Assessment of selected psychosocial risk factors: stress, job burnout, and bullying in the case of medical staff as part of workplace ergonomics during the COVID-19 pandemic—A prospective pilot study

BackgroundThe purpose of the pilot study conducted by the authors was to assess occupational risk in selected areas of psychosocial risk factors among health professions in a pilot study. Medical staff working in the healthcare sector experience stress, job burnout and bullying on a daily basis. Monitoring occupational risks in the above areas provides an opportunity to take appropriate preventive measures.MethodsThe prospective online survey included 143 health care workers from various professional groups. Eighteen participants did not complete the survey, and the results of 125 participants were eventually included in the analysis. The study used health and safety questionnaires in the healthcare sector, which are not widely used as screening tools in Poland.ResultsThe following statistical methods were performed in the study: the Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Dunn's test. In addition, multivariate analysis was performed. The results obtained in the study indicate that the questionnaires used in the study can be widely used by employers or occupational medicine as screening tools.ConclusionsOur findings show that level of education attainment in healthcare is correlated with higher chance of experiencing stress and burnout. Among the surveyed professions, nurses reported a higher amount of stress and burnout. Paramedics reported the highest chance of being bullied at work. This can be explained by their nature of work which requires directly interacting with patients and their families. In addition, it should be noted that the tools used can be successfully applied in workplaces as elements of workplace ergonomics assessment in the context of cognitive ergonomics

A Very Unusual Case of Physical Disability after Spinal Epidural Hematoma in the Course of Sport-Related Head Injury

Spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is blood accumulation between the dura mater of the spinal canal and the bone of the vertebrae. It is estimated to be an extremely rare incidence, affecting approximately 0.1 of 100,000 patients. When the suspected cause is a sport-related injury in the majority of cases it affects the trauma region. The aim of this case report was to outline the case of a 60-year-old man who was admitted to the Emergency Department due to acute, severe pain in the lumbar region which lasted 30 min. It occurred that 54 h prior to the admission, he suffered a head injury due to sport-related trauma during recreational skiing. When waiting for the laboratory and imaging test results the patient developed bilateral paralysis of the lower limbs. The MR examination results showed SEH at the level Th9-L1; therefore, immediate neurosurgical laminectomy was performed. After 36 months of rehabilitation, the patient can walk independently. In summary, SEH without immediate and appropriate treatment is linked with very poor clinical outcome. Moreover, a high mortality rate of 7% and the fact that more than half of patients do not return to full physical health incentives its inclusion in differential diagnosis every time when symptoms of spinal cord involvement are found. Furthermore, delayed aftermath in the form of paresis of the lower limbs requires long-term and intensive physical rehabilitation

A Very Unusual Case of Physical Disability after Spinal Epidural Hematoma in the Course of Sport-Related Head Injury

Spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is blood accumulation between the dura mater of the spinal canal and the bone of the vertebrae. It is estimated to be an extremely rare incidence, affecting approximately 0.1 of 100,000 patients. When the suspected cause is a sport-related injury in the majority of cases it affects the trauma region. The aim of this case report was to outline the case of a 60-year-old man who was admitted to the Emergency Department due to acute, severe pain in the lumbar region which lasted 30 min. It occurred that 54 h prior to the admission, he suffered a head injury due to sport-related trauma during recreational skiing. When waiting for the laboratory and imaging test results the patient developed bilateral paralysis of the lower limbs. The MR examination results showed SEH at the level Th9-L1; therefore, immediate neurosurgical laminectomy was performed. After 36 months of rehabilitation, the patient can walk independently. In summary, SEH without immediate and appropriate treatment is linked with very poor clinical outcome. Moreover, a high mortality rate of 7% and the fact that more than half of patients do not return to full physical health incentives its inclusion in differential diagnosis every time when symptoms of spinal cord involvement are found. Furthermore, delayed aftermath in the form of paresis of the lower limbs requires long-term and intensive physical rehabilitation

Compression of the Fourth Ventricle Using a Craniosacral Osteopathic Technique: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence

