The immediate effects of a shoulder brace on muscle activity and scapular kinematics in subjects with shoulder impingement syndrome and rounded shoulder posture: A randomized crossover design

BackgroundRound shoulder posture (RSP) is one of the potential risks for shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) due to alignment deviation of the scapula. Evidence on how the characteristics of a shoulder brace affecting the degree of RSP, shoulder kinematics, and associated muscle activity during movements is limited.Research questionThe purposes of this study were (1) to compare the effects of a shoulder brace on clinical RSP measurements, muscle activities and scapular kinematics during arm movements in subjects with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) and RSP; and (2) to compare the effects of two configurations (parallel and diagonal) and two tensions (comfortable and forced tension) of the brace straps on muscle activities and scapular kinematics during arm movements in subjects with SIS and RSP.MethodsTwenty-four participants (12 males; 12 females) with SIS and RSP were randomly assigned into 2 groups (comfortable then forced, and forced then comfortable) with 2 strap configurations in each tension condition. The pectoralis minor index (PMI), acromial distance (AD) and shoulder angle (SA) were used to assess the degree of RSP. Three-dimensional electromagnetic motion analysis and electromyography were used to record the scapular kinematics and muscle activity during arm movements.ResultsAll clinical measurements with the brace were significantly improved (p < 0.05). Under forced tension, muscle activities were higher with the diagonal configuration than with the parallel configuration in the lower trapezius (LT) (1.2–2.3% MVIC, p < 0.05) and serratus anterior (SA) (2.3% MVIC, p = 0.015). For upward rotation and posterior tilting of the scapula, the diagonal configuration was larger than the parallel configuration (1.5°, p = 0.038; 0.4°–0.5°, p < 0.05, respectively).SignificanceDifferent characteristics of the straps of the shoulder brace could alter muscle activity and scapular kinematics at different angles during arm movement. Based on the clinical treatment preference, the application of a shoulder brace with a diagonal configuration and forced tension is suggested for SIS and RSP subjects.     

头颈部恶性肿瘤患者全麻术后早期体位的研究

目的探讨头颈部恶性肿瘤全麻术后患者早期适宜的体位。方法将头颈部恶性肿瘤全麻术后患者139例采用随机数字表法分成A组、B组、C组,术后早期A组46例取去枕平卧位,B组46例取半卧位,C组47例循序渐进抬高床头至半卧位。观察三组患者的生命体征、血气分析结果、疼痛(头部、肩颈部及腰背部疼痛)、恶心、呕吐、排尿困难、颜面部水肿及术后下床活动等情况,调查患者的舒适度。结果三组头痛、肩颈部疼痛、腰背部疼痛发生情况及疼痛程度比较,差异有统计学意义(均P0.05),三组呕吐、排尿困难、颜面部水肿发生率及术后下床活动时间比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05,P0.01),三组生命体征、血气分析、恶心等方面比较,差异无统计学意义(均P0.05)。结论头颈部恶性肿瘤患者全麻术后早期,采用循序渐进的方式抬高床头至半卧位,在保证患者生命体征稳定、不增加呕吐窒息概率的情况下,既可减轻疼痛,预防并发症,还可增加患者的舒适度,促使患者早日下床活动。     

The influence of positioning in urination: An electromyographic and uroflowmetric evaluation

PurposeWe conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate whether the different positions during urination influence the electrical activity of the abdominal and perineal musculature, as well as the uroflowmetric parameters of children with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD).Materials and methodsNinety-four children between the ages of 3 and 14 years with symptoms of LUTD were evaluated. All underwent uroflowmetry and electromyography tests (abdominal and perineal) in two different positions: oriented position (trunk bent slightly forward and feet flat) and atypical position (standing on toes for boys and buttocks not in contact with the lavatory seat and legs flexed in girls). We excluded nine patients due to suspicions of outside interference or elements complicating the analysis of charts.ResultsAmong patients evaluated 55 (64.7%) were girls and 30 (35.3%) were boys with an average age of 8.5 years. Children urinating in atypical position showed higher levels of perineal electrical activity than when they were in normal position (p = 0.018). However, there was no difference in the pattern of the curve if normal or abnormal when comparing the two groups (p = 0.824). When evaluated separately, the boys demonstrated no difference between positions, in relation to perineal electrical activity (p = 0.412) or abdominal electrical activity (p = 0.202).ConclusionsThe electrical activity of the pelvic floor musculature is decreased in the oriented position when compared to atypical positions in female children. Our data suggest that special attention should be given to adopting an adequate posture during urination for girls with LUTD.     

Development of dynamic stability in children's rhythmic movement

This study examined the hypothesis that the stability of rhythmic motor patterns increases with developmental age in children. Children aged 6 and 10 years and adults (18‐ to 23‐year‐olds) rocked back and forth at their preferred amplitude and frequency while seated on a wooden box placed atop a force platform. Participants performed the seated rocking task with their feet supported and unsupported. There was an age‐related decrease in rocking frequency and variability of the rocking cycle period, while the stability of the rocking dynamics increased, as indexed by the standard deviation of the phase angle of center of pressure motion. The presence of foot support decreased the stability of the rocking dynamics and reduced cycle period variability in the children, but not the adults. The results revealed that increments of age are associated with an increase in the stability of rhythmic motor patterns even when environmental conditions are altered. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 51: 465–473, 2009     

洛阳正骨医院门诊病人退药情况分析及管理方法探讨

目的调查分析本院门诊患者退药原因，以促进合理用药。方法对本院门诊药房2010年1—12月的患者退药情况进行分类分析。结果患者退药有发生药品不良反应、不合理用药、更改治疗途径等6个原因。结论加强合理用药指导，减少不良反应，提高服务质量。     

Influence of neck rotation and neck lateroflexion on mandibular equilibrium

Summary Neuromuscular interaction between neck and jaw muscles has been reported in several studies. However, the influence of experimentally modified posture of the neck on jaw muscle activity during isometric biting was not investigated so far. The aim of the present study was to test by the aid of simultaneous electromyographic and intraoral bite force measurements whether neck rotation and lateroflexion, in contrast to a straightforward neck position, change the isometric cocontraction patterns of masticatory muscles under identical submaximum bite forces of 50–200 N. Electric muscle activity of all masticatory muscles and changes of the reduction point (RP) of the resultant bite force vectors were examined. An anteroposterior displacement of the RPs could be observed for the rotated and lateroflexed neck position in comparison with the straightforward position. On the other hand, the results revealed no significant differences between bilateral muscle activation under the different test conditions. These findings suggest a force transmission between the neck and the masticatory system, but no essential activity changes in the masticatory muscles under short time posture modification of the neck.