published_or_final_version / Community Medicine / Master / Master of Public Health

published_or_final_version / Anatomy / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

The purpose of this study was to use EMG data of the erector spinae muscles synchronized with three-dimensional video techniques to determine the body's responses to asymmetric lifting under weight belt conditions. The subjects performed static maximum voluntary exertions and dynamic lifts from 0° and 45° from the midline of the body. Three weight belt conditions were used. EMG data revealed significant differences in EMG variables with belt conditions. Weight belt use decreased burst area, peak voltage, and maximum frequency. Kinematic data indicated a significant difference in the left knee and left and right elbow range of motion when the type of lift, symmetric or asymmetric, was considered. Lifting technique also produced a significant effect on the maximum and minimum velocity of the center of mass. The results of the study indicate that weight belt use is an effective means of reducing spinal compression and thus may be helpful in preventing low back injury. / School of Physical Education

Sun Yehuan. / "September 2004." / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 213-223). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese.

[Truncated abstract] Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are a major problem in sport. The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the causative factors of ACL injuries and to study the effect of various types of lower-limb training on underlying neuromuscular mechanisms involved in stabilisation and risk of ACL injury. Investigation of the mechanisms was conducted on controlled balance and strength tests as well as in sporting manoeuvres. It was aimed to assess if the neuromuscular changes map over into the performance of sporting manoeuvres and if potential for loading on the ACL and risk of injury was reduced or exacerbated . . . ACL strain can be decreased through reduction in the applied loads and greater knee flexion. Further to this, muscle activation has the ability to reduce loading on the ACL through co-contraction and selective activation patterns. This thesis demonstrated differing neuromuscular adaptations from various training types that map over into the performance of sporting manoeuvres. The research indicated that the Balance-Training was the most favourable in reducing potential for injury risk on the ACL. Alternatively strength training elicited neuromuscular changes that were likely to increase the risk of force on the ACL. The Machine+Balance training resulted in some negative and positive outcomes with the balance training tending to counteract the negative affects of machine weights training resulting in small improvements in muscular support and load reduction. This study provides us with better understanding of the underlying mechanisms from various training types and their potential affect on risk of ACL injury.

