The Influence of Hip Position on Neck Kinematics and Muscle Activity in Healthy and Non-Specific Neck Pain Subjects.

Neck pain is a widespread problem in society with many variables influencing its cause. The angle of the hip may influence the kinematics of the neck in addition to the myoelectrical activation of the surrounding musculature that contributes to the development of neck pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in spinal inclination angles and muscle activity in the neck using a 10 deg wedge in a forward slope, neutral and rear slope seated position.

The usage of a modified straight-leg raise neurodynamic test and hamstring flexibility for diagnosis of non-specific low back pain: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: The main purpose of this research study was to compare mean modified straight-leg raise test (mSLR) and hamstring muscle length (HL) between chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP) and healthy subjects to understand the possibility of neuropathic causes in LBP population as it may impact the diagnosis and treatment of LBP. Another purpose was to compare mean mSLR between those with lumbar nerve root impingement and those without as determine by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods: The design of the study is cross sectional and included 32 subjects with ages ranging from 18-50 years old.

Potential role of physical labor and cultural views of menstruation in high incidence of pelvic organ prolapse in Nepalese women: a comparative study across the menstrual cycle.

Introduction: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a significant health concern for young Nepali women, with potential risk factors including pelvic floor trauma from vaginal delivery and heavy lifting. The prevalence of symptomatic POP (SPOP) among nulliparous women in Nepal is 6%, while the general population of Nepali women aged 15-49 years reports a prevalence of 7%. Surprisingly, the average age of SPOP onset in Nepal is 27 years, challenging the assumption that postmenopausal age and vaginal delivery are the sole risk factors.

Comparisons of lumbosacral kinematics among non-specific chronic low back pain subgroups and healthy during prolonged sitting: A cross-sectional observational study.

Background: The literature has suggested a variety of postural changes of the spine that possibly contribute to the increase in back pain during sitting in persons with non-specific chronic low back pain (NS-CLBP). However, the heterogeneity of NS-CLBP persons has made the ability to attribute pain increase to a particular sitting posture very difficult. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare lumbosacral kinematics and their roles in pain increase among homogenous NS-CLBP subgroups and healthy controls over a 1-h sitting period.

Evaluation of tracheostomy suctioning procedure among nursing and respiratory therapy students: wearable manikin vs. standard manikin.

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate cognitive load (CL), emotional levels (EL), and stress levels (SL) of students when using a wearable manikin vs. a standard manikin for tracheostomy suctioning (TS).

Methods: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board.

Measurement and changes of exhaled nitric oxide fraction while vaping with a brief education intervention session.

https://bit.ly/3Xu4X5Y.

Surgical mask wearing behaviour in COVID-19 pandemic and influenza seasons: a cross-sectional study on healthcare professional students and staff's perspective in Southern California.

Objective: To investigate healthcare professional staff and students' perception of wearing surgical masks before and after their experience with the COVID-19 pandemic, and to evaluate the impact on mask wearing behaviour in future influenza seasons.

Design: Cross-sectional study using anonymous survey.

Setting And Participants: Healthcare students and staff from a healthcare academic institution in Southern California participated in the mask survey study.

Anxiety level in severe asthmatics undergoing bronchial thermoplasty procedure: An observational study.

Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is one of the novel approved modalities in treating severe asthmatics to overcome their exacerbating symptoms such as increased anxiety. The purpose of this study was to evaluate anxiety level among severe asthmatics while undergoing BT procedure. This was an observational study where subjects self-evaluated their overall anxiety level using the burns anxiety inventory (BAI) questionnaire at baseline and prior to each of three BT treatments (broncho thermoplasty procedure 1, broncho thermoplasty procedure 2, and broncho thermoplasty procedure 3).

Correlation between anxiety and chronic motion sensitivity.

Background: Chronic motion sensitivity (CMS) is a combination of autonomic symptoms provoked by exposure to motion. The correlation between anxiety and CMS is not yet well understood.

Objectives: 1) To compare median anxiety levels between young adults with and without CMS.

Randomized, placebo controlled, double blinded pilot superiority phase 2 trial to evaluate the effect of curcumin in moderate to severe asthmatics.

Background: Curcumin, a derivative of the spice turmeric, has been adopted by Eastern medicine for centuries as an adjunct to treat several medical conditions (e.g., anorexia and arthritis) because of its well-established anti-inflammatory properties.

Effect of a novel stretching technique on shoulder range of motion in overhead athletes with glenohumeral internal rotation deficits: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The cross-body and the modified sleeper stretch have been used to improve posterior shoulder soft tissue flexibility and to increase glenohumeral joint internal rotation (GHJ IR) in overhead athletes. However, due to the inability to stabilize patient's scapula and control GHJ rotation with the cross-body stretch and the potential for subacromial impingement or symptoms' aggravation with the modified sleeper stretch, a new stretching technique (Passive Glenohumeral Internal Rotation with Clam Shell Bridging) was developed as an alternative to these commonly used stretches that may allow for greater stability of the scapula without reproducing symptoms. Thus, the current study aimed to examine and compare a novel stretching technique to the traditional modified sleeper stretch to determine the effect on glenohumeral IR range of motion (ROM) and self-reported pain in overhead athletes with glenohumeral internal rotation deficits (GIRD).

