scholarly journals Unobtrusive Estimation of Cardiovascular Parameters with Limb Ballistocardiography

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (13) ◽  
pp. 2922 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Yao ◽  
Sungtae Shin ◽  
Azin Mousavi ◽  
Chang-Sei Kim ◽  
Lisheng Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Upper Limb ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Peripheral Resistance ◽  
Physiological Mechanism ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Time Intervals ◽  
Processing Procedure ◽  
Characteristic Features ◽  
The Relationship

This study investigates the potential of the limb ballistocardiogram (BCG) for unobtrusive estimation of cardiovascular (CV) parameters. In conjunction with the reference CV parameters (including diastolic, pulse, and systolic pressures, stroke volume, cardiac output, and total peripheral resistance), an upper-limb BCG based on an accelerometer embedded in a wearable armband and a lower-limb BCG based on a strain gauge embedded in a weighing scale were instrumented simultaneously with a finger photoplethysmogram (PPG). To standardize the analysis, the more convenient yet unconventional armband BCG was transformed into the more conventional weighing scale BCG (called the synthetic weighing scale BCG) using a signal processing procedure. The characteristic features were extracted from these BCG and PPG waveforms in the form of wave-to-wave time intervals, wave amplitudes, and wave-to-wave amplitudes. Then, the relationship between the characteristic features associated with (i) the weighing scale BCG-PPG pair and (ii) the synthetic weighing scale BCG-PPG pair versus the CV parameters, was analyzed using the multivariate linear regression analysis. The results indicated that each of the CV parameters of interest may be accurately estimated by a combination of as few as two characteristic features in the upper-limb or lower-limb BCG, and also that the characteristic features recruited for the CV parameters were to a large extent relevant according to the physiological mechanism underlying the BCG.

The Personal Sociability and Connections Scale (PeSCS): Development and initial assessment at a primary care facility

2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402199351
Author(s):  
Emmanouil K Symvoulakis ◽  
Manolis Linardakis ◽  
Apostolos Kamekis ◽  
Myfanwy Morgan ◽  
Spyridon Klinis
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Interpersonal Relations ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Northern Greece ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose: An individual’s lack of social connections and social isolation is often associated with feelings of loneliness which is regarded as having a negative effect on health. This paper describes the development and assessment of a 10 item ‘Personal Sociability and Connections Scale’ (PeSCS) to measure individual’s disposition and accompanying skills to seek out companionship and engage in interpersonal relations. Methods: The study was conducted at a rural primary care unit in Northern Greece. A total of 199 attenders were recruited over a 6-week period in 2020 and questionnaires completed. This informed the 10-items PeSCS that comprises Social, Behavioral, and Emotional components focusing on the expression of social comfort, willingness to share experiences, stories and concepts, and feelings of similarity at first contact. Reliability of the PeSC scale was assessed and the relationship with scale scores examined as an indicator of convergent validity. A multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship of PeSC scale score with the characteristics of participants. Results: Assessment of reliability of PeSC scale produced a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.809. The relationship between components and the total PeSCS scores identified significant correlations ( p < .001). At a multivariate level, male gender was the sample characteristic with a significant association with scale levels ( p < .05) and higher annual income with Social component ( p < .05). Otherwise the distribution of sociability dispositions was similar across population groups. Conclusion: The 10-item PeSC scale forms a simple and quick to complete measure whose overall reliability was rated as ‘meritorious’. The PeSC instrument may be a useful tool for assessing the causes and appropriate responses to the negative health effects of loneliness and social isolation.

Analysis of the Relationships between Balance Ability and Walking in Terms of Muscle Activities and Lower Limb Kinematics and Kinetics

Biomechanics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 190-201
Author(s):  
Pathmanathan Cinthuja ◽  
Graham Arnold ◽  
Rami J. Abboud ◽  
Weijie Wang
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Vastus Medialis ◽  
Balance Test ◽  
Balance Ability ◽  
Limb Kinematics ◽  
Lower Limb Kinematics ◽  
Kinematics And Kinetics

