bariatric surgery. Nevertheless, weight regain may occur in almost 20% of the patients. Furthermore, nutritional complications such as protein malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies remain common. Clinical experience and scientific literature suggest changes in food preferences after bariatric surgery, which may contribute to weight loss and/or weight regain independently of the surgically-induced reduction of energy intake. Yet, there is inconsistency among the studies as they do not always use objective measures to assess food preferences and only few considered and compared the different types of surgical technics. Our objective was to study the impact of the type of bariatric surgery on the liking and wanting of consuming certain foods varying in composition and appearance.Materials and methods:We conducted a cross-sectional clinical trial among 90 patients followed at the Integrated Center for Obesity/Hospital of Lyon. The patients were divided into three groups according to whether they had an unoperated severe obesity (OB), a sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) or a gastric bypass (RYGB). We assessed food preferences using the Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire (LFPQ), a behavioral computer task. Binge eating, impulsivity and food addiction were assessed with self-report questionnaires. Statistical analysis of food preferences included ANOVAs, post-hoc comparisons of groups two-by-two and linear regressions to adjust results for potential confounders. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) were performed to determine food preference patterns and groups of individuals with similar food preferences.Results:Our results showed a significant difference in liking scores, with the OB group having higher scores for high-fat savory (HFSA), high-fat sweet (HFSW) and low-fat sweet foods (LFSW) (p < 0.0001) relative to LSG and RYGB groups. Additionally, LSG had greater score of liking for HFSA than RYGB (p = 0.001). There was a high correlation between the binge eating score and the liking scores for HFSA, HFSW and LFSW (p < 0.001).Discussion:Our study expands the knowledge regarding changes in food preferences after bariatric surgery and may help to better understand potential underlying mechanisms by comparing two different surgical technics. This pilot study will be followed by a prospective study of food preferences after bariatric surgery using the LFPQ, a buffet type food in an experimental restaurant and sensory measurements. Eventually, our project may contribute to modulate post-operative nutritional interventions in order to facilitate the adoption of a healthy diet.

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