Protocol for Work place adjusted Intelligent physical exercise reducing Musculoskeletal pain in Shoulder and neck (VIMS): a cluster randomized controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Neck and shoulder complaints are common among employees in sedentary occupations characterized by intensive computer use. Specific strength training is a promising type of physical exercise for relieving neck and shoulder pain in office workers. However, the optimal combination of frequency and exercise duration, as well as the importance of exercise supervision, is unknown. The VIMS study investigates in a cluster randomized controlled design the effectiveness of different time wise combinations of specific strength training with identical accumulated volume, and the relevance of training supervision for safe and effective training.</p> <p>Methods/design</p> <p>A cluster randomized controlled trial of 20 weeks duration where employed office workers are randomized to 1 × 60 min, 3 × 20 min, 9 × 7 min per week of specific strength training with training supervision, to 3 × 20 min per week of specific strength training with a minimal amount of training supervision, or to a reference group without training. A questionnaire will be sent to 2000 employees in jobs characterized by intensive computer work. Employees with cardiovascular disease, trauma, hypertension, or serious chronic disease will be excluded. The main outcome measure is pain in the neck and shoulders at week 20.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01027390.</p

Formation of a quasicrystalline phase in Al–Mn base alloys cast at intermediate cooling rates

Al-rich 94Al–6Mn and 94Al–4Mn–2Fe alloys were suction-cast to evaluate thefeasibility of obtaining bulk quasicrystal-strengthened Al-alloys at intermediatecooling rates alloyed with non-toxic, easily accessible and affordable additions.The influence of different cooling rates on the potential formation of a quasicrystallinephase was examined by means of scanning and transmissionelectron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry.Increased cooling rates in the thinnest castings entailed a change in samplephase composition. The highest cooling rates turned out to be insufficient toform an icosahedral quasicrystalline phase (I-phase) in the binary alloy. Instead,an orthorhombic approximant phase occurred (L-phase). The addition of Fe tothe 94Al–6Mn binary alloy enhanced the formation of a quasicrystalline phase.At intermediate cooling rates of 102–103 K/s, various metastable phases wereformed, including decagonal and icosahedral quasicrystals and their approximants.Rods (1 mm in diameter) composed of I-phase particles embedded in Almatrix exhibited a hardness of 1.5 GPa, much higher than the 1.1 GPa of 94Al–6Mn

Fisioterapia na avaliação e prevenção de riscos ergonômicos em trabalhadores de um setor financeiro

É freqüente a sobrecarga musculoesquelética em trabalhadores, resultando no aumento da prevalência de distúrbios osteomusculares relacionados ao trabalho (DORT). Visando a saúde do trabalhador, e para reduzir o índice de afastamento, deve-se enfatizar a prevenção desses distúrbios. Os objetivos deste estudo foram analisar a ergonomia de um setor financeiro e as posturas dos funcionários durante as tarefas e propor soluções para minimizar os riscos ergonômicos. A análise foi feita mediante três instrumentos de observação simples - avaliação rápida de membros superiores RULA (sigla em inglês de rapid upper limb assessment), checklist de Couto e análise ergonômica focada na atividade - e aplicação do questionário SF-36 aos funcionários. Verificou-se a presença de fator biomecânico de moderada importância, com risco de DORT improvável, porém possível; em outro instrumento, os resultados indicam que o ambiente de trabalho está próximo do ideal. Em análise mais detalhada, as posturas de trabalho foram classificadas como as piores possíveis, requerendo mudanças imediatas. No SF-36 os escores foram elevados, sugerindo qualidade de vida adequada. Assim, embora o ambiente de trabalho se apresente adequado, o uso incorreto dos equipamentos, a má distribuição e forma incorreta de realização das tarefas ocasiona riscos ergonômicos. Visando minimizar estes, são propostas estratégias de intervenção preventiva, sugerindo-se ações específicas nos domínios que apontaram maiores riscos ergonômicos.Physical overload, common among workers, results in increased prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD). In view of workers' health, and in order to reduce the rate of time off-work, assessment and prevention of these disorders should be emphasized. The purposes here were to analyse the ergonomics of a financial unit and its employee's postures during work, and to propose solutions that minimize ergonomic risks. The analysis was carried out by means of three observational techniques - RULA, rapid upper limb assessment, Couto's checklist, and ergonomic analysis with focus on the activity - and by applying the SF-36 questionnaire to employees. Results showed presence of moderate biomechanical factors and a risk to WRMD unlikely but possible; workplace conditions were found close to ideal. But a more detailed analysis showed working postures within the worst level, requiring immediate changes. At SF-36 scores were high, showing adequate quality of life. Thus, although work environment was found suitable, the misuse of equipment, poor distribution and incorrect way of performing tasks point to ergonomic hazards. In order to minimize risks, preventive measures were proposed, suggesting specific actions in areas that most contribute to ergonomic hazards