There is a lack of evidence about the ways in which balance ability influences the kinematic and kinetic parameters and muscle activities during gait among healthy individuals. The hypothesis is that balance ability would be associated with the lower limb kinematics, kinetics and muscle activities during gait. Twenty-nine healthy volunteers (Age 32.8 ± 9.1; 18 males and 11 females) performed a Star Excursion Balance test to measure their dynamic balance and walked for at least three trials in order to obtain a good quality of data. A Vicon® 3D motion capture system and AMTI® force plates were used for the collection of the movement data. The selected muscle activities were recorded using Delsys® Electromyography (EMG). The EMG activities were compared using the maximum values and root mean squared (RMS) values within the participants. The joint angle, moment, force and power were calculated using a Vicon Plug-in-Gait model. Descriptive analysis, correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression analysis were performed using SPSS version 23. In the muscle activities, positive linear correlations were found between the walking and balance test in all muscles, e.g., in the multifidus (RMS) (r = 0.800 p < 0.0001), vastus lateralis (RMS) (r = 0.639, p < 0.0001) and tibialis anterior (RMS) (r = 0.539, p < 0.0001). The regression analysis models showed that there was a strong association between balance ability (i.e., reaching distance) and the lower limb muscle activities (i.e., vastus medialis–RMS) (R = 0.885, p < 0.0001), and also between balance ability (i.e., reaching distance) and the lower limb kinematics and kinetics during gait (R = 0.906, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the results showed that vastus medialis (RMS) muscle activity mainly contributes to balance ability, and that balance ability influences the lower limb kinetics and kinematics during gait.

scholarly journals Selfie Behaviors and Personality Traits: More than Meets the Eye

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 223-231
Author(s):  
Alexandra M. Mihailescu
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Big Five Personality ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Selfies are a rising phenomenon associated with the widespread use of smartphones and social media. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between different personality traits and selfie behaviors. Methods: Undergraduate psychology students were asked to complete a questionnaire about their frequency of selfie taking, selfie posting to social media, and selfie sharing through private messaging. They were also asked to complete the Rosenberg 10-item self-esteem scale and the International Personality Item Pool (IPIP)-50 item scale to evaluate the Big Five personality traits. Results: A total of 96 participants were included in this study (mean age ± standard deviation of 26.4 ± 9.0 years, 81.3% women). On univariate analysis there was a significant negative correlation between the frequency of selfie taking (Spearman r = -0.228, p = 0.025) or posting (Spearman r = -0.238, p = 0.025) and emotional stability. However, on multivariate linear regression analysis adjusting for age among other factors, only self-esteem was independently and negatively correlated with the frequency of selfie taking (beta = -0.206, p = 0.020) or posting (beta = -0.233, p = 0.020), with the effect most notable in young (<25 years) individuals for selfie taking. Extraversion was independently and positively correlated with the frequency of selfie sharing (beta = 0.264, p = 0.005), with the effect most notable in young (<25 years) women. Conclusion: Findings from this study further expand our knowledge of the relationship between different personality traits and rising digital media phenomena.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Serum Oxalic Acid, Central Hemodynamic Parameters and Colonization by Oxalobacter formigenes in Hemodialysis Patients

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 164-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baris Gulhan ◽  
Kultigin Turkmen ◽  
Merve Aydin ◽  
Murat Gunay ◽  
Aytekin Cıkman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxalic Acid ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Hemodynamic Parameters ◽  
Oxalobacter Formigenes ◽  
Cardiovascular Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Central Hemodynamic ◽  
Blood Pressures ◽  
The Relationship

Background/Objective: Elevated pulse wave velocity (PWV) and central aortic blood pressures are independent predictors of increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Oxalic acid is a uremic retention molecule that is extensively studied in the pathogenesis of calcium oxalate stones. Oxalobacter formigenes, a member of the colon microbiota, has important roles in oxalate homeostasis. Data regarding the colonization by and the exact role of O. formigenes in the pathogenesis of oxalic acid metabolism in HD patients are scant. Hence, we aimed to determine the relationship between fecal O. formigenes colonization, serum oxalic acid and hemodynamic parameters in HD patients with regard to the colo-reno-cardiac axis. Methods: Fifty HD patients were enrolled in this study. PWV and central aortic systolic (cASBP) and diastolic blood pressures (cADBP) were measured with a Mobil-O-Graph (I.E.M. GmbH, Stolberg, Germany). Serum oxalic acid levels were assessed by ELISA, and fecal O. formigenes DNA levels were isolated and measured by real-time PCR. Results: Isolation of fecal O. formigenes was found in only 2 HD patients. One of them had 113,609 copies/ml, the other one had 1,056 copies/ml. Serum oxalic acid levels were found to be positively correlated with PWV (r = 0.29, p = 0.03), cASBP (r = 0.33, p = 0.001) and cADBP (r = 0.42, p = 0.002) and negatively correlated with LDL (r = -0.30, p = 0.03). In multivariate linear regression analysis, PWV was independently predicted by oxalic acid, glucose and triglyceride. Conclusions: This is the first study that demonstrates the absence of O. formigenes as well as a relation between serum oxalic acid and cASBP, cADBP and PWV in HD patients. Replacement of O. formigenes with pre- and probiotics might decrease serum oxalic acid levels and improve cardiovascular outcomes in HD patients.

scholarly journals The value of red blood cell distribution width in subclinical hypothyroidism

