A comparative force assessment of 4 methods to move a patient up a bed

This study compared four different postures and positions regularly suggested for moving a patient up towards the head of the bed, using both novice and expert users. The trial was carried out in a laboratory using 21 participants (10 novices and 11 experts). All participants completed all conditions (n = 4) three times each (n = 3 repetitions). The physical force at each hand was recorded using electronic four compression/tension meters, recorded on DasyLab software. After each condition a subjective review questionnaire was completed. The data was processed with excel and SPSS to evaluate the differences between the conditions. A significant statistical reduction was found when comparing combined force for all carers (F(3,27) = 24.63, p <.05) and the load per individual (F(2.21,44.21) = 27.26, p <.05). However there was found to be no statistical difference between left and right hand or upper or lower hand. Transfers carried out with the carer pulling the patient towards them corresponded with a lower force to complete the transfer. This study suggests that a position with an oblique offset base and an action of pull and push in line with the carer could be the preferred position for a wide range of patient transfers

Neuromusculoskeletal disorders in the neck and upper extremities among drivers of all-terrain vehicles – a case series

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether professional drivers of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) with neck pain have a different array of neuromusculoskeletal disorders in the neck and upper extremities than a referent group with neck pain from the general population. It is hypothesized that exposure to shock-type vibration and unfavorable working postures in ATVs have the capacity to cause peripheral nervous lesions. METHODS: This study was based on a case series analyzed according to a case-case comparison design. The study population consisted of 60 male subjects, including professional drivers of forest machines (n = 15), snowmobiles (n = 15), snowgroomers (n = 15) and referents from the general population (n = 15) all of whom had reported neck pain in a questionnaire and underwent an extensive physical examination of the neck and upper extremities. Based on symptom history, symptoms and signs, and in some cases chemical, electroneurographical and radiological findings, subjects were classified as having a nociceptive or neuropathic disorder or a mix of these types. RESULTS: The occurrence of asymmetrical and focal neuropathies (peripheral nervous lesion), pure or in a mix with a nociceptive disorder was common among cases in the ATV driver groups (47%–79%). This contrasted with the referents that were less often classified as having asymmetrical and focal neuropathy (27%), but instead had more nociceptive disorders. The difference was most pronounced among drivers of snowgroomers, while drivers of forest machines were more frequently classified as having a nociceptive disorder originating in the muscles. CONCLUSION: This study found a high prevalence of assymetrical and focal neuropathies among drivers with pain in the neck, operating various ATVs. It seems as if exposure to shock-type whole-body vibration (WBV) and appurtenant unfavorable postures in ATVs may be associated to peripheral nervous lesions

Force direction and physical load in dynamic pushing and pulling

In pushing and pulling wheeled carts, the direction of force exertion may, beside the force magnitude, considerably affect musculoskeletal loading. This paper describes how force direction changes as handle height and force level change, and the effects this has on the loads on the shoulder and low back. Eight subjects pushed against or pulled on a stationary bar or movable cart at various handle heights and horizontal force levels while walking on a treadmill. The forces at the hands in the vertical and horizontal direction were measured by a force-transducer. The forces, body movements and anthropometric data were used to calculate the net joint torques in the sagittal plane in the shoulder and the lumbosacral joint. The magnitudes and directions of forces did not differ between the cart and the bar pushing and pulling. Force direction was affected by the horizontal force level and handle height. As handle height and horizontal force level increased, the pushing force direction changed from 45 degrees (SD 3.3 degrees) downward to near horizontal, while the pulling force direction changed from pulling upward by 14 degrees (SD 15.3 degrees) to near horizontal. As a result, it was found that across conditions the changes in force exertion were frequently reflected in changes in shoulder torque and low back torque although of a much smaller magnitude. Therefore, an accurate evaluation of musculoskeletal loads in pushing and pulling requires, besides a knowledge of the force magnitude, knowledge of the direction of force exertion with respect to the bod

Diet, physical exercise and cognitive behavioral training as a combined workplace based intervention to reduce body weight and increase physical capacity in health care workers - a randomized controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Health care workers comprise a high-risk workgroup with respect to deterioration and early retirement. There is high prevalence of obesity and many of the workers are overweight. Together, these factors play a significant role in the health-related problems within this sector. The present study evaluates the effects of the first 3-months of a cluster randomized controlled lifestyle intervention among health care workers. The intervention addresses body weight, general health variables, physical capacity and musculoskeletal pain.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>98 female, overweight health care workers were cluster-randomized to an intervention group or a reference group. The intervention consisted of an individually dietary plan with an energy deficit of 1200 kcal/day (15 min/hour), strengthening exercises (15 min/hour) and cognitive behavioral training (30 min/hour) during working hours 1 hour/week. Leisure time aerobic fitness was planned for 2 hour/week. The reference group was offered monthly oral presentations. Body weight, BMI, body fat percentage (bioimpedance), waist circumference, blood pressure, musculoskeletal pain, maximal oxygen uptake (maximal bicycle test), and isometric maximal muscle strength of 3 body regions were measured before and after the intervention period.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In an intention-to-treat analysis from pre to post tests, the intervention group significantly reduced body weight with 3.6 kg (p < 0.001), BMI from 30.5 to 29.2 (p < 0.001), body fat percentage from 40.9 to 39.3 (p < 0.001), waist circumference from 99.7 to 95.5 cm (p < 0.001) and blood pressure from 134/85 to 127/80 mmHg (p < 0.001), with significant difference between the intervention and control group (p < 0.001) on all measures. No effect of intervention was found in musculoskeletal pain, maximal oxygen uptake and muscle strength, but on aerobic fitness.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The significantly reduced body weight, body fat, waist circumference and blood pressure as well as increased aerobic fitness in the intervention group show the great potential of workplace health promotion among this high-risk workgroup. Long-term effects of the intervention remain to be investigated.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov: <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01015716">NCT01015716</a></p

Movement of the upper body and muscle activity patterns following a rapidly applied load: the influence of pre-load alterations

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Movement of the upper body and muscle activity patterns following a rapidly applied load: the influence of pre-load alterations

5 page(s