417 research outputs found

    Effects of diabetes and aging on posture and acceleration thresholds during lateral translations

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    Research objectives. One source of falls in the elderly may be an inability to sufficiently adjust to transient postural perturbations or slips. Identifying useful predictors of fall potential, as well as factors that affect the ability of an individual to detect a movement of the standing support surface may provide insight into postural stability and methods to increase stability in elders. To do this, acceleration thresholds to short, precise, lateral platform translations and the resultant psychophysical responses of adults with early Type 2 diabetes to age-matched controls and young adults were measured. Methods. Using an innovative SLIP-FALLS platform, short (1, 2, 4, 8,and 16mm) lateral perturbations were presented to 21 individuals—9 young adults, 6 neurologically intact elder adults, and 6 elders with diabetes using a two-alternative forced choice (2AFC) protocol. All subjects underwent lower-limb nerve conduction velocity determination, air conduction velocity testing, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament thresholds, the Mini Mental Status Exam, and reaction time tests to touch, tone and high acceleration, 4mm super-threshold perturbations. Results. All three groups had significantly different thresholds at all small (\u3c4mm) movement lengths, with the diabetic neuropathy group having a markedly higher acceleration threshold (P \u3c 0.001); the healthy elderly, which, in turn, had markedly higher thresholds than young adults. Patients with neuropathy had significantly higher reaction times to platform movements and touches to the plantar sole, but not for auditory tones. Both elderly groups had a significantly higher reaction time to superthreshold platform movement than did young adults. Sensory tests revealed slower nerve conduction velocities, higher air conduction velocities, and lower cognitive ability in the diabetic group. Conclusions. A marked decrease in perception of very small moves due to aging and diabetic neuropathy could well have a detrimental effect on postural control mechanisms. The higher prevalence of falls in the elderly and elderly diabetics may be due to decreased perceptual ability, slower nerve conduction velocities, and slowing reaction times compounded by larger amounts of imparted energy needed for detection of a slipping event

    Smartphone-based Human Fatigue Detection in an Industrial Environment Using Gait Analysis

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    Human fatigue due to repetitive and physically challenging jobs may result in poor performance and a Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WMSD). Thus, the importance of being able to monitor fatigue to implement preventative interventions cannot be overstated. This study was designed to monitor fatigue through the development of a methodology that objectively classifies an individual’s level of fatigue in the workplace by utilizing the motion sensors embedded in smartphones. An experiment consisting of squatting tasks, primarily involving the lower extremity musculature, was conducted with 24 participants using a smartphone attached to their right shank. Using Borg’s Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) to label gait data, we developed machine learning algorithms to classify each individual’s gait into two (no- vs. strong-fatigue), three (no-, medium-, and strong-fatigue) and four (no-, low-, medium-, and strong-fatigue) levels of fatigue, for which accuracy of 91%, 76%, and 61% were obtained, respectively. The outcomes of this study may facilitate the implementation of a proactive approach supporting the continuous monitoring of a worker’s fatigue level, which may subsequently enhance workers’ performance and reduce the risk of WMSDs

    Matching ability with jobs using AMAS: final report

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    AMAS (Activity Matching Ability System) was developed 20 years ago by Loughborough University and was designed to help young disabled / disadvantaged people to enter the labour market. It is a tool that assesses the ergonomics aspects of jobs (the activities) and the abilities of an individual. The two sets of information are then matched and the results talked through with the individual to see if a good match has been obtained. Early versions of AMAS had a strong manufacturing focus that did not easily lend itself to a varied and developing labour market. The feedback from Employment Service staff, including Occupational Psychologists and Disability Employment Advisers, who used the early version of AMAS was that it was helpful but needed updating

    An investigation of the slipstreams and wakes of trains and the associated effects on trackside people and objects

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    A mathematical model is developed which predicts if a person or a pushchair is destabilised by a train's slipstream. The model simulates the mean slipstream velocity time history using the theories of potential flow, boundary layer growth and wake decay. The turbulence-induced fluctuations are reproduced with an autoregressive model. A randomised person is generated and subjected to the simulated slipstream, and their response is modelled by a simple solid object and a mass-spring-damper system. If the slipstream forces cause the person to be displaced by a critical distance the person is destabilised. A randomised pushchair is also generated and positioned so as to be capable of being destabilised by either toppling over or moving along the ground on its wheels. A toppling pushchair is modelled as a simple solid object in a similar manner to that of a person, and a pushchair will move along the ground on its wheels if the slipstream force is greater than the frictional force. Greater numbers of destabilised people and pushchairs are associated with the slipstream of a freightliner than that of a passenger train, increasing train speed and decreasing distance from the train side

