Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting are prone to develop muscle weakness and the causes are multi-factorial. Muscle strength in adult, critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation decreases with immobility. The influence of muscle strength on different muscle groups and its influence on progressive mobility in the adult, critically ill patient on mechanical ventilation has not been examined. Identifying muscle strength in this patient population can benefit overall muscle health and minimize muscle deconditioning through a progressive mobility plan. The objective of this dissertation was to describe muscle strength in different muscle groups and to describe the influence of muscle strength on mobility in critically ill adult patients on mechanical ventilation (MV). Fifty ICU patients were enrolled in this descriptive, cross sectional study. Abdominal core, bilateral hand grip and extremity strength was measured using three measurement tools. Mobility was measured using the following scale: 0=lying in bed; 1=sitting on edge of bed; 2=sitting on edge of bed to standing; 3=walking to bedside chair and 4=walking >7 feet from the standing position. Predictors of mobility were examined using stepwise regression. Abdominal core, bilateral hand grip and extremity strength demonstrated statistically significant relationships with all variables. Extremity strength accounted for 82% of the variance in mobility and was the sole predictor (β=0.903; F=212.9; p=0.000). Future research addressing the outcomes of implementing a mobility protocol in this patient population and prioritizing when such a protocol should be implemented would be beneficial to ongoing plans to decrease MV, ICU and hospital days. Muscle strength tests implemented at the bedside are crucial to implementing a progressive mobility plan for critically ill adults while they are on MV therapy.

The aim of this thesis was to investigate roller ski characteristics; classical and freestyle roller skis’ rolling resistance coefficients (μR) and classical style roller skis’ static friction coefficients (μS), and to study the influence of different μR and μS on cross-country skiers’ performance and both physiological and biomechanical indices. The aim was also to study differences in skiing economy and efficiency between recreational skiers, female and male junior and senior elite cross-country skiers.The experiments showed that during a time period of 30 minutes of rolling on a treadmill (warm-up), μR decreased significantly (p<0.05) to about 60-65 % and 70-75 % of its initial value for freestyle and classical roller skis respectively. Also, there was a significant influence of normal force on μR, while different velocities and inclinations of the treadmill only resulted in small changes in μR.The study of the influence on physiological variables of a ~50 % change in μR showed that during submaximal steady rate exercise, external power, oxygen uptake, heart rate and blood lactate were significantly changed, while there were non-significant or only small changes to cycle rate, cycle length and ratings of perceived exertion. Incremental maximal tests showed that time to exhaustion was significantly changed and this occurred without a change in maximal power, maximal oxygen uptake, maximal heart rate and blood lactate, and that the influence on ratings of perceived exertion was non-significant or small.The study of classical style roller skis μS showed values that were five to eight times more than the values of μS reported from on-snow skiing with grip-waxed cross-country skis.The subsequent physiological and biomechanical experiments with different μS showed a significantly lower skiing economy (~14 % higher v̇O2), higher heart rate, lower propulsive forces coming from the legs and shorter time to exhaustion (~30 %) when using a different type of roller ski with a μS similar to on-snow skiing, while there was no difference between tests when using different pairs of roller skis with a (similar) higher μS.The part of the thesis which focused on skiing economy and efficiency as a function of skill, age and gender, showed that the elite cross-country skiers had better skiing economy and higher gross efficiency (5-18 %) compared with the recreational skiers, and the senior elite had better economy and higher efficiency (4-5 %) than their junior counterparts, while no differences could be found between the genders. / Syftet med denna avhandling var att undersöka fristils- och klassiska rullskidors rullmotståndskoefficienter (μR) och klassiska rullskidors statiska friktionskoefficienter (μS) samt effekter av olika μR och μS på längdskidåkares prestation vid rullskidåkning på rullande band. Syftet var även att undersöka s.k. åkekonomi och mekanisk verkningsgrad mellan motionärer och kvinnliga och