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Objective. This study focused on the quantification of vibration which reaches the hands of motocross riders and on the reduction of such vibration thanks to the handlebar and handlebar mounts. Background. Vibration transmitted through the hand and arm can lead to vascular and musculoskeletal problems that are well documented in the scientific literature. Controlled studies identifying plate-handlebar characteristics effects on the vibration attenuation in motocross are lacking. Methods. We measured the vibration exposure of professional and recreational motocross riders on a motocross track and replicated the vibration patterns on a LDS V930 shaker in the laboratory, to analyze the effectiveness of various components in reducing the rider vibration exposure. Laboratory tests were performed with ten subjects randomly gripping different combinations of handle-bars and steering plates, and questionnaires were used to evaluate the comfort. Objective measurements of vibration reduction were then compared to the subjective values of perceived comfort. Results. According to the current EU legislation, the measured vibration levels reach the exposure limit in less than 1h. The mechanical characteristics of the handlebars and steering plates have a limited effect on the vibration transmitted to the rider's hands. The rubber elements that many manufacturers use to reduce the vibration have limited effects at frequencies that are harmful for the musculoskeletal system. Questionnaires results have no correlation with the measured plate and handlebar performances. Conclusions. Most of the techniques used to reduce the hand-arm vibration exposure of motocross drivers are ineffective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Step ascent and descent is one of the most common daily tasks. Although it is generally considered a rather simple movement, it may not be so easy for participants with Down syndrome. Methods: A kinematic analysis of step ascent and descent was conducted, and a comparison between 11 adult participants with Down syndrome and 23 healthy participants was carried out. This analysis was accompanied by a posturographic analysis with the aim of evaluating aspects relating to balance. The principal aim of postural control was to investigate the trajectory of the centre of pressure, while the kinematic analysis of movement included the following: (1) the analysis of anticipatory postural adjustments, (2) the calculation of spatiotemporal parameters and (3) the evaluation of articular range of motion. Results: A general instability for participants with Down syndrome, highlighted in the postural control by an increased anteroposterior and mediolateral excursion, when the test was conducted with both open and closed eyes, was found out. Regarding anticipatory postural adjustments, this deficit in balance control was revealed by the execution of small steps before completing the movement and by a much longer preparation time anticipating the movement. In addition, the kinematic analysis reported a longer ascent and descent time and a lower velocity, accompanied by a greater rising of both limbs in ascent, which indicates an increased perception of the obstacle. Finally, a wider trunk range of motion in both the sagittal and frontal planes was revealed. Conclusions: All the data confirm a compromised balance control that could be associated with damage to the sensorimotor centre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Kitesurfing is one of the world's fastest growing Olympic aquatic sports. However, previous scientific literature on this sport has mainly focused on acute injuries. The aim of this study was, therefore, to capture a picture of the burden of overuse injuries in kitesurfing. Methods. Active kite-surfers regularly completed an online questionnaire, describing the health of their shoulders, lower back and knees as well as any injury related symptoms. Results. Forty-three participants completed a total of 304 questionnaires, covering a total period of 2,096 distinct person-days. Person-days of reduced participation related to shoulder, lower back and knee problems were 8 %, 3% and 8% of the total respectively. Performance was affected related to shoulder, lower back and knee problems in 11%, 22% and 16% of person-days respectively. Conclusions. Overuse injuries emerged as an important predictor of reduced participation, decreased performance and discomfort in kitesurfing. The prospective survey method captured a picture of overuse injuries in kitesurfing not previously described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A common issue in the design of measurement instruments is the comparison between different solutions in terms of components of the measurement chain, data processing or even measurement principles; the predicted instrumental uncertainty is the driving parameter for such a comparison. While in many situations the linearization of the measuring model allows using the standard ISO GUM procedure, in complex cases it might be necessary to proceed with Monte Carlo simulations as per ISO GUM supplement 1. This paper describes a method that combines the factorial design of experiments (DOE) and the ISO GUM supplement 1 uncertainty evaluation method to guide the instrument designer in the instrument configuration optimization. The proposed approach allows estimating, in the design phase, the overall instrumental uncertainty for different configurations, the instrument sensitivity to the accuracy in the measurements of its inputs and the effects on systematic and random