Biomechanics Of Slips In Alternative Footwear

Injuries in the workplace pose a significant burden to the health of human beings as well as financial or economic losses to occupational organizations. Slips, trips and an induced loss of balance have been identified as the major causative factor for workplace injuries involving falls (Courtney et al, 2001; Redfern et al, 2001). The bureau of labor statistics reported 15% of a total of 4,693 workplace fatalities and a total of 299,090 cases of non-fatal workplace injuries that were due to slips, trips and falls (BLS, 2011). The purpose of the study was to analyze the biomechanics of human locomotion under normal dry flooring conditions and under slippery flooring conditions with three commonly used alternative casual footwear [thong style flip-flops (ff), crocs with clogs (cc) and slip resistant low-top shoe (lt)]. The study will follow a within-subjects repeated measures design with each participant exposed to all three footwear using a counter balanced design. Eighteen healthy male participants with no orthopedic, cardiovascular or neurological abnormalities completed the study. Participants were required to come in for three testing sessions separated by at least 24 hours of rest interval and an initial familiarization day. On each testing day, participants were provided with an alternative footwear based on a counterbalanced selection and were tested for maximal voluntary contraction for lower extremity muscles and were exposed to a series of walking trails that included a normal dry surface non slip gait trial (ns); unexpected slip (us), alert slip (as) and expected slip (es). A 3 x 4 [3 (ff, cc, lt) x 4 (ns, us, as, es)] within-subjects repeated measures anova was used to analyze the dependent slip parameters (heel slip distance and mean heel slip velocity), kinematic and kinetic gait variables (mean and peak vertical ground reaction forces and lower extremity joint angles) and muscle activity (mean, peak and % maximal voluntary contraction in lower extremity muscles). Significant interactions between the footwear and gait trials were found for the slip parameters, gait parameters and muscle activity variables (p\u3c0.05). Significant interactions were folloup with post-hoc multiple comparisons using a Sidak Bonferroni correction. Based on the results from the study the alternative footwear (cc & ff) had greater slip parameters, reduced ground reaction forces and a plantar flexed foot position at heel strike compared to the lt. The us and as had greater incidence of slips than ng and es and moreover with the a priori knowledge of the slippery flooring conditions (es), the individuals were able to modify the gait kinematic and kinetic parameters rather than lower extremity muscle activity to reduce the potential for a slip. Overall, the most hazardous slips were seen with alternative footwear and during the unexpected slips folloby the alert slips. The lt had lower incidence of slips and maintained a normal gait pattern during all gait trial conditions and demonstrates to be the choice of footwear for maneuvering slippery flooring conditions that exist in both occupational and public places

Impacts on Balance When Walking in Occupational Footwear

Hazards and challenges present in the workplace pose a number of potential risks for injuries and illness. Nearly 3.1 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illness were reported in 2010 (BLS, 2010). The probability of falls has been related to balance decrements. Further, an important point of distinction is 45% of all falls have been attributed to inappropriate footwear (Menant et al. 2008) Previous studies have shown decrements in balance as a result of different footwear (Menant et al. 2008) and after an increased workload over a specific period of time (Yaggie & McGregor, 2002; Gribble & Hertel, 2004). Occupational footwear is often designed for safety and may fail to provide appropriate foot biomechanics. As such the functionality of occupational footwear may impact balance characteristics over time. The purpose of the study is to examine the differences in balance in while wearing different types of occupational footwear for extended durations. Fourteen healthy male adults (aged 23.6±1.2 years; height of 181±5.3 cm; weight of 89.2±14.6 kg), with no history of orthopedic, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological and vestibular abnormalities participated in this study. The experimental session included an extended duration of walking (4hours) with balance measured at 30min intervals (Pre, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210 & 240min). The standing balance protocol assessment was done on the six conditions of the Neurocom Equitest SOT (EO, EC, EOSRV, EOSRP, ECSRP and EOSRVP). The values of the dependent sway variables were derived from the Center of Pressure (CoP) movement. The average sway velocity (VEL) and the root-mean-square (RMS) of the CoP were used to characterize the postural sway in the anterior-posterior (APVEL & APRMS) and the medio-lateral (MLVEL & MLRMS) directions during the 60-second testing period. Participants were randomly assigned 3 different types of occupational footwear: Work Boots (WB) (mass 0.39±0.06 kg), Tactical Boots (TB) (mass 0.53±0.08 kg) and Low Top Boots (LT) (mass 0.89±0.05 kg) with a minimum of 72 hours of rest between conditions. Balance dependent variables were evaluated using a 3 x 9 (Footwear [WB v. TB v. LT]) x (Extended duration of walking intervals [Pre, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210 & 240] RMANOVA and independently for the six SOT balance conditions (EO, EC, EOSRV, EOSRP, ECSRP and EOSRVP) to identify any existing differences within the exposure time as well as the footwear types. Significant differences were found over time in the EO, EC, EOSRV & EOSRP for MLRMS and between footwear in the EC for APRMS and MLRMS and EOSRP for MLRMS. These results indicate a decrement in balance performance over time but the differences were limited to MLRMS. The decline in balance may be attributed to fatigue resulting from an extended duration of walking/standing. Significant differences were found between the WB, TB and LT, where the LT had a higher postural sway RMS. The use of LT resulted in a relatively greater balance decrement, especially when vision was absent and with conflicting somatosensory input. The WB and TB despite having a greater mass, had less balance decrement, which can be related to their elevated boot shaft height. Results from this data suggest that the high boot shaft supports the ankle, resulting in decreased fatigue, and thus better balance