manliga junior- och seniorlängdskidåkare på elitnivå.Experimenten visade att under en period av 30 minuters kontinuerligt rullande, på rullande band, så sjönk μR signifikant (p<0.05) till 60-65 % och 70-75 % av initiala värden, för fristils- respektive klassiska rullskidor. Undersökandet av olika normalkrafter, hastigheter och lutningars påverkan på μR resulterade i en signifikant, negativ korrelation för μR som funktion av normalkraft, medan olika hastigheter och lutningar endast medförde små förändringar av μR.Studien som undersökte fysiologiska effekter av olika μR visade, vid submaximala konstanta arbetsbelastningar, att yttre effekt, syreupptagning, hjärtfrekvens och blodlaktat förändrades signifikant vid ~50 % förändring av μR. Försökspersonernas frekvens och sträcka per frekvens samt skattning av upplevd ansträngning resulterade dock i mestadels icke signifikanta eller små förändringar. Protokollen med successivt ökande arbetsbelastning (maxtest) resulterade i signifikant förändrad tid till utmattning, vid ~50 % förändring av μR. Detta inträffade utan signifikant skillnad i maximal syreupptagning, hjärtfrekvens och blodlaktat, vilket även mestadels gällde för skattning av upplevd ansträngning.Experimenten som undersökte klassiska rullskidors μS visade att dessa erhöll värden som är fem till åtta gånger högre än vad som rapporterats från studier av μS på snö med fästvallade skidor.Den efterföljande studien som undersökte fysiologiska och biomekaniska influenser av olika μS visade, vid submaximala konstanta arbetsbelastningar, att åkekonomin försämrades (~14 % högre syreförbrukning), hjärtfrekvensen ökade, den framåtdrivande kraften från benen på rullskidorna minskade samt att det blev kortare tid till utmattning (~30 %), vid maxtest, när skidåkarna använde rullskidor med en μS i likhet med vad som rapporterats för skidåkning på snö. För arbetsförsöken med olika rullskidor av olika fabrikat med en högre, och likartad, μS förelåg ingen skillnad i de undersökta variablerna.Studien som undersökte åkekonomi och mekanisk verkningsgrad som funktion av prestationsnivå, ålder och kön, visade att elitskidåkarna hade bättre åkekonomi och verkningsgrad (5-18 %) i jämförelse med motionärerna, att seniorerna hade bättre åkekonomi och verkningsgrad (4-5 %) än juniorerna och att ingen skillnad kunde konstateras mellan könen.

Syfte Syftet med föreliggande studie var att försöka klargöra om stötvågsbehandling har någon effekt på smärta och handgreppstyrka hos patienter med lateral epikondylalgia. Frågeställningar 1. Har stötvågsbehandling någon effekt på smärta hos patienter med lateral epikondylalgia, i så fall vilken? 2. Har stötvågsbehandling någon effekt på handgreppsstyrka hos patienter med lateral epikondylalgia, i så fall vilken? Metod Sökning av litteratur utfördes i PubMed, Cochrane, Cinahl och PEDro. Detta resulterade i 14 artiklar, som granskades och bedömdes enligt PEDro Scale. Poängbedömningen utifrån PEDro Scale omsattes till Statens Beredning för medicinsk Utrednings (SBU) mall för bevisvärde. Utifrån artiklarnas sammantagna bevisvärde bestämdes evidensnivån enligt SBU:s fyra nivåer. Resultat Enligt GRADE-systemet förelåg det ett starkt vetenskapligt belägg för att stötvågsbehandling har en smärtlindrande effekt vid lateral epikondylalgia. Studier av likartad vetenskaplig kvalitet påvisar motsägande resultat avseende om stötvågsbehandling är bättre än placebo, kortison eller tenotomi. Detta innebär att det vetenskapliga underlaget är otillräckligt och att mer forskning behövs. Enligt GRADE-systemet förelåg det ett starkt vetenskapligt belägg för att stötvågsbehandling leder till förbättrad handgreppsstyrka vid lateral epikondylalgia. Vidare förelåg det ett starkt vetenskapligt belägg för att stötvågsbehandling inte är bättre än någon annan behandling gällande ökning av handgreppsstyrka vid lateral epikondylalgia. Slutsats Stötvågsbehandling har en smärtlindrande effekt hos patienter med lateral epikondylalgia. Det finns dock ingen evidens för att stötvågsbehandling är bättre ur smärthänseende än någon annan behandling såsom placebo, kortison eller tenotomi. Stötvågsbehandling leder till förbättrad handgreppsstyrka men är inte bättre än placebo, kortison eller tenotomi på att öka handgreppsstyrkan hos patienter med lateral epikondylalgia. / Aim The aim of the present study was to try to find out whether shock wave therapy has any effect on pain and grip strength in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Objectives 1. Does shock wave therapy reduce pain in patients with lateral epicondylitis? 