    The Effects of the Get Off Your Rocker Exercise Class on Balance

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    The purpose of this study was to determine if the six-week Get Off Your Rocker balance exercise class, promoted by HealthSouth®, had a significant effect on balance in the geriatric population. If proven to be effective, this class could be an additional tool for physical therapists to utilize to aid in improving a patient\u27s balance. A total of 22 subjects volunteered to participate in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (n=1 0, 8 females and 2 males) and an exercise group (n=12, 8 females and 4 males). All subjects were high functioning and were found to be at a low risk for falls as determined by the Berg Balance Measure. The age of subjects ranged from 60-87, with a mean age of 74.77. The study included an initial and final evaluation using the Berg Balance Measure, Timed Up and Go Test (TU&GT), the Functional Reach Test, and ankle range of motion measurements. Following the initial assessment, the control group was instructed to continue their normal daily activities during the following six-week period. The exercise group participated in the balance exercise class three times per week for six weeks. The exercises they performed included single leg stance activities, Swiss Ball exercises, tandem walking, and activities that challenged the base of support. Following the six-week period, the Berg Balance Measure, TU&GT, Functional Reach, and ankle range of motion results were again obtained. An Analysis of Covariance was used to compare the control group to the exercise group using scores from the Berg Balance Measure, TU&GT, Functional Reach, and ankle range of motion measurements. An alpha level of p=O.OS was used to determine significance. Following six weeks of exercising, there was a significant difference between the control group and the exercise group on two tests [F (1,19) = 6.092, p=0.023 for the Berg; F (1,19) = 4.997, p=0.038 for the Functional Reach], with the exercise group demonstrating an increase in scores. There was no significant difference found between the groups for the TU&GT [F (1,19) = 0.442, p=0.S14] or for ankle range of motion measurements [F (1,19) = 0.110, p=0.743 for ankle dorsiflexion with knee extension; F (1,19) = 0.491, p=0.492 for ankle dorsiflexion with knee flexion]. This six-week balance exercise class significantly improved scores on the Berg Balance Measure and the Functional Reach Test. The Get Off Your Rocker balance exercise class can be an effective tool for physical therapists to use for balance training and promoting wellness among the elderly

    Applying safe flooring in housing environments related to the independent elderly : evaluating suitability flooring technology to absorb impact in the event of a fall