2014 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hea Min Yu ◽  
Kang Seo Park ◽  
Jae Min Lee
Keyword(s):  
Subclinical Hypothyroidism ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Healthy Population ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cell Distribution ◽  
Distribution Width ◽  
Beta Coefficient ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Tsh Levels

Objective : Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between the subclinical hypothyroidism and red cell distribution width (RDW) levels in a healthy population. Subjects and methods : The medical records of 23,343 consecutive health subjects were reviewed. Subjects were classified into four thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) groups to determine the correlation between TSH and other variables in detail (0.3 to < 2.5 mU/L, 2.5 to < 5 mU/L, 5 to < 7.5 mU/L, and ≥ 7.5 mU/L). Results : In the multivariate linear regression analysis, RDW was associated with TSH levels, and e-GFR was inversely associated with TSH levels, respectively (standardized beta coefficient = 0.102, -0.019; p < 0.001, p < 0.001). After adjusting for age and sex, in the four groups, TSH levels were significantly correlated with RDW, estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR), and free thyroxine (fT4) levels in all groups. Furthermore in the 4 th group, RDW levels were more strongly associated with TSH levels than in the other groups (p = 0.006). Conclusions : RDW levels are correlated with euthyroid and subclinical thyroid status. Notably, RDW is more correlated with subclinical hypothyroidism than the euthyroid status. This study presents the relationship between the RDW levels and thyroid function using TSH level in a large healthy population.

scholarly journals Relationship between upper limb motor function and activities of daily living after removing the influence of lower limb motor function in subacute patients with stroke: A cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
pp. 156918612092660
Author(s):  
Haruka Yamamoto ◽  
Kazuya Takeda ◽  
Soichiro Koyama ◽  
Keisuke Morishima ◽  
Yuichi Hirakawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Functional Independence Measure ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Motor Score ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Relationship

Background Previous studies have reported a relationship between upper limb motor function and activities of daily living. However, their relationship after removing the influence of lower limb motor function has not been clarified. Objective This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Fugl-Meyer assessment upper limb and total Functional Independence Measure motor score and between Fugl-Meyer assessment upper limb and each item contained in Functional Independence Measure motor score after eliminating the influence of the motor function of the affected lower limb. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study included 58 subacute stroke patients. To investigate the relationship between the Fugl-Meyer assessment upper limb and total Functional Independence Measure motor score before and after removing the influence of Fugl-Meyer assessment lower limb, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and partial correlation analysis were used. Additionally, the relationship between Fugl-Meyer assessment upper limb and each item of Functional Independence Measure motor score after removing the influence was assessed. Results Before removing the influence of Fugl-Meyer assessment lower limb, Fugl-Meyer assessment upper limb was strongly correlated with total Functional Independence Measure motor score (r = 0.74, p < 0.001). However, it became weak after removing the influence (r = 0.27, p = 0.04). Regarding each item of Functional Independence Measure motor score, Fugl-Meyer assessment upper limb was correlated with grooming (r = 0.27, p = 0.04), bathing (r = 0.28, p = 0.03), dressing upper body (r = 0.33, p = 0.01), dressing lower body (r = 0.31, p = 0.02), and stair-climbing (r = 0.31, p = 0.02) after removing the influence. Conclusion These findings suggest that the relationship between the upper limb motor function and activities of daily living is strongly influenced by lower limb motor function.

scholarly journals Association Between Bone Mineral Density And Serum Creatinine In People < 46 Years Old

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanru Guo ◽  
Xianyang Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Bone Mineral Density ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Serum Creatinine ◽  
Bone Mineral ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Lumbar Bone Mineral Density ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Purpose: To research the relationship between serum creatinine and lumbar bone mineral density in people aged <46 years. Methods: A total of 10,968 subjects from the American Nhanes database were included in this cross-sectional study, including 5,744 males (mean age 26.2 years) and 5224 females (mean age 26.7 years). The exposure factor is the serum creatinine value, and the outcome indicator is the lumbar bone mineral density. This study mainly used multivariate linear regression analysis to test the relationship between lumbar bone mineral density and serum creatinine. Results: In the multivariate linear regression analysis, serum creatinine was positively correlated with lumbar bone mineral density (β = 0.122, 95%CI: 0.047-0.198), but in the subgroup analysis stratified by sex, this positive correlation only exists in the female population (Β = 0.186, 95%CI: 0.070-0.301).Conclusions: Our study found that in women aged <46 years with normal renal function, there is a positive correlation between serum creatinine and lumbar BMD. And in those people, the determination of serum creatinine can provide a sensitive biomarker for the early identification and treatment of Osteopenia or osteoporosis.

scholarly journals Relationship Between Selected Performance Tests and Non-contact Sports Injuries in Male Wushu Players