2. Does shock wave therapy improve grip strength in patients with lateral epicondylitis? Method A literature review was performed in the databases PubMed, Cochrane, Cinahl and PEDro. Fourteen articles were found and critically reviewed. These articles were scored according to the PEDro scale and the scores were translated into a scale of evidence by the Statens Beredning för medicinsk Utredning (SBU) and the level of evidence was determined based on the four different grades presented by the SBU. Results According to the GRADE-system there was a strong scientific evidence for a reduction of pain using shock wave therapy in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Contradictory results whether shock wave therapy was better than placebo, corticosteoroid injection or tenotomy have been reported in studies of similar scientific quality. This means that more research is needed in this field. According to the GRADE-system there was a strong scientific evidence for an improvement of grip strength using shock wave therapy. Furthermore, there was a strong scientific evidence for that shock wave is not better than any other therapy in terms of improving grip strength in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Conclusion Shock wave therapy reduces pain in patients with lateral epicondylitis. There is, however, no evidence for shock wave therapy to be superior to any other treatment such as placebo, corticosteoroid injection or tenotomy. Shock wave therapy improves grip strenght but is not better than placebo, corticoidsteroid injection or tenotomy in increasing grip strength in patients with lateral epicondylitis.

Suite à un accident vasculaire cérébral (AVC), des déficits au membre controlatéral et ipsilatéral à la lésion cérébrale sont observés chez les personnes avec un AVC. La performance du membre ipsilatéral est déterminée par l’importance de la sévérité clinique du membre controlatéral ainsi que par l’adéquation du traitement bihémisphérique des informations sensori-motrices. L’objectif de la présente étude est de comparer la performance motrice de la main ipsilatérale lors de diverses tâches nécessitant un niveau plus ou moins complexe de traitement de l’information chez une clientèle hémiplégique ayant une faible sévérité clinique. Les résultats démontrent que les forces de pinces entre le pouce et l’index du membre ipsilatéral sont modulées et anticipées adéquatement chez les personnes avec un AVC ayant une faible sévérité clinique tel que démontré par des scores de cinq ou plus au Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment (modules bras et main). La performance motrice du membre ipsilatéral lors de l’exécution d’une tâche de coordination bilatérale est comparable à celle du membre dominant des sujets sains lorsque la tâche est réalisée sans interaction entre les membres supérieurs (deux objets) et elle est perturbée lorsqu’elle implique une action coordonnée et réciproque des membres supérieurs sur un même objet. Ces personnes, ayant une bonne récupération motrice, ont donc une problématique centrale d’intégration et de traitement de l’information sensori-motrice lorsqu’il y a une complexification de la tâche à réaliser. Ces résultats suggèrent donc que les cliniciens devraient porter une attention plus particulière aux activités unilatérales et de coordination bilatérales lors le l’exécution de tâches complexes nécessitant un niveau d’intégration sensori-motrice élevé. / As a result of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), deficits in the controlateral and ipsilateral limb of the brain lesion are observed in person who had had a CVA. The performance of the ipsilateral limb is determined by the clinical severity of the contralateral limb and by the adequacy of bi-hemispheral processing of information. The objective of the present study is to compare the motor performance of the ipsilateral hand during tasks implying different level of sensori-motor integration in patients with low clinical impairments. The results demonstrated that the pinch strengths between the thumb and the index finger of the ipsilateral limb are modulated and anticipated adequately in stroke persons who have a good motor recovery such as demonstrated by scores of five or more in the Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment (arm and hand parts). The motor performance of the ipsilateral limb of stroke persons during the execution of a bilateral coordination task is comparable to the motor performance of the dominant limb of healthy subjects when the task is realized without interaction between upper limbs (two objects) and it is perturbed when it implies a coordinated and reciprocal action of upper limbs on the same object. Consequently, these stroke persons with a good motor recovery have a central problem of integration and processing of sensori-motor informations when a more complex task has to be realized. These results suggest that the clinicians should pay more attention during unilateral tasks and during tasks with bilateral coordination that require a higher level of sensori-motor integration.

