The effect of active exoskeleton support with different lumbar-to-hip support ratios on spinal musculoskeletal loading and lumbar kinematics during lifting.

While active back-support exoskeletons can reduce mechanical loading of the spine, current designs include only one pair of actuated hip joints combined with a rigid structure between the pelvis and trunk attachments, restricting lumbar flexion and consequently intended lifting behavior. This study presents a novel active exoskeleton including actuated lumbar and hip joints as well as subject-specific exoskeleton control based on a real-time active low-back moment estimation. We evaluated the effect of exoskeleton support with different lumbar-to-hip (L/H) support ratios on spine loading, lumbar kinematics, and back muscle electromyography (EMG).

Ambulatory autonomic nervous system activity in relation to hearing impairment.

Previous research has demonstrated that hearing impairment is associated with heightened subjective experiences of listening effort, fatigue, and stress, impacting daily functioning. This study aimed to evaluate whether hearing impairment alters physiological stress systems and whether different aspects of hearing impairment could vary in predicting dysregulation in these systems. Hallmark measures of parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system activity were derived from electrocardiography, impedance cardiography, and electrodermal activity recordings taken from 133 individuals, aged 37 to 73, over two 24-hr periods, including sleep.

The appraisal patterns and response types of enthusiasm: a comparison with joy and hope.

Enthusiasm is a relatively under-explored emotion. The current research explores the unique characteristics of enthusiasm by examining its cognitive appraisals (Study 1, = 300) and response types (Study 2, = 298) and comparing it with joy and hope. Participants in both studies recalled and rated events where they felt enthusiasm, joy, or hope.

Inguinal hernia recurrence after laparoscopic mesh removal for chronic pain: a single-center experience with 11 years of practice.

Introduction: Up to 12% of patients undergoing minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair may develop chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP), possibly explained by the presence of mesh. Recent studies reported that laparoscopic mesh removal is feasible and safe. However, the risk of a hernia recurrence is unknown.