measurement errors deriving from the choice of all instrumental variables. The use of data populations selected with the DOE criteria allows recovering valuable parameters equivalent to the sensitivity factors of the GUM linearized approach. The data analysis allows separating the critical factors that must be accurately controlled from those only weakly affecting the measurement uncertainty. The method has been applied to a case study where the metrological performances of a system devoted to the measurement of the acoustic radiation emitted by a vibrating panel in a reverberant enclosure had to be assessed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The long-term exposure to vibrations transmitted to the human upper limb by hand-held powered tools leads to a group of diseases commonly known as hand-arm vibration (HAV) syndrome. The risk deriving from the vibration exposure can be assessed with direct measurements, using data declared by the tool manufacturer or by retrieving measurements from specific databases. The discrepancies between data belonging to each of these three groups were evidenced in several studies. This paper analyzes the causes of the HAV measurements variability following the ISO GUM approach. The work process was modeled with a lumped parameter scheme of the tool–operator–measurement chain interactions. The measurement uncertainty has been identified propagating the uncertainties of the influencing parameters through the model. The soundness of the approach was verified by comparing the predicted and the observed variability in a specific case study. The major outcome of the proposed method is that the uncertainty budget allows understanding which parameters have to be controlled to limit data dispersion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This work proposes a method to predict changes in modal parameters of a generic structure due to the presence of passive people. The method requires to accurately know the modal model of the empty structure, i.e. natural frequencies, damping ratios and mode shapes. No restriction on the number of degrees of freedom of the structure is required. Each passive subject on the structure is modelled through his apparent mass and is introduced locally on the empty structure to obtain a model of the joint human-structure system. To include the apparent mass of the subjects in the model both measurements and models available in literature were used. The effect of using different models of the apparent mass was investigated and the effect of using apparent masses obtained with different levels of vibration was analysed. The proposed model was validated by means of experimental tests carried out on a lightly damped staircase. The empty structure was first tested to obtain its modal model in order to apply the proposed approach. After performing several tests with passive people standing on the structure, the experimental results showed small changes of natural frequencies (increase or decrease) and a high increase of damping ratios due to people's presence. Thus, the proposed approach was used to predict the above-mentioned changes. The measured and predicted frequency response functions, natural frequencies and damping ratios were compared. In all the cases taken into consideration, the predicted results fitted with the experimental evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intelligent thrust reverse noise detector is presented in this paper (TREND).A first detector is customized for the detection of landing sound events. When one of those events is detected, a second detector is triggered to detect thrust reverse. In the case that both events are detected, each of them have to be classified in two separate block. If the first events is classified as landing, and the second one as thrust reverse, the system identifies the activation of thrust reverse.The detection is based on thresholds applied to the sound power level (instead of sound pressure level in the traditional approaches) time histories, which are estimated using a microphone array and an inverse sound propagation model. This approach has worked well, as the estimation of sound power level enhances the sound events and their separation, even if landing and thrust reverse are close to each other.The classification is implemented through pattern recognition techniques, which reduces the number of false positive in the detection stages.The results obtained in Madrid-Barajas airport through the implementation of the methodology in this TREND tool are promising with error rates lower than 10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A thrust reverse noise detection methodology for airports is developed and tested in terms of meeting the restrictions at Madrid-Barajas airport. The detection is based on thresholds applied to the sound power level time histories estimated using a microphone array and an inverse sound propagation model. The two sound events detected are classified as landing and thrust reverse to complete the identification of thrust reverse activation. The methodology performs well especially in the detection stage because the estimation of sound power level enhances the sound events and their separation, even if landing and thrust reverse are close to each other. The implementation of the TREND tool has error rates lower than 10%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In mountain-rescue operations injured people are generally exposed to vibrations and shocks that can be potential causes of physical conditions worsening. Such vibrations can derive both from patient''s body manipulations (e.g. when