Subject mapping of Punjabi language books: a bibliometric study

251-256The study presents the subject analysis of Punjabi language books written in ‘Gurmukhi’ script from 2004-2013 covering different fields of arts and humanities, social sciences, science, engineering, and technology. The distribution of major subjects and their subdivisions were based on the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) 22nd edition. The information centres, and academic institutions such as universities from the different parts of Northern India, having a good collection of Punjabi language books were the focus for data collection. The Punjabi language books publishers and several websites/resources were also consulted to get the required information. A total number of 7997 Punjabi books on different subjects published during the period 2004-2013 have been studied. The largest number of books in Punjabi [5587 (69.9%)] is published in the field of literature. Subject analysis, decadal growth, analysis of books translations from different Indic and foreign languages to the Punjabi language are also included in the study. A growth rate of 29.37% in the publication of Punjabi books is seen during the decade

Subject mapping of Punjabi language books: a bibliometric study

The study presents the subject analysis of Punjabi language books written in ‘Gurmukhi’ script from 2004-2013 covering different fields of arts and humanities, social sciences, science, engineering, and technology. The distribution of major subjects and their subdivisions were based on the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) 22nd edition. The information centres, and academic institutions such as universities from the different parts of Northern India, having a good collection of Punjabi language books were the focus for data collection. The Punjabi language books publishers and several websites/resources were also consulted to get the required information. A total number of 7997 Punjabi books on different subjects published during the period 2004-2013 have been studied. The largest number of books in Punjabi [5587 (69.9%)] is published in the field of literature.Subject analysis, decadal growth, analysis of books translations from different Indic and foreign languages to the Punjabi language are also included in the study. A growth rate of 29.37% in the publication of Punjabi books is seen during the decade

Bibliometric Study of Publications in Conference Proceedings of SRFLIS Summit during 2014-2019

The purpose of the study is to conduct bibliometric analysis of the research articles of SRFLIS Summit- International Conferences held during the year 2014-2019 and investigate the various dimensions of bibliometric study. The paper conducts bibliometric analysis of 220 articles which were published in the form of conference papers during the covered period. The study evaluates the various aspects of published conference articles of SRFLIS Summit. The study highlights the chronological distribution of papers, authorship pattern, geographical distribution, and affiliation of authors, citation pattern and length of articles. The results explore that the majority of the contributions by two authors. It is observed that a total of 2720 citations counted to the contributions and most cited documents are journal articles. The analysis of countries found that majority of contributions are from India and authors from New Delhi published maximum papers. The study evaluates the publication trends and has important implications for scholars and researcher

Ethnobotanical plants used for gastrointestinal ailments by the inhabitants of Kishtwar plateau in Northwestern Himalaya, India

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract in human body is the most important and vulnerable organ for the diverse type of diseases such as diarrhea, reflux, constipation and parasitic infections. To treat such ailments, inhabitants of Kishtwar plateau in Jammu and Kashmir (India) use the wild medicinal herbs growing in the valleys and on the hill-top of their region. Most of these medicinal plants are common in occurrence but not reported earlier for the GI disorders. The aim of thiscommunication is to narrow down the list of the medicinal plant species on the basis of oral traditional knowledge (OTK) for treating GI disorders at Kishtwar plateau. This documentation and quantitative analysis will help the natural plant chemists to get the pure and efficacious molecules for the treatment of GI ailments. For this a semi-structured questionnaire study was used to document the OTK on use of different medicinal plants to treat GI ailments by the local people ofKishtwar plateau in Northwestern Himalaya. The information gathered during the questionnaire study has been quantified by calculating use value, family use value, factor informant consensus (Fic) and fidelity level. A total of 40 plant species representing 27 families are reported to treat various GI ailments, where in Mentha longifolia has shown the maximum use value (UV)=0.87 and Carpesium abrotanoides has shown the minimum UV=0.03. Maximum Fic (0.88) has been calculated for worm infection and constipations category, however, minimum Fic=0.75 is calculated for dyspepsia. Maximum family use value has been calculated for Plantaginaceae (FUV=0.75) and minimum for Geraniaceae and Juglandaceae (FUV=0.08). Artemisia maritima (FL=20.25%) and Elwendia persica (FL=18.18%) accounts the maximum fidelity level, therefore, considered important for the treatment of diarrhea and stomachache. From calculated use value, it has been concluded that the use of M. longifolia for treating GI ailments is relatively higher than other investigated species. Further analysis revealed that uniformity in OTK homogeneity is prevailing in the area, which indicates that OTK has not been diluted over the period of time

