Design and validation of a low cost, high-capacity weighing device for wheelchair users and bariatrics

<p>Accessible high-capacity weighing scales are scarce in healthcare facilities, in part due to high device cost and weight. This shortage impairs weight monitoring and health maintenance for people with disabilities and/or morbid obesity. We conducted this study to design and validate a lighter, lower cost, high-capacity accessible weighing device. A prototype featuring 360 kg (800 lbs) of weight capacity, a wheelchair-accessible ramp, and wireless data transmission was fabricated. Forty-five participants (20 standing, 20 manual wheelchair users, and five power wheelchair users) were weighed using the prototype and a calibrated scale. Participants were surveyed to assess perception of each weighing device and the weighing procedure. Weight measurements between devices demonstrated a strong linear correlation (<i>R</i>² = 0.997) with absolute differences of 1.4 ± 2.0% (mean±<i>SD</i>). Participant preference ratings showed no difference between devices. The prototype weighed 11 kg (38%) less than the next lightest high-capacity commercial device found by author survey. The prototype’s estimated commercial price range, $500–$600, is approximately half the price of the least expensive commercial device found by author survey. Such low cost weighing devices may improve access to weighing instrumentation, which may in turn help eliminate current health disparities. Future work is needed to determine the feasibility of market transition.</p

Influence of Pistachios on Performance and Exercise-Induced Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Immune Dysfunction, and Metabolite Shifts in Cyclists: A Randomized, Crossover Trial

<div><p>Objectives</p><p>Pistachio nut ingestion (3 oz./d, two weeks) was tested for effects on exercise performance and 21-h post-exercise recovery from inflammation, oxidative stress, immune dysfunction, and metabolite shifts.</p><p>Methods</p><p>Using a randomized, crossover approach, cyclists (N = 19) engaged in two 75-km time trials after 2-weeks pistachio or no pistachio supplementation, with a 2-week washout period. Subjects came to the lab in an overnight fasted state, and ingested water only or 3 oz. pistachios with water before and during exercise. Blood samples were collected 45 min pre-exercise, and immediately post-, 1.5-h post-, and 21-h post-exercise, and analyzed for plasma cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), F₂-isoprostanes (F₂-IsoP), granulocyte phagocytosis (GPHAG) and oxidative burst activity (GOBA), and shifts in metabolites.</p><p>Results</p><p>Performance time for the 75-km time trial was 4.8% slower under pistachio conditions (2.84±0.11 and 2.71±0.07 h, respectively, P = 0.034). Significant time effects were shown for plasma cytokines, CRP, F₂-IsoP, GPHAG, and GOBA, with few group differences. Metabolomics analysis revealed 423 detectable compounds of known identity, with significant interaction effects for 19 metabolites, especially raffinose, (12Z)-9,10-Dihydroxyoctadec-12-enoate (9,10-DiHOME), and sucrose. Dietary intake of raffinose was 2.19±0.15 and 0.35±0.08 mg/d during the pistachio and no pistachio periods, and metabolomics revealed that colon raffinose and sucrose translocated to the circulation during exercise due to increased gut permeability. The post-exercise increase in plasma raffinose correlated significantly with 9,10-DiHOME and other oxidative stress metabolites.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>In summary, 2-weeks pistachio nut ingestion was associated with reduced 75-km cycling time trial performance and increased post-exercise plasma levels of raffinose, sucrose, and metabolites related to leukotoxic effects and oxidative stress.</p><p>Trial Registration</p><p>ClinicalTrials.gov <a href="http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01821820?term=NCT01821820&rank=1" target="_blank">NCT01821820</a></p></div

Metabolic and performance data during the 75-km cycling trials under pistachio and water conditions in trained cyclists (N = 19) (mean±SE).

<p>VO₂, volume of oxygen consumed; HR, heart rate; RPE, rating of perceived exertion; RER, respiratory exchange ratio (VCO₂/VO₂).</p><p>Metabolic and performance data during the 75-km cycling trials under pistachio and water conditions in trained cyclists (N = 19) (mean±SE).</p

Plasma sucrose in pistachio and water conditions (interaction effect, Q<0.001) (mean±SE).

<p>*  =  Q-value 2-way ANOVA contrasts <0.05.</p

Subject flow diagram.

<p>Subject flow diagram.</p

Plasma raffinose in pistachio and water conditions (interaction effect, Q<0.001) (mean±SE).

<p>*  =  Q-value 2-way ANOVA contrasts <0.05.</p

Daily averages from 3-day food record data (mean±SE).

<p>Daily averages from 3-day food record data (mean±SE).</p

Subject characteristics (N = 19).

<p>Subject characteristics (N = 19).</p

Comparison between pistachio and water trials for inflammation, oxidative, and immune biomarkers in trained cyclists (N = 19) (mean±SE).

<p>IL  =  interleukin; TNFα = tumor necrosis factor alpha; MCP-1 = monocyte chemoattractant protein-1; GCSF = granulocyte colony-stimulating factor; CRP = C-reactive protein; F₂Isop = F₂-isoprostanes; GPHAG = granulocyte phagocytosis; GOBA = granulocyte oxidative burst activity; MFI = mean fluorescence intensity.</p><p>Comparison between pistachio and water trials for inflammation, oxidative, and immune biomarkers in trained cyclists (N = 19) (mean±SE).</p