Thesis (MScPhysio)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), an overuse injury, is the second most common running injury and the main cause of lateral knee pain in runners. Due to the increasing number of runners worldwide there has been an increase in its occurrence. Runners with ITBS typically experience symptoms just after heel strike at approximately 20°-30° of knee flexion (impingement zone) during the stance phase of running. A variety of intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors may be responsible for why some runners are more prone to developing symptoms during the impingement zone as opposed to others. Abnormalities in running biomechanics is an intrinsic risk factor which has been most extensively described in literature but little is known about its exact relationship to ITBS. Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review was to provide an up to date evidence synthesis of the biomechanical risk factors associated with ITBS. These risk factors may need to be considered in the prevention or management of ITBS in runners. A clinical algorithm is also presented. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted. An electronic search was performed in PubMed, PEDro, SPORTSDisc and Scopus of literature published up-until May 2014. Cross-sectional and cohort studies were eligible for inclusion if they evaluated the lower limb biomechanics of runners with ITBS or those who went onto developing it. All studies included in the review were methodologically appraised. Evidence was graded according to the level of evidence, consistency of evidence and the clinical impact. Data was described narratively using tables or narrative summaries where appropriate. A meta-analysis was conducted for biomechanical risk factors which were reported in at least two studies, provided that homogeneity in the outcomes and samples were present. Results: A total of 11 studies were included (1 prospective and 10 cross-sectional). Overall the methodological score of the studies was moderate. Increased peak hip adduction and knee internal rotation during the stance phase may predict the development of ITBS in female runners. These biomechanical risk factors may need to be screened for ITBS prevention, despite the evidence base being limited to a single study. Currently there is no conclusive evidence that any of the biomechanical parameters need to be considered when managing runners with ITBS. Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za iii Conclusion: Biomechanical differences may exist between runners with ITBS and those who may develop ITBS compared to healthy runners. Although a large variety of biomechanical risk factors were evaluated, the evidence base for screening or managing these risk factors for runners with ITBS is limited. This is due to a small evidence base, small clinical effect and heterogeneity between study outcomes and findings. Further prospective and cross-sectional research is required to ascertain if abnormalities in running biomechanics may be related to why runners develop ITBS or to ascertain which risk factors may be involved when managing these runners. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Inleiding: Iliotibiale-band-sindroom (ITBS), ’n besering vanweë oormatige gebruik, is die tweede algemeenste hardloopbesering en die hoofoorsaak van laterale kniepyn by hardlopers. Namate die getal hardlopers wêreldwyd toeneem, neem die voorkoms van hierdie toestand ook toe. Hardlopers met ITBS ervaar tipies simptome ná die hakslag met die knie ongeveer 20-30° gebuig (die wrywingsone of “impingement zone”) gedurende die staanfase van hardloop. Verskeie intrinsieke en ekstrinsieke risikofaktore kan ’n rol speel in waarom sommige hardlopers meer geneig is as ander om gedurende die wrywingsone simptome te ervaar. Abnormaliteite in hardloopbiomeganika is ’n intrinsieke risikofaktor wat reeds omvattend in die literatuur beskryf is. Tog is weinig bekend oor presies hoe dit met ITBS verband hou. Oogmerke: Die doel van hierdie stelselmatige ondersoek was om ’n sintese te bied van die jongste bewyse van die biomeganiese risikofaktore van ITBS. Hierdie risikofaktore kan dalk oorweeg word om ITBS by hardlopers te voorkom of te bestuur. ’n Kliniese algoritme word ook aangebied. Metodes: ’n Stelselmatige ondersoek is met behulp van meta-ontleding onderneem. PubMed, PEDro, SPORTSDisc en Scopus is elektronies deurgesoek vir literatuur wat tot en met Mei 2014 verskyn het. Deursnee en kohortstudies is ingesluit indien dit gehandel het oor die biomeganika in die onderste ledemate van hardlopers wat ITBS het of later ontwikkel het. Alle studies wat deel was van die ondersoek is metodologies geëvalueer. Bewyse is aan die hand van bewysvlak, bewyskonsekwentheid en kliniese impak beoordeel. Data is narratief beskryf met behulp van tabelle of narratiewe opsommings waar dit toepaslik was. ’n Meta-ontleding is onderneem waar biomeganiese risikofaktore in minstens twee studies aangemeld is, mits daar homogeniteit in die uitkomste sowel as die steekproewe was. Resultate: Altesaam 11 studies is ingesluit (een prospektief en tien deursnee). Die metodologiese telling van die studies was oorwegend gemiddeld. Verhoogde spitsheupadduksie en interne knierotasie gedurende die staanfase kan op die ontwikkeling van ITBS by vrouehardlopers dui. Hierdie biomeganiese risikofaktore kan dalk nagegaan word vir ITBS-voorkoming, al was die bewysbasis beperk tot ’n enkele studie. Daar is tans geen afdoende bewys dat enige van die biomeganiese parameters oorweeg behoort te word in die bestuur van langafstandatlete met ITBS nie. Gevolgtrekking: Daar bestaan dalk biomeganiese verskille tussen hardlopers wat ITBS het of kan ontwikkel en gesonde hardlopers. Hoewel ’n groot verskeidenheid biomeganiese risikofaktore beoordeel is, is die bewysbasis vir die toets of bestuur daarvan by atlete met ITBS beperk. Dít is vanweë die klein hoeveelheid bewyse, die klein kliniese impak, en heterogeniteit tussen studie-uitkomste en bevindinge. Verdere prospektiewe en deursneenavorsing word vereis om te bepaal of abnormaliteite in hardloopbiomeganika ’n rol kan speel in waarom langafstandhardlopers ITBS ontwikkel, of om vas te stel watter risikofaktore ter sprake kan wees in die bestuur van hierdie hardlopers.

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of compression socks worn post exercise on the perceived rating of muscle soreness. Methods: In a randomly cross over design, 16 subjects performed a soreness inducing protocol. Below knee CG (Compression garments) were worn for the next 6 hours post exercise. HR (Heart Rate), RPE (rate of perceived exhaustion) and time to complete one cycle was measured throughout the intervention. PS (Perceived Soreness) was assessed prior, immediate post, 6h, and 24h post exercise. Results: There was no significant difference in perception of soreness between compression and no compression at 6h post exercise (p=.136) and at 24h post exercise (p=286). Conclusion: Compression socks worn post exercise did not significantly alter ratings of perceived soreness after a soreness inducing protocol. / by Friederike Feil. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2011. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2011. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