Chronic Effects of Pediatric Ear Infections on Postural Stability.

Background: Ear infections in children often cause abnormal postural stability. However, the long-term effects of recurrent ear infections on postural stability have not been investigated.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the long-term effects of multiple ear infections on pediatric postural stability.

Comparative efficacy of the dorsal application of Kinesio tape and splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) symptoms are problematic especially when signs and symptoms are not substantial enough to require surgical intervention. Conservative treatments have mixed effectiveness, yet are one of the best options for mild to moderate CTS. Kinesio tape is an emerging modality, as it provides biomechanical support while allowing movement.

Effect of adding stretching to standardized procedures on cervical range of motion, pain, and disability in patients with non-specific mechanical neck pain: A randomized clinical trial.

Objective: to investigate the benefit of adding stretching exercises to cervical joint mobilization and active rotation exercises for patients with non-specific mechanical neck pain.

Methods: Thirty-eight subjects with non-specific mechanical neck pain were randomly assigned to a standard procedure group (passive cervical mobilization and active cervical rotation range of motion exercise) or a combined procedure (passive cervical mobilization, active cervical rotation range of motion exercises, and stretching procedures). Mixed factorial analysis of variance was used to compare changes between groups over time in active cervical range of motion, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index, Global Rating of Change, and Pressure Pain Threshold.

Improved balance in middle-aged adults after 8 weeks of a modified version of Otago Exercise Program: A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to examine dynamic balance changes (reach distance) in middle-aged adults using the Y Balance Test (YBT) following 8 weeks of home-based exercise program adapted from the Otago Exercise Program (OEP).

Methods: Fifty-two healthy middle-aged adults with mean age of 54.4±5.

Effects of smartphone addiction on children's lung function.

Background: With an increase in smartphone usage, constant neck flexion can lead to improper posture, which may impact on lung function. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine and compare the craniovertebral angle (CVA) and lung function between addicted and non-addicted boys and girls aged between 8-13 years who use smartphones for long periods of time.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 24 boys and 26 girls (mean age 10.

The Use of the Net Promoter Score (NPS) in an Outpatient Allergy and Pulmonary Clinic: An Innovative Look into Using Tablet-Based Tool vs Traditional Survey Method.

Introduction: Patient satisfaction has become an essential metric in addition to the type of care they receive. Phone calls, emails, and text to patients after their healthcare visit are the typical way of obtaining the data reflecting patient satisfaction. The purpose of this retrospective quality improvement study is to compare the traditional post-outpatient clinic survey method with an onsite concise two-question survey using a tablet method immediately after the patient visit using Net Promoter Score (NPS) questions.

Effects of head motion on postural stability in healthy young adults with chronic motion sensitivity.

Background: Motion sensitivity, or motion sickness, is common in modern vehicular and visually stimulating environments. Several studies have shown a relationship between motion sensitivity and decreased postural stability. We aimed to evaluate the effects of head motion (horizontal and vertical) on postural stability in healthy adults with and without chronic motion sensitivity (CMS).

The Effect of Monophasic Pulsed Current with Stretching Exercise on the Heel Pain and Plantar Fascia Thickness in Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is one of the most common causes of heel and foot pain. Monophasic pulsed current (MPC) is an electrical stimulation used to accelerate the healing processes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of MPC and MPC combined with plantar fascia stretching exercises (SE) on heel pain and plantar fascia thickness in treatment of PF and see if there is any relationship between heel pain and plantar fascia thickness after intervention.

Non-specific chronic low back pain and physical activity: A comparison of postural control and hip muscle isometric strength: A cross-sectional study.

Most research on sedentary lifestyle has focused on pain and disability, while neuromuscular outcomes (postural control and strength) have received less attention. The objective of the study was to determine whether low level of physical activity is negatively associated with measures of lower body muscular strength and postural control in individuals with and without non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP).Twenty-four subjects with NSCLBP (28.

Effects of adjustments to wheelchair seat to back support angle on head, neck, and shoulder postures in subjects with cerebral palsy.

A wheelchair is usually a source of mobility for people with moderate to severe cerebral palsy, who are unable to walk. They spend long periods of time sitting in their wheelchair, which can affect their head and neck alignment. Opening the seat to back support angle of the wheelchair can modify realignment of body segments and improve posture.

Augmented reality glasses improve adherence to evidence-based intubation practice.

The risk of failing or delaying endotracheal intubation in critically ill patients has commonly been associated with inadequate procedure preparation. Clinicians and trainees in simulation courses for tracheal intubation are encouraged to recall the steps of how to intubate in order to mitigate the risk of a failed intubation. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of using optical head mounted display augmented reality (AR) glasses as an assistance tool to perform intubation simulation procedure.

A Pilot Study: Parent Perceptions of Behavior Change in Their Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder Following High Antioxidant Cacao Consumption.

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurocognitive disorder with primary symptomology related to maladaptive behaviors and communication deficits. Children with ASD tend to have higher free radicals than antioxidants compared with their matched controls. This disequilibrium of oxidative stress has been associated with the pathogenesis of this neurocognitive disorder.