Submitted by Alison Vanceto (alison-vanceto@hotmail.com) on 2017-08-24T12:16:41Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DissROM.pdf: 1802563 bytes, checksum: 8a20822e115118f79c74001c251e9156 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ronildo Prado (ronisp@ufscar.br) on 2017-09-05T19:51:30Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DissROM.pdf: 1802563 bytes, checksum: 8a20822e115118f79c74001c251e9156 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ronildo Prado (ronisp@ufscar.br) on 2017-09-05T19:51:38Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DissROM.pdf: 1802563 bytes, checksum: 8a20822e115118f79c74001c251e9156 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-09-05T19:57:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DissROM.pdf: 1802563 bytes, checksum: 8a20822e115118f79c74001c251e9156 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-02-15 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate associations between abdominal obesity/dynapenia/dynapenic abdominal obesity and a single fall/recurrent falls as well as determine the effect size of such associations using two cutoff points for dynapenia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1.063 older adults pertaining to the third wave of the Saúde, Bem Estar e Envelhecimento (SABE – Health, Wellbeing and Ageing) study. Abdominal obesity was defined as a waist circumference of >102 cm for men and > 88 cm for women. The following were the cutoff points for dynapenia: grip strength < 30 kg for men and < 20 kg for women or < 26 kg for men and < 16 kg for women. Dynapenic abdominal obesity was defined by the combination of abdominal obesity and dynapenia. Regarding the outcome, the individuals were classified as non-fallers, single fallers or recurrent fallers. Socioeconomic, neuropsychiatric and environmental factors as well as living habits, polypharmacy, health status and functionality were the control variables in the multinomial regression models. Results: Adopting a cutoff point of 30/20, only one association was found: dynapenic abdominal obesity and a single fall (RRR = 2.37; 95% CI: 1.48-3.80). However, adopting a cutoff point of 26/16, dynapenic abdominal obesity (RRR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.09-3.44), abdominal obesity (RRR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.08-2.52) and dynapenia (RRR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.01-3.13) were associated with a single fall, with a larger effect size of the association with dynapenic abdominal obesity than the other two conditions. Moreover, dynapenia defined using the 26/16 cutoff point was associated with recurrent falls (RRR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.19-4.82). Conclusions: The cutoff point used to define dynapenia affects associations between abdominal obesity/dynapenia/dynapenic abdominal obesity and a single fall/recurring falls. A cutoff point of 26/16 is better for identifying such associations. / Objetivo: Investigar a associação de obesidade abdominal (OA), dinapenia e obesidade abdominal dinapênica (OA/D) com queda única e quedas recorrentes, assim como o tamanho do efeito de tais associações, adotando duas notas de cortes para dinapenia. Método: Estudo transversal com 1.063 idosos provenientes da terceira onda do Estudo SABE. OA foi definida como circunferência de cintura > 102 cm para homens e > 88 cm para mulheres. As notas de corte para dinapenia foram: força de preensão manual < 30 kg para homens e < 20 kg para mulheres ou < 26 kg para homens e < 16 kg para mulheres. OA/D foi definida pela associação de OA e dinapenia. Quanto ao desfecho, os idosos foram classificados como não caidores, caidores únicos ou recorrentes. Fatores socioeconômicos, neuropsiquiátricos, ambientais, hábitos de vida, polifarmácia, estado de saúde e funcionalidade foram variáveis de controle nos modelos de regressão multinomial. Resultados: Adotando a nota de corte 30/20, encontramos somente a associação entre OA/D e queda única (RRR = 2,37 IC 95% 1,48–3,80). Em contrapartida, adotando a nota de corte 26/16 tanto a OA/D (RRR = 1,93 IC 95% 1,09–3,44), quanto a OA (RRR = 1,65 IC 95% 1,08–2,52) e a dinapenia (RRR = 1,77 IC 95% 1,01–3,13) associaram-se à queda única, sendo o tamanho do efeito da associação maior com OA/D do que com as duas condições isoladas. Além disso, a dinapenia definida com o corte 26/16 associou-se com quedas recorrentes (RRR = 2,39 IC 95% 1,19–4,82). Conclusões: A nota de corte adotada para definir dinapenia modifica as associações de OA, dinapenia, OA/D com queda única e recorrente, sendo o corte 26/16 melhor para identificá-las. / FAPESP: 2015/18291-7