Compression of the fourth ventricle (CV4) is a well-known osteopathic procedure, utilized by osteopaths, osteopathic physicians, craniosacral therapists, physical therapists, and manual therapists as part of their healthcare practice based on some evidence suggesting impact on nervous system functions. The main objective of the study was to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the clinical benefits of CV4 and to show the evidence supporting clinical prescriptions, guides, and advice in treating. A computerized search of the PubMed, CINAHL Complete, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases was performed. Two filters were used (article type: RCTs; species: humans). The methodological quality of the trials was assessed using the Downs and Black quality checklist for healthcare intervention studies. Only six studies met the inclusion criteria, of which four were RCTs and two were observational studies. The Downs and Black score ranged from 17 to 24 points out of a maximum of 27 points. The present review revealed the paucity of CV4 research in patients with different clinical problems, as five out of six included studies investigated healthy adults. According to the results of the included studies, CV4 may be beneficial for patients with different functional problems

Analysis of Selected Body Composition Parameters and Ergonomic Safety among Professionally Active Nurses in Poland: A Preliminary Prospective Monocentric and Observational Study

Nurses consist of an occupational group that is particularly exposed to harmful work-related factors such as prolonged working hours, severe stress, fatigue, and excessive strain on the musculoskeletal system. According to nurses, the limitation of the application of ergonomic principles of work may contribute to the occurrence of numerous dangerous behaviors, improper eating habits, or deficiency of systematic physical activity. The most common consequences are nutritional disorders and musculoskeletal system dysfunctions. This prospective observational study was aimed at evaluating selected parameters of the body composition of professionally active nurses and at determining work-related risks during nursing activities. The study group consisted of 37 active nurses (38.38±11.33 years). The research tool was a device for bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). A questionnaire designed by the authors was also implemented, which covered ergonomic principles, musculoskeletal injuries, and nutritional habits. In the present study, it was shown that all average values of the tested nurses’ body composition parameters were within the normal range. The majority of respondents (97.3%) reached a high level of body water. A statistically significant correlation was found between the knowledge of the workplace ergonomic principles and body mass index. In conclusion, musculoskeletal pain and lack of implementation of ergonomic behaviors are a significant problem among nurses, which may be the cause of overweight or obesity in this occupational group

Muscle torque production and kinematic properties in post-stroke patients: a pilot cross-sectional study

Stroke-related hemiplegia is an important factor influencing parameters of gait. So far, limited papers have assessed temporo-spatial capabilities and their correlations with gait parameters in the early post-stroke stage. This pilot study evaluated the temporospatial parameters of gait and assessed the maximal isometric and isokinetic torque production of the plantar flexor and dorsiflexor muscles. Methods: 15 patients with lower limb spasticity and 15 healthy controls were included. Stroke severity was assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale and the Barthel Index. Gait cadence, gait speed, and gait cycle were assessed using inertial sensors during a Timed Up and Go test. Maximal isometric and isokinetic torque production of the ankle plantar flexor and dorsiflexor muscles were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer device. Results: Post-stroke patients had statistically significantly lower gait cadence than healthy participants (17%, p < 0.05). Statistically significantly lower values of vertical acceleration were also noted during a sit-to-stand movement task (42%, p < 0.05). Plantar flexion torque of the affected limb was significantly different during isometric (63%, p ≤ 0.01) and isokinetic work for 30o /s (49%, p = 0.04), 60o /s (58%, p = 0.01) and 20 °/s (53%, p = 0.01). Dorsiflexor muscles’ torque production was significantly different in isometric activity (38%, p = 0.04). A statistically significant positive correlation occurred between the absolute peak torque of the dorsiflexor muscles in both static and speed phases of gait (Rs = 0.65, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Despite the low intensity of spasticity and early phase after stroke, differences in the muscle torque production and temporo-spatial parameters, as well as the correlations between them, were noticeable

The Acute Influence of Whole-Body Cryotherapy on Electromyographic Signals and Jumping Tasks

Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) is a popular treatment in prevention as well as post-injury therapy. The parameter used to assess the risk of injury is the ability of the human body to absorb and recover energy (elasticity). Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) at 1 and 3 min intervals on the bioelectric activity of lower-limb muscles and countermovement jumps (CMJs) using trained subjects. A total of 24 individuals participated in the study. The mean age of the study group was 27.9 &plusmn; 7.9 years, mean body weight was 77.9 &plusmn; 8.8 kg, and mean body height was equal to 181 &plusmn; 6 cm. The training routine included 2&ndash;4 training sessions per week that lasted for at least 2 h at a time (mainly football). Along with the surface electromyography (sEMG) test of the rectus femoris, the BTS G-Sensor inertia measurement device was applied. After three minutes of WBC, a 6% difference in take-off force was noted, with a 7% (p &lt; 0.04) decrease in elasticity. In the bioelectrical activity of the rectus femoris after MVC normalization, differences (p &lt; 0.05) were noted 3 min after WBC. In this conducted study, a reduction in flexibility of the lower-limb muscle groups in the CMJ task was noted after 3 min of WBC