Ethnobotanical plants used for gastrointestinal ailments by the inhabitants of Kishtwar plateau in Northwestern Himalaya, India

288-298Gastrointestinal (GI) tract in human body is the most important and vulnerable organ for the diverse type of diseases such as diarrhea, reflux, constipation and parasitic infections. To treat such ailments, inhabitants of Kishtwar plateau in Jammu and Kashmir (India) use the wild medicinal herbs growing in the valleys and on the hill-top of their region. Most of these medicinal plants are common in occurrence but not reported earlier for the GI disorders. The aim of this communication is to narrow down the list of the medicinal plant species on the basis of oral traditional knowledge (OTK) for treating GI disorders at Kishtwar plateau. This documentation and quantitative analysis will help the natural plant chemists to get the pure and efficacious molecules for the treatment of GI ailments. For this a semi-structured questionnaire study was used to document the OTK on use of different medicinal plants to treat GI ailments by the local people of Kishtwar plateau in Northwestern Himalaya. The information gathered during the questionnaire study has been quantified by calculating use value, family use value, factor informant consensus (Fic) and fidelity level. A total of 40 plant species representing 27 families are reported to treat various GI ailments, where in Mentha longifolia has shown the maximum use value (UV)=0.87 and Carpesium abrotanoides has shown the minimum UV=0.03. Maximum Fic (0.88) has been calculated for worm infection and constipations category, however, minimum Fic=0.75 is calculated for dyspepsia. Maximum family use value has been calculated for Plantaginaceae (FUV=0.75) and minimum for Geraniaceae and Juglandaceae (FUV=0.08). Artemisia maritima (FL=20.25%) and Elwendia persica (FL=18.18%) accounts the maximum fidelity level, therefore, considered important for the treatment of diarrhea and stomachache. From calculated use value, it has been concluded that the use of M. longifolia for treating GI ailments is relatively higher than other investigated species. Further analysis revealed that uniformity in OTK homogeneity is prevailing in the area, which indicates that OTK has not been diluted over the period of time

Sequential Order of Swing Phase Initiation in Baseball

In order to successfully hit a baseball, hitters must utilize a series of preparatory movements (swing phases) which include shifting their body weight, stepping, landing, and swinging. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between start times for swing phases (shifting, stepping, landing, and swinging)for currently active baseball players. Participants (n = 12) were all current collegiate baseball athletes. Retroreflective markers, surface electromyography (EMG) and two force platforms were utilized to complete a swing analysis. Each participant completed five swinging trials off a tee. All dependent variables were compared using a repeated measures 1×4 ANOVA with LSD post hoc comparison (p \u3c  0.05) if necessary. The results demonstrated that the participants started the swing phases in a statistically significant sequence of shifting, stepping, landing, and swinging. The ability of the athletes to start the swing phases in this sequential order may be advantageous to regulate spatial parameters of their swing and provide more time to generate power. These results allow for coaches to better understand how to instruct their athletes to be successful at the plate

Impact of alternative footwear on human energy expenditure

Purpose: Use of alternative footwear options such as flip-flop style sandals and minimalist athletic shoes are becoming increasingly popular footwear choices. The purpose of the investigation was to analyze the energy expenditure and oxygen consumption requirements of walking at preferred pace while wearing flip-flops, slip-on style shoes, and minimalist athletic shoes. Methods: Eighteen healthy male adults participated in this study. In addition to an initial familiarization session, participants were tested in three different footwear conditions [thong-style flip-flops (FF), Croc® slip on shoes (CROC), and Vibram Fivefingers® minimalist shoes (MIN)]. Then after a brief warm-up, participants walked a one-mile distance at their preferred pace. Immediately following completion of the one-mile walk, participants stood quietly on the treadmill for an additional period to assess excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). Results: A repeated-measures ANOVA that the following variables did not show evidence of a significant differently value between conditions: preferred pace (p = 0.392), average oxygen consumption (p = 0.804), energy expenditure per mile (p = 0.306), or EPOC (p = 0.088). There was shown to be a significantly higher RER during exercise in CROC compared to MIN (p = 0.031) with no significant differences observed when comparing CROC to FF (p = 0.106) or FF to MIN (p = 0.827). Conclusion: Based on the results of the current study, it appears that the alternative footwear selected for evaluation do not lead to a substantial alteration of walking pace or overall EE. However, the significant difference in RER suggesting a slightly elevated exercise intensity while wearing the CROC could perhaps be related to the softer sole, influencing overall mechanical efficiency.The study was funded by a grant awarded by the Graduate Student Council at the author’s University