Normalized Electromyography of Shoulder Muscles during Selected Functional Tasks of Upper Limb in Patients with Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Abstract: Background & Aims: Precise muscle activity pattern is required to maintain normal shoulder function and any alteration in muscle activity can result in movement impairment. The purpose of this study was to assess normalized electromyography (EMG) of shoulder muscles during selected functional tasks of upper limb in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. Methods: Test group consisted of 15 subjects with shoulder impingement syndrome selected by nonprobability convenient sampling and control group consisted of 15 matched healthy subjects. In each group selected exercises including open kinetic chain with and without external load and closed kinetic chain with axial load were done and during each exercise surface EMG from selected muscle was recorded. Results: There was significant difference between the two groups in the activities of upper trapezius, infraspinatus and three regions of deltoid muscle (P2E showed minimum changes and tripod showed maximum changes in muscle activity domain. Conclusion: Decrease in activity domain of infraspinatus and trapezius muscles in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome causes impairment of shoulder function. D2E with causing minimum changes and Tripod with causing maximum changes in muscles activity domain are suggested respectively as the first and the last activity patterns in the treatment of these patients. Keywords: Shoulder joint, Shoulder impingement syndrome, Electromyography, Exercise, Biomechanic

Matrix-Fibril Morphology and Structure of Polyblend Fibers in Melt Spinning Process: A Review

The mechanism and the parameters affecting the matrix-fibril morphology in melt spun polyblend fibers are discussed. The properties of polymeric blends depend considerably on their final morphologies. Blending of two miscible polymers, normally gives rise to formation of a single-phase morphology while blending of two immiscible polymers can create a two or three (in case of using compatibilizer) phase morphology. Disperse phase in matrix phase could be formed in different shapes with playing important parts in the final properties of the blends. Though, formation of multiphase morphology may result in deterioration of physical properties, by choosing proper components and polymer blend contents, these properties can be improved. In immiscible polymeric blends depending on polymer processing methods various morphologies can take shape. However, in melt spinning process due to intensive extensional flow at take-up region the most convenient conditions for creation of matrix-fibril morphology can be achieved. According to various reports, extensional fields are acting more effectively than shear fields to shape the matrix-fibril morphology. In addition, extensional flows can reduce fibrils' diameter while enhancing fibrils lengths evenness. However, reducing the ratio of disperse phase to matrix phase viscosity (ηd/ηm) increases the probability of fibrils formation, in such a way, that even in the fields with zero extension force still fibrils formation phenomenon can occur. The finest fibrils' diameter in viscosities ratio of around 1 (ηd/ηm=1) was observed. Using compatibilizing agents also can reduce fibrils' diameter.On the effect of viscoelasticity parameter of two-component system some researchers have reported that; when matrix phase elasticity is higher than the disperse phase, the morphology of the fibrils still remain unchanged. Changing the blend ratio of the two-phase polymers may also have effect in the formation of the number of fibrils and their diameters

Preventing anxiety problems in children with Cool Little Kids Online : study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background: Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health problem and begin early in life. Early intervention to prevent anxiety problems in young children who are at risk has the potential for long-term impact. The 'Cool Little Kids' parenting group program was previously established to prevent anxiety disorders in young children at risk because of inhibited temperament. This group program was efficacious in two randomised controlled trials and has recently been adapted into an online format. 'Cool Little Kids Online' was developed to widen and facilitate access to the group program's preventive content. A pilot evaluation of the online program demonstrated its perceived utility and acceptability among parents. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Cool Little Kids Online in a large randomised controlled trial. Methods/Design: Parents of young children who are 3-6 years old and who have an inhibited temperament will be recruited (n = 385) and randomly assigned to either immediate access to Cool Little Kids Online or delayed access after a waiting period of 24weeks. The online program contains eight modules that help parents address key issues in the development of anxiety problems in inhibited children, including children's avoidant coping styles, overprotective parenting behaviours, and parents' own fears and worries. Intervention participants will be offered clinician support when requested. The primary outcome will be change in parent-reported child anxiety symptoms. Secondary outcomes will be child internalising symptoms, child and family life interference due to anxiety, over-involved/protective parenting, plus child anxiety diagnoses assessed by using a new online diagnostic tool. Assessments will take place at baseline and 12 and 24weeks after baseline. Discussion: This trial expands upon previous research on the Cool Little Kids parenting group program and will evaluate the efficacy of online delivery. Online delivery of the program could result in an easily accessible evidence-based resource to help families with young children at temperamental risk for anxiety disorders. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry 12615000217505(registered 5 March 2015)9 page(s

Internet-delivered parenting program for prevention and early intervention of anxiety problems in young children : randomized controlled trial

Objective: The Cool Little Kids parenting group program is an effective intervention for preventing anxiety disorders in young children who are at risk because of inhibited temperament. The program has six group sessions delivered by trained psychologists to parents of 3- to 6-year-old children. An online adaptation (Cool Little Kids Online) has been developed to overcome barriers to its wide dissemination in the community. This study tested the efficacy of Cool Little Kids Online in a randomized controlled trial. Method: A total of 433 parents of a child aged 3 to 6 years with an inhibited temperament were randomized to the online parenting program or to a 24-week waitlist. The online program has 8 interactive modules providing strategies that parents can implement with their child to manage their child's avoidant coping, reduce parental overprotection, and encourage child independence. Parents were provided telephone consultation support with a psychologist when requested. Parents completed self-report questionnaires at baseline and at 12 and 24 weeks after baseline. Results: The intervention group showed significantly greater improvement over time in child anxiety symptoms compared to the control group (d = 0.38). The intervention group also showed greater reductions in anxiety life interference (ds = 0.33-0.35) and lower rates of anxiety disorders than the control group (40% versus 54%), but there were minimal effects on broader internalizing symptoms or overprotective parenting. Conclusion: Results provide empirical support for the efficacy of online delivery of the Cool Little Kids program. Online dissemination may improve access to an evidence-based prevention program for child anxiety disorders.10 page(s