A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo Control Study on the Effect of a Blood Flow Restriction by an Inflatable Cuff Worn around the Arm on the Wrist Joint Position Sense in Healthy Recreational Athletes

The number of blood flow restriction (BFR) training practitioners is rapidly increasing, so understanding the safety issues associated with limb occlusion is strongly needed. The present study determined the effect of BFR by an inflatable cuff worn around the arm on the wrist joint position sense (JPS) in healthy recreational athletes. In the prospective randomized, double-blind placebo control study, sixty healthy right-handed recreational athletes aged x = 22.93 ± 1.26 years were assigned to groups of equal size and gender rates: BFR, placebo, and control. The active wrist JPS was assessed in two separate sessions using an isokinetic dynamometer. The first assessment was performed with no cuffs. In the second session, a cuff with a standardized pressure was worn on the examined limb in the BFR group. In the placebo group, the cuff was uninflated. A between-session comparison in each group of collected angular errors expressed in degrees was carried out. The angular error in the BFR group was larger during the second measurement than the first one (p = 0.011–0.336). On the contrary, in the placebo (p = 0.241–0.948) and control (p = 0.093–0.904) groups, the error value in the second session was comparable or smaller. It was determined that BFR by an inflatable cuff around the arm impairs the wrist position sense. Hence, BFR training should be performed with caution

Reliability and Validity of the Athletic Shoulder (ASH) Test Performed Using Portable Isometric-Based Strength Training Device

The Athletic Shoulder (ASH) test was introduced as a tool for quantifying the ability to produce and transfer force across the shoulder girdle. Whether using the portable isometric-based strength training device Active5&trade; is a reliable alternative to a gold standard force plate for ASH testing purposes remains unknown; therefore, the present study determined the reliability and validity of Active5&trade; usage in the ASH test compared to force plates. Fifty-one healthy participants performed the ASH test using Active5&trade; and K-Force plates in three separate sessions. The maximal force was measured bilaterally in a prone position at three shoulder abduction angles, precisely at 180&deg;, 135&deg;, and 90&deg;. The first rater carried out the first and third sessions, spaced at a one-week interval. A second rater performed the second session. The reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The linear Pearson&rsquo;s correlation coefficient (r) calculation was used to determine the relationship between ASH test results using the two devices. The ICC = 0.77&ndash;0.99 result indicated good to excellent reliability for Active5&trade; usage. A high to a very high correlation between the two devices at 180&deg; and 90&deg; was noted (r = 0.75&ndash;0.95). This data supports the isometric-based strength training device Active5&trade; as a reliable and valid tool for ASH test performance

Comparison of the Short-Term Outcomes after Postisometric Muscle Relaxation or Kinesio Taping Application for Normalization of the Upper Trapezius Muscle Tone and the Pain Relief: A Preliminary Study

The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the resting bioelectrical activity of the upper trapezius muscle (the UT muscle) before and after one of the two interventions: postisometric muscle relaxation (PIR) and Kinesio Taping (KT). Moreover a comparison between group results was conducted. From the initial 61 volunteers, 52 were selected after exclusion criteria and were allocated randomly to 2 groups: PIR group and KT group. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and completion of the intervention. The primary outcome measure was change in bioelectrical activity of UT muscle evaluated by surface electromyography (sEMG). Secondary outcomes included subjective assessment of pain using visual analogue scale (VAS). Significant differences were found only in KT group: the average resting bioelectrical activity decreased by 0.8 μV (p=0.0237) and the average VAS result reduced by 2.0 points (p=0.0001). Greater decrease of VAS results was recorded in KT group compared to PIR group (p=0.0010). Both PIR and KT intervention did not influence significantly the resting bioelectrical activity of UT muscle. KT application was better for pain relief in the studied sample compared with PIR intervention