La dextérité, notamment la pince de précision (i.e., opposition pouce-index) est une fonction très développée chez l’homme. Elle est basée sur l’habileté à contrôler précisément et indépendamment les forces et mouvements des doigts en relation avec les contraintes de la tâche. Les muscles de la main responsables du mouvement des doigts sont gouvernés par le système corticospinal (CS) latéral. La principale source de ce système CS est l’aire motrice primaire (M1), laquelle possède des projections CS directes sur les motoneurones des muscles de la main. Cependant, d’autres projections CS en provenance des aires motrices non primaires ont été trouvées, notamment en provenance de l’aire motrice supplémentaire (SMA). Chez l’homme, la fonctionnalité de cette voie dans le contrôle habile des doigts a peu été étudiée. L’objectif de cette thèse est d’étudier, chez l’homme, l’implication des projections CS de la SMA lors de contrôle manuel précis de force. Pour ce faire, nous avons utilisé la stimulation magnétique transcrânienne (TMS) et l’électroencéphalographie (EEG).A travers différentes études, nous avons pu mettre en évidence l’importante implication de la SMA dans la dextérité. Il semblerait que cette aire puisse agir en parallèle à M1 en régulant directement l’excitabilité des motoneurones de la moelle épinière. En conclusion, nos résultats suggèrent que M1 et SMAp ont une influence directe et efficace sur la production de force pendant des tâches motrices manuelles fines. / Human dexterity is a highly developed function based on the ability to independently and precisely control forces and movements of the fingers related to the constraints of the task. Hand muscles for finger movements are steered by the lateral corticospinal (CS) system. The main source of this CS system is the primary motor area (M1), which has direct CS projections on motoneurons innervating hand muscles. Recently, CS projections from non-primary motor area have also been found, especially from the supplementary motor area (SMA). However, the functionality of this CS tract in human manual force control is little studied. The aim of this thesis was to study the implication of the CS projections from SMA in precision manual force control, using electroencephalography (EEG) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).Altogether, the results obtained in our different studies show the important implication of SMA in dexterity. It appears that this area can act in parallel with M1, directly influencing excitability of spinal motoneurons. We conclude that M1 and SMA both have direct and efficient influence on force production during fine manual motor tasks.

The factor of precision has always been the mastermind of the shooting sport. With new shooters coming into the field every day and with more aspiring shooters bringing laurels, a help of technology for training can make a difference. When advanced systems like the SCATT, Electronic Target Systems, etc. are marked for the people of the higher background, an easy handle autonomous system for self-monitoring training of precision improvement has always been a question of far reach. This project is about developing an external removable device, which will monitor and evaluate the shooter efficiency of gripping weapon, measure by pressure given at the contact points of the weapon. In the contact points, such as the trigger, the hand grip, cheek rest, butt plate and the hand rest; we use force sensitive resistors, which are connected to an automatic monitoring system built over an Arduino platform. The system analyses the shots based on the variation in the pressure at each point of contact for every shot. By further analysis and consolidation, the average pressure over a range of shots, an optimal pressure point can be fixed individually for the respective shooter. This pressure points are used as references, by rating them in comparison with the corresponding shot acquired in the target. The system includes a pre-designed training program, which autonomously monitors and trains the shooter to achieve the optimum grip in every shot, thereby increasing the accuracy and precision in a sequence of shots. With time, it helps the body to develop a muscle memory based on controlled training and learn the rhythm of applying optimum pressure to achieve better results. / <p>Noted the puBlication content is patented.</p>