The purpose of this study was to compare the protective characteristics of four different ankle braces and one form of ankle taping. An inversion and plantar flexion platform was used to induce ankle movements. The subjects used in this study consisted of 10 volunteer male students. The subjects had no sprains five months prior to testing. All subjects were tested in the same size 10 shoes, high tops and low tops. A Certified Athletic Trainer applied all ankle braces and ankle tapings. A closed basketweave with heel locks, adherent spray, and pre-wrap was used for all taping conditions.After the application of the ankle braces or taping, each subject performed two tests on the inversion and plantar flexion platform. A random order was used among the subjects. An ankle inversion platform was modified to induce 30 degrees of inversion and 35 degrees of plantar flexion simultaneously. The subjects will be filmed using a Locam 16mm at 200 frame/second. All subjects were filmed from the posterior plane with markings on the posterior aspect of the lower leg to help analyze the movement at the subtalar joint. A Calcomp 9100 series digitizer that was interfaced with a VAX computer was used to analyze the data and calculate the amount of angular displacement at the subtalar joint. An ANOVA with repeated measures was used to determine significant differences between support techniques. University procedures for the protection of human subjects was followed. ANOVA procedures indicated no significant difference in angular displacement between braces. A statistical analysis indicated that low top shoes provided significantly more support than high top shoes in braced ankles. / School of Physical Education

Thesis (Master of Nursing)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019 / Background: Like other health care providers, nursing students are unprotected from occupational dangers such as sharp object injuries (SOIs) due to imperfect knowledge and experience. These students face a great risk of exposure to blood borne infections by pathogens such as HIV and the hepatitis B and C viruses while executing their clinical actions in hospitals. SOIs are a significant problem for nursing students, as they increase the risk of contracting blood-borne infections. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine nursing students' knowledge and practices related to SOIs and their management at a university in the Western Cape Province. Objectives: The objectives of this study include determining the occurrence of SOIs, and knowledge of risk of SOIs, as well as the reporting and management of SOIs at a university in the Western Cape. Method and sample: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted with nursing students from the second to fourth year of study, registered at a university in the Western Cape Province for the 2017 academic year. Quota sampling was applied to select respondents who, after providing informed consent, then completed and handed the self- administered questionnaires back to the researcher on the same day that they were distributed. Data were obtained from nursing students about whether or not they had experienced an SOI, what they did after the SOI, their perception of the risk, and management of and preventive measures for SOIs. Validity and reliability were ensured, and all ethical principles were adhered to. SPSS was used for the quantitative data analysis. Results: A total of 252 nursing students from the second to fourth years participated in this study. The average age of respondents was 24 years, with a minimum of 19 and maximum of 46 years; 211 (83.7%) of them were females. During their course 63 (25%) respondents experienced SOIs; only 42 (66.67%; N=63) of them reported the occurrence of an SOI, most (25 or 59.52%) reporting it to the professional nurse in charge. The highest occurrence of SOIs was reported by fourth-year students (26 respondents, 41.3%). It was found that 21 (33.3%) of SOIs were not reported, and the main reason for this was because there was little or no perception of associated risk (15, 71.43%). Forty-six (73.02%) respondents experienced a single SOI, while 11 (17.46%) had two SOIs, 4 (6.35%) reported having had three SOIs, and one each (1.59%) had more than four and more than ten SOIs. The activity causing most of the SOIs was administration of medication by injection (48 cases, 76.2%), and in most cases (57, 90.47%) the instruments causing injury were needles or hollow-bore needles. Most of the affected respondents squeezed the puncture site after the SOI (42, 66.7%), followed by washing the area with water and soap (40; 63.5%), and cleaning the site with antiseptic (15, 23.8%). Among those students exposed to SOIs, only 22 (52.4%) had undergone blood tests, and very few of them took post-exposure prophylaxis or treatment (16, 25.40%). The emotion that most of them felt after the SOI was fear (42, 66.7%), and the main reason for not getting treatment was fear of side effects (18, 38.29%). Also, only 61 (24.2%) respondents reported recapping needles after use, while most reported incomplete vaccination against hepatitis B (195, 77.38%). The main reason for not using personal protective equipment (PPE) was noted as the unavailability thereof at the institution (43, 49.4%). Conclusion: This study documented a low rate of reporting SOIs among nursing students. It is plain that there are inadequate levels of knowledge and practice related to SOI management among these students at a university in the Western Cape. One would imagine that because the majority of nursing students had a measure for the practice of universal precautions and used PPE, their management after exposure to SOIs during work training in hospital would be efficient. This was not the instance in this study, where application of these actions in their practical training was poor.

"The primary purpose of this study was to identify health education strategies which are effective in increasing the use of protective devices which can prevent injury. The specific protective device studied was the helmet worn by off-road vehicle [including All-Terrain Vehicles [ATVs] and snowmachines] riders in rural Alaska"--Leaf 3. / Thesis (Ed. D.)--Boston University, 1996.