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 239-249
Author(s):  
Abbas Ghafouri ◽  
◽  
Fariba Mohammadi ◽  
Behnaz Ganji ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Lower Extremities ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Balance Test ◽  
Limb Injuries ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose: Several tests have been proposed as injury predictor inventories in various sports; however, it is important to recognize which test is more appropriate to predict the injuries of a particular sport. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between selected functional tests and lower limb injuries in elite male wushu athletes. Methods: In total, 40 wushu player were recruited from the national league (Mean±SD age: 25.1±4.9 y, weight: 67.3±7.7 kg, height: 175.3±4.7 cm). Functional Movement Screening (FMS), Tuck jump, single and double leg squats, Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), and Stork balance tests were performed in this research. All of the study variables were measured before the national competition, and after the competition, the rate of the injuries were assessed. The correlation between them was evaluated, subsequently. Descriptive data were used to describe the collected results. Besides, multivariate linear regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between the study variables. Results: Multivariate linear regression analysis data suggested that LESS, stroke balance test, single-leg squat, and SEBT failed to predict lower extremities injuries; however, Tuck jump, FMS, and double leg squat could predict lower extremities injuries. Conclusion: Based on the collected results, among the studied tests, trainers and researchers are suggested to employ the Tuck jump, FMS, and double leg squat tests to predict injuries in wushu male players; this test can also be used to prevent injuries in players.

scholarly journals Estimation of water percolation by different methods using TDR

2014 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alisson Jadavi Pereira da Silva ◽  
Eugênio Ferreira Coelho
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Water Storage ◽  
Time Domain Reflectometry ◽  
Soil Water Storage ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Time Intervals ◽  
Water Percolation ◽  
Short Time ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Drainage Lysimeter

Detailed knowledge on water percolation into the soil in irrigated areas is fundamental for solving problems of drainage, pollution and the recharge of underground aquifers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the percolation estimated by time-domain-reflectometry (TDR) in a drainage lysimeter. We used Darcy's law with K(θ) functions determined by field and laboratory methods and by the change in water storage in the soil profile at 16 points of moisture measurement at different time intervals. A sandy clay soil was saturated and covered with plastic sheet to prevent evaporation and an internal drainage trial in a drainage lysimeter was installed. The relationship between the observed and estimated percolation values was evaluated by linear regression analysis. The results suggest that percolation in the field or laboratory can be estimated based on continuous monitoring with TDR, and at short time intervals, of the variations in soil water storage. The precision and accuracy of this approach are similar to those of the lysimeter and it has advantages over the other evaluated methods, of which the most relevant are the possibility of estimating percolation in short time intervals and exemption from the predetermination of soil hydraulic properties such as water retention and hydraulic conductivity. The estimates obtained by the Darcy-Buckingham equation for percolation levels using function K(θ) predicted by the method of Hillel et al. (1972) provided compatible water percolation estimates with those obtained in the lysimeter at time intervals greater than 1 h. The methods of Libardi et al. (1980), Sisson et al. (1980) and van Genuchten (1980) underestimated water percolation.

scholarly journals The relationship of gross upper and lower limb motor competence to measures of health and fitness in adolescents aged 13–14 years

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin David Weedon ◽  
Francesca Liu ◽  
Wala Mahmoud ◽  
Renske Metz ◽  
Kyle Beunder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Upper Limb ◽  
Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Anaerobic Power ◽  
School Students ◽  
Motor Competence ◽  
Health And Fitness ◽  
Fitness Measures ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

IntroductionMotor competence (MC) is an important factor in the development of health and fitness in adolescence.AimsThis cross-sectional study aims to explore the distribution of MC across school students aged 13–14 years old and the extent of the relationship of MC to measures of health and fitness across genders.MethodsA total of 718 participants were tested from three different schools in the UK, 311 girls and 407 boys (aged 13–14 years), pairwise deletion for correlation variables reduced this to 555 (245 girls, 310 boys). Assessments consisted of body mass index, aerobic capacity, anaerobic power, and upper limb and lower limb MC. The distribution of MC and the strength of the relationships between MC and health/fitness measures were explored.ResultsGirls performed lower for MC and health/fitness measures compared with boys. Both measures of MC showed a normal distribution and a significant linear relationship of MC to all health and fitness measures for boys, girls and combined genders. A stronger relationship was reported for upper limb MC and aerobic capacity when compared with lower limb MC and aerobic capacity in boys (t=−2.21, degrees of freedom=307, P=0.03, 95% CI −0.253 to –0.011).ConclusionNormally distributed measures of upper and lower limb MC are linearly related to health and fitness measures in adolescents in a UK sample.Trial registration numberNCT02517333.

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