The ability to grip on petal surfaces is of crucial importance for the interactions between bees and flowers. In this thesis, I explore the biomechanics of attachment and morphological diversity of bee attachment devices, linking this to the behavioural ecology of bee interactions with flowers. Attachment devices come in two main kinds: claws or spines, and adhesive pads. Claw functioning is poorly described, particularly in terms of how their performance depends on body size, claw geometry, and surface roughness. Claw attachment performance was investigated using several insect species, each covering a large range of body masses. Weight-specific attachment forces decreased with body size, with claw sharpness seemingly playing a role. In bees there is considerable interspecific variation in tarsal claw morphology. This variation, and arolia presence/absence, was categorised for the large bee family Apidae. Cleft/bifid claws were shown to be present in the majority of the Apidae, often with differences between sexes and clades. Using Bombus terrestris, there was no evidence that cleft claws are important for pollen collection; however, I found that the inner tooth of cleft claws can act as a backup if the main tooth breaks. Although this may be one function of cleft claws, there are clearly other unresolved functions well worth further exploration. Investigations were undertaken to explore how petal surface roughness affects bee foraging behaviour. Lab-based foraging trials on B. terrestris visiting artificial flowers varying in slope, surface texture and sugar reward revealed a trade-off between the biomechanical difficulty of visiting and handling the ‘flowers’ and the quality of the reward offered. Flowers that were difficult to grip were often avoided even if they offered a higher reward. To further investigate reward preferences of bees, the effect of sucrose concentration on honey stomach offloading times was also explored. Although the majority of petals do have a rough surface, some have slippery petals. In the field, bumblebees avoided landing on slippery hollyhock petals in favour of the easy-to-grip staminal column. In contrast, honey bees, which are smaller and have larger adhesive pads, landed on both the staminal column and the petals. Slippery petals may be an adaptation to increase contact with plant reproductive structures. Grip is also important to allow the honey bee parasite Varroa destructor to climb on to their host. Attachment forces experiments found that V. destructor could support > 300 times their body mass on honey bees, giving them strong attachment even when bees attempt to remove them through grooming. A grooming-based device for treating V. destructor was tested in an apiary trial. The device was ineffective, providing valuable information for beekeepers considering using this product. In summary, this thesis improves our understanding of the biomechanics of attachment as well as identifying several important aspects of grip in bee-plant interactions.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:18:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 TeseRSP.pdf: 2033512 bytes, checksum: d5ddb9118edecd3afca2376359856f6d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-04-25 / Load handling activities impose great overloads on the musculoskeletal system, increasing the risk of injuries. The fact that these handling activities are considered risky had led to several studies regarding load lifting, lowering, pulling and pushing. The results obtained certainly allowed many findings about influence of different variables on risk factors of these activities. However, other studies are needed, especially about risks by load carrying activities, since the literature has not dealt extensively with this topic. Thus, studies have been carried out about load handling, leading to 4 scientific papers. Study one aimed at comparing two groups of workers, with and without musculoskeletal symptoms in the upper limbs when they performed simulated tasks of handling techniques as to trunk movements and load support. Movements analysis was quantified by a flexible electrogoniometer and contact between load and trunk, by load cells. Nine asymptomatic and 10 symptomatic industrial workers were evaluated. An ANOVA was performed to compare results between symptomatic and asymptomatic workers. Most of the symptomatic workers supported the load on their trunk, whilst most of the asymptomatic did not. Higher values of lumbar flexion occurred for the symptomatic workers (p<0,05). The objective of the second study was ti describe trunk movements in sedentary subjects, and in workers with and without musculoskeletal symptoms, when carrying loads in simulated tasks. The 38 subjects who participated in this study were divided into 4 groups, consisting of 9 male students, 10 female students, 10 female symptomatic industrial workers and 9 asymptomatic industrial workers. The trunk movements of all subjects were recorded by biaxial back electrogoniometer when carrying loads between surfaces of different heights. An analysis of variance for repeated measures were performed, which was followed by the Duncan post hoc test for comparison of anthropometrical data between subjects, amplitude