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    Aplicat embargament des de la data de defensa fins el dia 3/6/2022This research has been developed with the intention of investigating a different generation of pavements. Most of the current pavements have the same basic standard characteristics and this ensures that living conditions are comfortable, safe, and pleasant for the majority of citizens. But a small group of pavements is designed with a specific purpose: to reduce injuries related to people's falls to the ground; They are called CF (compliant flooring in English). A detailed study of CF flooring systems is warranted to assess their usability for vulnerable groups such as the elderly. This study is structured in six chapters. The first chapter has dealt mainly with bibliographic studies and statistical data consulted on official and international websites. This section evaluates the importance of the increase in the elderly population, life expectancy, and threats to the safety and health of the elderly, especially, and their secondary effects. The scope of the research has been carried out internationally, in Europe and within Spain, and finally, specifically for Catalonia. The second chapter presents a brief overview of the interior flooring, specifically considering its comfort and safety during use. The importance and direct relationship between the sole of the foot and the gait mechanism with respect to the type of pavement have been verified. Many factors that influence this have been investigated, such as the physics and biomechanics of the body when walking, the kinematics of falls, and the dynamics of impact. In addition, a general description of the behavior of materials for use in pavements has been made to better understand the behavior of CF systems. In addition, the most suitable strategies to cope with falls and reduce injuries are discussed. Examining other products with appreciable energy-absorbing and shock-reducing capabilities has been helpful in the proposed pre-designs, all of which have been made based on numerical analysis and related standards. The third chapter is already dedicated to the study of technology and research on the most suitable CF systems; studies from academic, commercial, and architecture departments, in general, are included. In this section, some standard tests related to the various selected materials are developed and several examples of similar products are studied. The fourth chapter includes field research (on-site) and analysis of case studies. Several notable flooring companies around the world were contacted by mail, specifically examining those products whose manufacturers claimed to be shock absorbers. This part of the investigation was slowed down by the delay in shipments. Once they arrived, a real environment was sought where they could obtain the opinion of the elderly and the personnel assigned to their care. All the practice tests were carried out in a residence for the elderly in Barcelona for about two months, focusing on the study of the current pavements of the center and the current derived problems related to users.This entire process was completed by interviewing users and caregivers with predefined questionnaires. It should be noted that this allowed us to contrast the quantitative characteristics of the study in combination with the elements of qualitative research. Chapter Five deals with the results, discussions, suggestions for installation and improvement of pavement safety in risk areas. Simulations were also carried out on a possible base structure of the pavements with the finite element method (FEM). Chapter six presents guidelines for future developments. The author further investigated the materials and their structure and is presented them as a basis for future technical developments.The author considers that, with more detailed studies, it would be possible to use as CF system other materials, either natural or recycled based on agricultural products, which would increase the diversity of the CF system offer and promote more sustainable architectureEsta investigación se ha desarrollado con la intención de investigar una generación diferente de pavimentos. La mayoría de los actuales pavimentos tienen las mismas características básicas estándar y ello garantiza que las condiciones de vida sean cómodas, seguras y agradables para la mayoría de los ciudadanos. Pero un grupo reducido de pavimentos está diseñado con un propósito específico: reducir las lesiones relacionadas con las caídas al suelo de las personas; son los denominados CF (compliant flooring en inglés). Un estudio detallado de los sistemas de pavimentos CF está justificado para evaluar su posibilidad de uso para grupos vulnerables como los ancianos. Este estudio se estructura en seis capítulos. En el primer capítulo se han abordado principalmente los estudios bibliográficos y datos estadísticos consultados en sitios web oficiales e internacionales. En esta sección se evalúa la importancia del aumento de la población anciana. El ámbito de la investigación se ha realizado a nivel internacional, en Europa y dentro de España, y finalmente, específicamente para Cataluña. El segundo capítulo se presenta una breve panorámica del pavimento interior. Se ha constatado la importancia y relación directa entre la planta del pie y el mecanismo de andar con respecto al tipo de pavimento. Se han investigado muchos factores que influyen en ello. Además, se ha realizado una descripción general del comportamiento de los materiales al uso en pavimentos para comprender mejor el comportamiento de los sistemas de CF. Además, se discuten las estrategias más idóneas para hacer frente a las caídas y reducir las lesiones. Examinar otros productos con apreciables capacidades de amortiguación de energía y reducción de impactos ha sido de gran ayuda en los prediseños propuestos, todos los cuales se han realizado sobre la base de análisis numérico y los estándares relacionados. El tercer capítulo está dedicado ya al estudio de la tecnología y la investigación sobre los sistemas de C más idóneos; se incluyen estudios procedentes de departamentos académicos, comerciales y de arquitectura en general. En esta sección se desarrollan algunas pruebas estándar relacionadas con los diversos materiales seleccionados y se estudian varios ejemplos de productos similares. El cuarto capítulo incluye investigación de campo (in situ) y análisis de estudios de casos. Se contactó por correo con varias empresas notables de pavimentos en todo el mundo, y se examinaron específicamente aquellos productos cuyos fabricantes afirmaban ser amortiguadores. Esta parte de la investigación se vio ralentizada por la demora en los envíos. Una vez llegados se buscó un ámbito real donde poder recabar la opinión de las personas mayores y del personal adscrito a su cuidado. Todas las pruebas prácticas se realizaron en una residencia de ancianos de Barcelona durante unos dos meses, centrándose en el estudio de los actuales pavimentos del centro y los problemas actuales derivados relacionados con los usuarios. Todo este proceso se completó mediante entrevistas a usuarios y cuidadores con cuestionarios predefinidos. El Capítulo Cinco se refiere a los resultados, discusiones, sugerencias para la instalación y mejora de la seguridad del pavimento en áreas de riesgo. También se realizaron simulaciones sobre una posible estructura base de los pavimentos con el método elemento finito (FEM). El capítulo seis presenta directrices para desarrollos futuros. El autor investigó más a fondo sobre los materiales y su estructura, y se presenta como una base para desarrollos técnicos futuros. El autor considera que, con estudios más detallados, sería posible utilizar como CF otros materiales, bien naturales o reciclados a base de productos agrícolas, lo cual aumentaría la diversidad de la oferta de CF y fomentaría la arquitectura más sostenible.Postprint (published version

    Understanding standing

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    Research objectives. Psychophysical acceleration threshold is a tool for detecting deficits in dynamic postural control. Our lab has shown differences in the acceleration threshold among young adults, elderly adults, and elderly adults with diabetes. Electromyography, Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, and hearing tests investigate the underlying physiological mechanisms for the detriments in postural control. Due to peri-sway perturbations, the motion of a person\u27s sway affects the signal to noise ratio for perturbed stance. Since increases in sway range accompany postural instabilities, sway entrainment will allow us to investigate changes in acceleration threshold at different points in sway. The center of pressure, observed for entrainment, only changes due to rotations about joints, specifically the ankle. The current method to model rotation about the ankle is a single orthogonal joint, and therefore inaccurate. Methods. The SLIP-FALLS-STEPm Platform has lead to the ability to accurately measure and observe interactions in the range of postural sway. The combination of the platform with other testing modalities such as camera tracking systems, force mats, and accelerometers will allow for a comprehensive testing scheme. The new scheme can be combined with the induced sway produced by a sub-threshold sinusoidal entrainment process. The nonorthogonal modelling is programmed in Matlab®. Results. For constant displacements, anterior accelerations thresholds via two-alternate forced choice (2AFC) showed differences in postural stability in mature, diabetic individuals with peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and those who are neurally intact (DNI) compared to healthy mature adults (HMA), which corresponded with previous results of lateral perturbations. Both DNI and DPN had significantly higher thresholds for acceleration via 2AFC than HMA at 1 and 4 mm displacements (p \u3c 0.01 and p Conclusion. The anterior acceleration thresholds show that peripheral neuropathy is not the sole cause for postural instability with diabetes. The ability to control the motion of sway will allow us to describe acceleration threshold throughout the range of sway. With a realistic ankle model, we will be able to better simulate postural dynamics
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