it is being loaded and immobilized on a stretcher) and from forces coming from the transport devices and vehicles. Despite the general feeling that during this kind of operations the levels of transmitted vibrations to the injured can be quite large and potentially dangerous, there is practically no study in literature providing reliable parameters (i.e. measurements) to support or dismiss these beliefs. This paper reports the results of a measurement campaign carried-out in order to outline, identify and quantify the excitations a human body is exposed to, during typical transportation phases related to mountain-rescue operations. The work mainly presents and discusses the experimental setup with the aim of focusing on the problems related to this kind of measurements; the results of the experimental campaign carried-out for the measurement of the vibrations undergone by a human body during a simulated rescue operation are presented and discussed as well. Such simulation includes three phases of transportation: on a hand-held stretcher, on an ambulance and on a helicopter. The work is not intended to supply a complete characterization and analysis of vibrations transmission during any rescue operation but just to provide a preliminary overview and to define a measurement method that can be applied for a more comprehensive characterization. With such aims measurements were carried out in on-field situations stated as “typical” by rescue experts and data then analyzed both with standard procedures and algorithms (e.g. ISO 2631s weighting curves) and with the commonly used statistical indexes; in the analysis it is important to be aware that standardized measurement procedures and indexes, created to verify comfort or health-risks of workers, might not fit the case of a generic patient who experienced a serious mountain accident. The work includes also a laboratory activity mainly related to mechanical characterization of the stretcher used in the field tests. The most interesting result of the study is the comparison of the vibration levels in the various rescue phases that, even when using different indicators, shows that the most critical issue is due to hand transportation despite the bad judgment usually expressed for helicopter flight. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Cervical dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary and sustained contraction of the neck muscles that determines abnormal posture. The aim of this study was to investigate whether dystonic posture in patients with cervical dystonia affects walking and causes postural changes. Methods Patients with cervical dystonia and a group of age-matched healthy controls underwent an instrumental evaluation of the Timed Up and Go Test. Findings All the spatio-temporal parameters of the sub-phases of the Timed up and go test had a significantly higher duration in cervical dystonia patients compared to the control group while no differences in flection and extension angular amplitudes were observed. Indeed, we found that Cervical Dystonia patients had abnormalities in turning, as well as in standing-up and sitting-down from a chair during the Timed up and go test than healthy controls. Interpretation Impairment in postural control in cervical dystonia patients during walking and postural changes prompts to develop rehabilitation strategies to improve postural stability and reduce the risk of fall in these patients. • Inertial sensors are useful to evaluate postural and walking functional test. • Cervical Dystonia patients have higher duration in Time Up and Go test. • Timed Up and Go alterations may be linked to deranged sensorimotor network of dystonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Workers in mining, mills, construction and some types of manufacturing are exposed to vibration that enters the body through the feet. Exposure to foot-transmitted vibration (FTV) is associated with an increased risk of developing vibration-induced white foot (VIWFt). VIWFt is a vascular and neurological condition of the lower limb, leading to blanching in the toes and numbness and tingling in the feet, which can be disabling for the worker. This paper presents a two-dimensional dynamic model describing the response of the foot-ankle system to vibration using four segments and eight Kelvin-Voigt models. The parameters of the model have been obtained by minimizing the quadratic reconstruction error between the experimental and numerical curves of the transmissibility and the apparent mass of participants standing in a neutral position. The average transmissibility at five locations on the foot has been optimized by minimizing the difference between experimental data and the model prediction between 10 and 100 Hz. The same procedure has been repeated to fit the apparent mass measured at the driving point in a frequency range between 2 and 20 Hz. Monte Carlo simulations were used to assess how the variability of the mass, stiffness and damping matrices affect the overall data dispersion. Results showed that the 7°-of-freedom model correctly described the transmissibility: the average transmissibility modulus error was 0.1. The error increased when fitting the transmissibility and apparent mass curves: the average modulus error was 0.3. However, the obtained values were reasonable with respect to the average inter-participant variability experimentally estimated at 0.52 for the modulus. Study results can contribute to the development of materials and equipment to attenuate FTV and, consequently, lower the risk of developing VIWFt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]