of movement, and time spent in each movement per group and per experimental condition. The height of the surfaces to which the loads were carried to or from, significantly influenced the trunk positions during handling (p<0,01), as if subjects were anticipating the target position whilst handling. Also more time was spent in flexion (p<0,01) than in extension. These aspects increase the risks of possible injury in such activities. The objective of the third study was to describe the kinds of grip used during handling activities of 5Kgf and 10 Kgf loads between surfaces of different height and to quantify flexion/extension movements and wrist radial and ulnar deviations quantified by electrogoniometry. Ten male volunteers participated in this study handled a box between surfaces of different heights. The activities was performed to evaluate significant differences between the anthropometry of volunteers´ hands and between movements used for load handling and different heights. The results showed that the surface heights to which the objects were handled significantly influenced (p=0,000) joint amplitudes, nevertheless there wasn t any difference in the movements for different load masses handled (p=0,43). Time over what is considered advisable was spent in radial deviation when handling involved high surfaces. The fourth study aimed at evaluating the anterior-posterior movements of the trunk and the time spent in task performance by experienced and inexperienced subjects during load handling activities to different target surfaces. The 36 subjects who participated in this study were healthy males, divided into groups of 16 and 20, experienced and inexperience respectively, in the performance of load handling activities. The activities consisted of carrying the 7Kg and 15Kg boxes from a surface at a fixed height to another at a variable height. Lumbar thoracic movements were quantified by a flexible electrogoniometer. Significant differences were found in the time spent to perform the handling between the groups (p<0,008) and between the loads (p<0,000). However, there was no significant difference in the trunk movemets between the groups (p>0,005) and the loads (p>0,005). Surfaces heights to which the box was transported significantly influenced trunks movements (p<0,000). / As atividades de manuseio de carga geram grandes sobrecargas ao sistema músculoesquelético, aumentando com isso os riscos de lesões. O fato dessas atividades de manuseio serem consideradas de risco fez com que muitos estudos fossem realizados considerando situações de levantamento, abaixamento, puxar e empurrar cargas. Os resultados obtidos certamente permitiram muitas descobertas sobre as diferentes variáveis envolvidas e os fatores de risco dessas atividades. Contudo, são necessidade outros estudos principalmente sobre os riscos gerados por atividades de carregamento de carga, já que a literatura cientifica aborda muito pouco essa temática. Assim, foram então realizados estudos sobre atividade de carregamento de carga que geraram 4 (quatro) artigos científicos. O objetivo do Estudo I foi comparar dois grupos de trabalhadores com e sem sintomas músculo-esqueléticos em membros superiores quando realizaram tarefas simuladas de manuseio, quanto aos movimentos do tronco e suporte da carga. A análise do movimento foi realizada por meio de um eletrogoniômetro flexível, o contato entre a carga e o tronco foi mensurado por meio de células de carga. Foram avaliados 9 trabalhadores assintomáticos e 10 sintomáticos. Para comparar os resultados entre sintomáticos e assintomáticos utilizou-se uma ANOVA. A maioria dos trabalhadores sintomáticos apoiou a carga no tronco enquanto que a maioria dos assintomáticos não. A amplitude de movimento de flexão lombar que ocorreram no grupo de trabalhadores sintomáticos foram bem maiores do que no grupo de assintomáticos (p<0,05). O objetivo do segundo estudo foi descrever os movimentos do tronco em indivíduos sedentários e em trabalhadores com e sem sintomas músculo-esqueléticos. Participaram do estudo 38 indivíduos sendo divididos em 4 grupos, 9 homens estudantes, 10 mulheres estudantes, 10 trabalhadoras sintomáticas e 9 trabalhadoras assintomáticas. Os movimentos do tronco foram registrados por um eletrogoniômetro biaxial de tronco durante o carregamento de carga para diferentes alturas de superfícies. Uma análise de variância ANOVA para medidas repetidas foi aplicada. Os resultados mostraram que a altura das superfícies para a qual a carga seria levada influenciou significativamente os movimentos do tronco (p<0,01) e que mais tempo foi gasto em movimentos de flexão quando comparados à extensão do tronco (p<0,01). O objetivo do terceiro estudo foi descrever os tipos de preensão empregados durante atividades