Validity and reliability of self-assessed physical fitness using visual analogue scales.

To test the validity and reliability of self-assessed physical fitness samples included healthcare assistants working at a hospital (women=170, men=17), persons working with physically and mentally handicapped patients (women=530, men= 123), and two separate groups of healthcare students (a) women=91 and men=5 and (b) women=159 and men=10. Five components of physical fitness were self-assessed by Visual Analogue Scales with illustrations and verbal anchors for the extremes: aerobic fitness, muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance. Convergent and divergent validity were evaluated by age-adjusted correlations stratified by sex with performance-based measures of physical fitness.

Back muscle response to sudden trunk loading can be modified by training among healthcare workers.

Study Design: Experimental study of the effect of physical training on the reaction to sudden back loading.

Objective: To investigate the effect and sustainability of "on the job training" on the reaction to sudden back loading among employees at a geriatric ward.

Summary Of Background Data: Available data suggest that a delayed muscle reflex response to sudden trunk loading may increase the risk of low back injuries.

Short latency stretch reflex in human lumbar paraspinal muscles.

The aim of the study was to measure stretch reflex latencies of the lumbar paraspinal muscles. An electromechanical tapping system was constructed enabling an accurate estimation of short latencies by utilizing a new technique combining results for different tapping durations. Latency parameters (onset, peak and zero-crossing of EMG signal) were obtained for the paraspinal muscles at the L3/L4 level for 10 male subjects.

Intra-abdominal pressure and activation of abdominal muscles in highly trained participants during sudden heavy trunk loadings.

Study Design: Ten participants were exposed to heavy sudden trunk loads as they might occur during patient handling.

Objectives: The aim was to observe if well-trained men and women use their full rate of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) development when exposed to heavy sudden trunk loads. Further, to elucidate to what degree the rectus abdominus muscle is activated when the IAP is developed.

Training can modify back muscle response to sudden trunk loading.

Sudden, unexpected loading to the trunk has been reported in the literature as a potential cause of low-back disorders. This study's aim was to investigate the effect of "readiness training" on the response to sudden back loading among untrained healthy individuals. The study included 19 participants and 19 matched controls.

Fast development of high intra-abdominal pressure when a trained participant is exposed to heavy, sudden trunk loads.

Study Design: This study focused on intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) during sudden trunk loads. Ten participants were exposed to heavy, sudden trunk loads as they might occur during patient handling.

Objectives: The aim was to study the development of intra-abdominal pressure when well-trained participants cope with heavy, sudden trunk loads.

Measures of low back function: a review of reproducibility studies.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to make a systematic literature review with preset quality criteria concerning reproducibility of the tests of the low back regarding strength, endurance and range of motion.

Design: Literature in Medline and local databases was reviewed for articles concerning the reproducibility of strength, endurance, and range of motion measurements.

Background: Measures of low back function are widely used, and are important for both clinical and research purposes in relation to low back problems.