Estimating pedestrian walking speed at street crossings using the YOLOv4 and deep SORT algorithms: Proof of principle.

There is evidence that existing standards for signal timing do not provide enough time for many pedestrians to safely cross intersections. Yet, current methods for studying this problem rely on inefficient manual observations. The objective of this work was to determine if the YOLOv4 and Deep SORT computer vision algorithms have the potential to be incorporated into automated measurement systems to measure and compare pedestrian walking speeds at one-stage and two-stage street crossings captured in birds-eye-view video.

Efficacy of Installation of Temporary Bathing Transfer Aids by Older Adults.

Grab bars facilitate bathing and reduce the risk of falls during bathing. Suction cup handholds and rim-mounted tub rails are an alternative to grab bars. The objective of this study was to determine whether older adults could install handholds and tub rails effectively to support bathing transfers.

A comparison of minimum segment models for the estimation of centre of mass position and velocity for slip recovery during a bathtub transfer task.

Background: Exploring the use of minimum marker sets is important for balancing the technical quality of motion capture with challenging data collection environments and protocols. While minimum marker sets have been demonstrated to be appropriate for evaluation of some motion patterns, there is limited evidence to support model choices for abrupt, asymmetrical, non-cyclic motion such as balance disturbance during a bathtub exit task.

Research Question: How effective are six models of reduced complexity for the estimation of centre of mass (COM) displacement and velocity, relative to a full-body model.

Biomechanical Demands and User Preference Associated with Wall-Mounted and Rim-Mounted Grab Bars.

Grab bars are used to support bathing tasks. Sometimes, temporary rim-mounted grab bars may be preferred over permanent wall-mounted grab bars. We compared postural requirements, applied loads, and user perceptions between two configurations of rim-mounted grab bars, a vertical wall-mounted grab bar, and a no-grab bar condition.

Consumer perspectives on grab bars: A Canadian national survey of grab bar acceptability in homes.

Given the prevalence and severity of bathroom falls and injuries across age groups, there is growing interest in policy-level approaches to bathroom fall prevention. Grab bars reduce fall risk during bathing transfers and improve bathing accessibility for adults of all ages and abilities. However, they are frequently absent from bathing environments, even in the homes of individuals who have a specific need for a grab bar.

Evaluation of safety and efficacy outcomes of direct oral anticoagulants versus warfarin in normal and extreme body weights for the treatment of atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism.

Despite evolving evidence, the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with extremes of body weight remains controversial. This study aimed to measure the impact of DOACs compared to warfarin on safety and efficacy outcomes in extreme body weight patients. This multi-center, health system, retrospective study examined the outcomes of patients with all body weights and extreme body weights prescribed a DOAC (rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban) or warfarin for atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism over a 9-year period.

The Effect of Handrail Cross-Sectional Design and Age on the Speed and Quality of Reach-To-Grasp Reactions to Recover Balance.

Objective: To determine the effect of handrail cross-section on the speed and quality of reach-to-grasp movements following balance loss in younger and older adults.

Background: Grasping a handrail is a common strategy for balance recovery. For handrails to be effective, the design must enable fast and accurate reactive grasping.

Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Cefazolin in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Critically Ill Patients.

Background: The relative distribution of cefazolin into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) remains debated. Determining the distribution of cefazolin into the CSF in noninfected adults may allow for further treatment applications of cefazolin. This prospective pharmacokinetic study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of cefazolin in serum and CSF from external ventricular drains (EVDs) in neurologically injured adults.

Grab Bar Use Influences Fall Hazard During Bathtub Exit.

Objective: This study evaluated the hazard (risk of unrecovered balance loss and hazardous fall) and strategies associated with grab bar use, compared to no grab bar use, during unexpected balance loss initiated whilst exiting a bathtub.

Background: While independent bathing is critical for maintaining self-sufficiency, injurious falls during bathing transfer tasks are common. Grab bars are recommended to support bathing tasks, but no evidence exists regarding fall prevention efficacy.

The effect of handrail cross-sectional design and age on applied handrail forces during reach-to-grasp balance reactions.

Handrails have been shown to reduce the likelihood of falls. Despite common use, little is known about how handrail shape and size affect the forces that people can apply after balance loss, and how these forces and the corresponding ability to recover balance depend on age. Following rapid platform translations, 16 older adults and 16 sex-matched younger adults recovered their balance using seven handrail cross-sections varying in shape and size.

Increasing the contrast of tread edge highlighters improves stair descent safety in older adults with simulated visual impairment.

Falls during stair descent are dangerous and costly. Contrasting tread edge highlighters improve measures of stair safety, however the necessary contrast level of these interventions has not been investigated. Thirteen older adults (67.

Effect of Handrail Height and Age on Trunk and Shoulder Kinematics Following Perturbation-Evoked Grasping Reactions During Gait.

Objective: To characterize the effect of handrail height and age on trunk and shoulder kinematics, and concomitant handrail forces, on balance recovery reactions during gait.

Background: Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury in adults in North America. Handrails can significantly enhance balance recovery and help individuals to avoid falls, provided that their design allows users across the lifespan to reach and grasp the rail after balance loss, and control their trunk by applying hand-contact forces to the rail.

Does increased gait variability improve stability when faced with an expected balance perturbation during treadmill walking?

Background: Currently, there is uncertainty as to whether movement variability is errorful or exploratory.