de manuseio de cargas de 5 e 10Kgf entre superfícies de alturas diferentes e, quantificar os movimentos de flexão/extensão, desvio radial e ulnar do punho registrados por meio da eletrogoniômetria. Participaram 10 voluntários do sexo masculino que manusearam uma caixa entre superfícies de diferentes alturas. A atividade foi filmada para identificar os tipos de preensão empregados durante a tarefa. Uma análise de univariância foi utilizada para avaliar diferenças significativas entre a antropometria das mãos dos voluntários, e entre os movimentos utilizados para o manuseio de cargas para diferentes alturas. Os resultados mostraram que as alturas das superfícies para as quais as cargas eram manuseadas influenciaram significativamente (p=0,000) as amplitudes articulares, contudo não houve diferença significativa nos movimentos para as diferentes massas das cargas manuseadas (p=0,43). O gasto tempo acima das faixas de amplitude consideradas recomendáveis foi expressivo para os movimentos de desvio radial quando os manuseios envolviam superfícies altas. O quarto estudo objetivou avaliar os movimentos antero-posteriores do tronco e o tempo gasto na realização da tarefa, por indivíduos experientes e inexperientes, durante atividade de carregamento de cargas para diferentes superfícies alvo. Participaram do estudo 36 homens saudáveis, sendo 16 experientes e 20 inexperientes na realização da atividade de manuseio de carga. A atividade consistiu no transporte de caixa com massa de 7 e 15kg, partindo de uma superfície com altura fixa e depositavam a caixa em uma outra superfície de altura variável. Os movimentos da coluna tóraco-lombar foram registrados com um eletrogoniômetro flexível. Foram encontradas diferenças significativas no tempo gasto para realizar os manuseios entre grupos (p<0,008) e entre cargas (p<0,000). Contudo não houve diferença significativa (p>0,05). As alturas das superfícies para as quais a caixa era deslocada influenciaram significativamente os movimentos do tronco (p<0,000).

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-06T17:06:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Rodrigo da Rosa Iop.pdf: 1224669 bytes, checksum: 3bae5d9fc8b8bd98eb6a51475f81d1e3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-06-04 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar os parâmetros da curva de força de preensão manual isométrica máxima em mulheres com artrite reumatoide e a sua relação com a atividade da doença. Participaram deste estudo 9 mulheres com artrite reumatoide e 10 mulheres saudáveis, pareadas por idade. A média de idade das mulheres com artrite foi de 56,66±11,81 e das saudáveis foi de 56,0±11,42. Foram utilizada ficha de avaliação, escala de Graffar para determinar o nível sociocenômico e o inventário de Edinburg, a fim de determinar a dominância lateral. Para avaliar o nível da atividade da doença foi utilizado Disease Activity Score por meio da Proteína C-Reativa. Para avaliação dos parâmetros da curva força vs tempo de preensão manual foi utilizado dinamômetro digital produzido pelo Laboratório de Instrumentação da Udesc por meio de janelas de tempo (0-30ms; 0-50ms; 0-100ms) Os parâmetros analisados foram: força de preensão máxima, tempo para atingir a força de preensão máxima, taxa de desenvolvimento da força e o pico da taxa de desenvolvimento da força para o lado dominante e não dominante. Para comparar a média dos parâmetros da curva de força de preensão manual isométrica máxima vs tempo entre os grupos foi utilizado o Teste T para amostras independentes. A relação entre os parâmetros da curva de força de preensão e o Disease Activity Score, bem como a Proteina C-Reativa nas mulheres com artrite foi verificada por meio da correlação de Pearson. A relação entre os parâmetros da curva de força de preensão manual isométrica máxima vs tempo e o número de articulações dolorosa, edemaciadas e a percepção geral de saúde foi verificada através do teste de Spearman. A força máxima e o pico da taxa de desenvolvimento apresentaram diferença significativa entre os grupos. Foi possível verificar associação linear entre o Disease Activity Score com tempo para atingir a força máxima do lado não dominante e com a taxa de desenvolvimento da força (0-100ms) do lado dominante, bem como entre a Proteína C-Reativa com a força máxima, tempo para atingir a força máxima dominante e a taxa de desenvolvimento da força (0-100ms) dominante e o pico da taxa de desenvolvimento da força de ambos os lados. As informações sobre os parâmetros da curva força vs tempo durante a contração isométrica máxima podem contribuir na avaliação da fraqueza muscular e incapacidade gerada pelo processo inflamatório em pacientes com artrite, tornando-se uma ferramenta útil para fins preventivos e de reabilitação.