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Context: There is limited information about the effects of increasing load while squatting Objective: To quantify tibiofemoral joint kinetics during squatting with variable loads. Setting: Research laboratory. Participants: 20 male students. Intervention: Tibiofemoral joint kinetics and electromyographic (EMG) activity of four involved muscles were determined by recording the half squat with variable external loads. Main Outcome Measures: Tibiofemoral joint force and external moment components and EMG activity of four involved muscles. Results: Throughout the exercise, a posterior direction for the antero-posterior shear force and a net extension for the external moment were observed. They increased with knee flexion reaching peak force of 29% of the subject body weight (BW) and moment of 88Nm (without external load). All force and moment components and muscle activities increased as the external load increased. Conclusion: These findings suggest that half squat may be safe to use for quadriceps strengthening with very low potential loading on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Our data can help clinicians choose the appropriate external load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pelvic laparoscopic surgery offers multiple advantages for patients, but requires uncomfortable, non-ergonomic positions for the surgeon. Only a remote operator (Robot "slave" reproducing the surgeon's movements performed on a "master" console situated away from the patient), like Da-Vinci or Zeus (Intuitive Surgical) can improve the laparoscopic surgeon's working conditions. The objective of this study, based on an ergonomic analysis and recording of a laparoscopic surgeon's movements, was to define the specifications for the manufacture of an operating seat with armrests, based on the surgeon's position using a remote operator., Material and Methods: Movements of the centre of pressure and upper limbs of 12 urologists and gynaecologists with various levels of experience, were recorded using a force platform and a SAGA 3 RT movement analysis system (Biogesta), during 4 exercises performed on a pelvi-trainer, with the surgeon positioned to the left (introduction of a needle, unravelling of a cord, dissection, suture). Ergonomic analysis of the laparoscopic surgeon's movements was based on video recordings of a surgeon under real operating conditions. The specifications were defined from all of these data., Results and Discussion: The small amplitude of movements of the surgeon 's centre of pressure (< 45 cm2) confirmed that surgeons can be seated during laparoscopy. Recordings of the upper defined the elbow working zones and the need for 3D mobile armrests. Ergonomic analysis of posture defined the characteristics of the prototype. On the basis of these specifications, a prototype operating seat was developed. This prototype now needs to be validated or invalidated clinically.

Antenatal gymnastics is a form of non-pharmacological childbirth preparation methods. It helps maintain rachidian statics and to relieve painful syndromes (joints, lumbar pains) during pregnancy. It also helps correct gravidic problems (leg cramps, back ache, weight increase, etc.). It is both a physical and psychological training method in accordance with the natural mechanisms of childbirth, implying personal involvement on the part of the parturient. Fifty (50) pregnant women of Benin (apart from pathological pregnancies) divided into two groups of 25 subjects (experimental group) and 25 subjects (control group) voluntarily took part in the study after having given their written assent. Each involved subject is paired with a counterpart of control following the same criteria: age of the gestante, parity, characteristic of the pelvis. Subjects aged from 17 to 42 trained twice a week with a minimum of 24 hours rest between two sessions; the training period intensity of exercise is limited to 60% of the maximum heart frequency and each training session lasts 45 min. The results show a lower number of caesareans and a significant lower number of untorn perineas in the experimental group. Apgar scores are also statistically higher in the children of trained women. This study confirms that sedentary pregnant women without any medical counter-indications (repetitive miscarriages, premature births, placenta praevia, cervical gaping, cardiac diseases, hypertension, narrow pelvis) can participate in antenatal gymnastics at a moderated rhythm, for their own benefit and that of their babies. Muscular force improvement (quality of the abdominal pushing), psychological control (absence of stress and panic), and good body form, can be noticed in trained mothers. However, abnormal presentation of baby, fetal suffering and the inherent characteristics of the pelvis (narrow) are factors requiring a caesarean. On the whole, antenatal gymnastics is an effective non-pharmacological means to avoid complications in childbirth. This method might be one of the solutions which could benefit pregnant women in Africa, considering its low cost compared to the exorbitant cost of medicines and hospitalisation.