Research Question: This study aimed to determine if gait variability represents exploration to improve stability. We hypothesized that 1) spatiotemporal gait features will be more variable prior to an expected perturbation than during unperturbed walking, and 2) increased spatiotemporal gait variability pre-perturbation will correlate with improved stability post-perturbation.

Effect of using of a lower-extremity exoskeleton on disability of people with multiple sclerosis.

Background: Although ongoing exercise is known to reduce disability in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), participation in lower-extremity exercise programs can be limited by their existing mobility impairments. Lower-extremity exoskeletons could address this problem by facilitating home and community locomotion and enhancing exercise capability but little data is available on the potential of this technology for reducing disability of people with MS.

Methods: We evaluated the Keeogo™ exoskeleton for people with MS using an open-label randomised cross-over design.

A kinematic analysis of balance recovery following an unexpected forward balance loss during stair descent.

Falls during stair descent pose a major health concern. A stronger understanding of recovery from balance loss during stair descent is needed to guide fall prevention strategies and environmental design. We characterized balance recovery strategies, trunk and center-of-mass (COM) kinematics, and handrail use following unexpected forward balance loss during stair descent, and the effect of perturbation magnitude on these outcomes.

Determining the effect of stair nosing shape on foot trajectory during stair ambulation in healthy and post-stroke individuals.

Stair design can influence the risk of stair falls. Stair nosings are intended to provide greater foot accommodation, although to date little is known about how the nosing shape can affect foot trajectory during stair ambulation. This study investigates the impact of different nosing shapes (round, square, tapered, and no nosing) on foot clearance and overhang measures during stair ascent and descent among healthy and post-stroke older adults.

Azole-resistant Aspergillus and Echinocandin-resistant Candida - What are the treatment options?

Purpose Of Review: This review summarizes current treatment options for echinocandin-resistant spp. (ERC) and azole-resistant (ARAF), emphasizing recent data, clinical reports, and consensus statements.

Recent Findings: Advances in ERC and ARAF treatment are limited to specific antifungal combinations and dose optimization but remain reliant on amphotericin products.

Hand-rung forces after a ladder climbing perturbation.

The hands are believed to be important for arresting falls from ladders. Yet, there is a paucity of kinetic data for the hand-handhold interface during recovery from a ladder climbing perturbation. This study quantified the hand-rung forces utilized after ladder climbing perturbations and the factors (upper body strength, fall severity, reestablished foot placement) contributing to hand-rung force.

Effect of handrail height and age on the timing and speed of reach-to-grasp balance reactions during slope descent.

We investigated the effect of handrail height on the timing and speed of reach-to-grasp balance reactions during slope descent, in fourteen younger and thirteen older adults. Participants walked along an 8° slope mounted to a robotic platform. Platform perturbations evoked reach-to-grasp reactions.

Characterizing the demands of backward balance loss and fall recovery during stair descent to prevent injury.

Understanding the demands of balance recovery on stairs is important for developing strategies to prevent falls on stairs. This study characterized recovery strategies and whole-body movement following unexpected backward balance loss during stair descent in twelve young adults. Following balance loss, peak downward COM velocity was approximately double that experienced during non-perturbation stair descent.

Use of handrails for balance and stability: Characterizing loading profiles in younger adults.

Well-designed handrails significantly enhance balance recovery, by allowing users to apply high forces to the rail and stabilize their center of mass. However, data on user-applied handrail forces during balance recovery are limited. We characterized the peak forces that 50 young adults applied to a handrail during forward and backward falling motions; quantified effects of handrail height (34, 38, 42 inches) and position prior to balance loss (standing beside the rail with or without hand contact, or facing the handrail with two-handed contact); and examined the relationship between handrail forces and individual mass.

Evaluation of the Keeogo exoskeleton for assisting ambulatory activities in people with multiple sclerosis: an open-label, randomized, cross-over trial.

Background: Although physical activity and exercise is known to benefit people with multiple sclerosis (MS), the ability of these individuals to participate in such interventions is difficult due to the mobility impairments caused by the disease. Keeogo is a lower-extremity powered exoskeleton that may be a potential solution for enabling people with MS to benefit from physical activity and exercise.

Methods: An open-label, randomized, cross-over trial was used to examine the immediate performance effects when using the device, and the potential benefits of using the device in a home setting for 2 weeks.

Effects of Age on Dual-Task Walking While Listening.

This study examined the effects of age on single- and dual-task listening and walking during virtual street crossing. Seventeen younger and 12 older adults participated. In each listening trial, three sentences were presented simultaneously from separate locations.

Influence of handrail height and fall direction on center of mass control and the physical demands of reach-to-grasp balance recovery reactions.

The ability to maintain and recover center of mass (COM) and trunk control after a destabilization is critical for avoiding falls and fall-related injuries. Handrails can significantly enhance a person's ability to recover from large destabilizations, by enabling the person to grasp and apply high forces to the rail to stabilize their COM. However, the influence of handrail height and falling direction on COM control and the demands of grasping are unknown.

Effect of Bathroom Aids and Age on Balance Control During Bathing Transfers.

Bathroom assistive devices are used to improve safety during bathing transfers, but biomechanical evidence to support clinical recommendations is lacking. This study evaluated the effectiveness of common bathroom aids in promoting balance control during bathing transfers. Twenty-six healthy adults (12 young, 14 older) stepped into and out of a slippery bathtub while using a vertical grab bar on the side wall, a horizontal grab bar on the back wall, a bath mat, a side wall touch, or no assistance.