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Thoracolumbar kyphosis in sitting posture is associated with forward head posture and may adversely affect swallowing function. However, few studies have investigated the effect of spinal alignment in the sitting posture on the swallowing function of older adults. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate whether spinal alignment in the sitting posture influences the swallowing function of older adult women. Overall, 18 older adult women (mean age, 69.78 ± 3.66 years) without dysphagia were enrolled. Participants were positioned in two sitting postures, namely, comfortable sitting (CS) and thoracic upright sitting (TUS). In each sitting posture, the kyphosis index (using a flexicurve), sagittal angles (head, cervical, shoulder, and pelvic angles; using a digital camera), and cervical range of motion (ROM) were evaluated. Swallowing speed (100-mL water swallowing test), maximum tongue pressure (MTP), and oral diadochokinesis (ODK) were also evaluated. Compared with TUS, CS showed a greater kyphosis index, anterior head translation, and posterior pelvic tilt. CS had greater flexion (p < 0.001) and less extension (p < 0.001) of cervical ROM than TUS. Swallowing speed was significantly decreased in CS compared with TUS (p = 0.008). MTP and ODK were not significantly different between CS and TUS. Thus, changes in sitting posture with spinal alignment may affect swallowing speed. Consequently, adjustments to reduce sitting postural kyphosis in older adult women may improve swallowing speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to create a non-contact system for recognizing the sitting postures of office workers, applicable to healthy sitting monitoring. Skeletal point data were obtained via a depth sensor-based Kinect device while subjects performed five different sitting postures. Five angles have been calculated that can differentiate these postures. A fuzzy rule-based automated approach using angle values is proposed to label the data. With this method, two different data sets were created using traditional time-based labeling methods. Angular and geometric features were used to classify the depth values, and 99.6% and 98.9% accuracy were obtained with KNN and Adaboost classifiers. The proposed labeling method outperformed the traditional time-based labeling method according to the classification results. This system offers a highperformance solution for promoting healthy sitting habits in office workers and has applications in health monitoring and robot vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Low Back Pain (LBP) is the most common musculoskeletal disorder in the world. Medical students, particularly those who use computers for study purposes, are more vulnerable to LBP due to prolonged sitting times and improper sitting posture during lectures. However, prior research showed that the prevalence of LBP among medical students appeared lower when they were enrolled during online pandemic learning. Hence, this research is performed to determine the correlation between the duration of sitting and sitting posture on the incidence of LBP among medical students in Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia. Methods A cross-sectional study with an analytical descriptive design was conducted in September 2023 among randomly selected 147 medical students at Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia. The inclusion criteria of the research sample are students with BMI< 23 kg/m2 while the exclusion criteria are students who have abnormalities and a history of trauma or spinal fractures. Data was obtained from filling out questionnaires of The Pain and Distress Scale (PAD) and Body Awareness of Postural Habit in Young People (BAPHY). A Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to analyze data with a p-value < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results The study’s findings revealed that 40.1% of students reported having LBP problems, 72.1% reported sitting for more than seven hours each day, and 33.3% reported having a bad sitting posture. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant correlation between sitting duration and posture on complaints of lower back pain (RR = 1.69, p = 0.041 and RR = 1.69, p = 0.009). At a risk of 2,438 times, sitting posture is the main factor contributing to LBP among medical students at Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia. Conclusions This research showed a significant correlation between duration and sitting posture on the incidence of low back pain.

The Victorians were notorious for their preoccupation with the posture and carriage of men and women, by which they outlined the contours of their refinement and moral characters. Drawing on Victorian etiquette manuals and modern social psychological studies regarding sitting postures, this article addresses scenes and melodramas featuring seats in Charles Dickens's Our Mutual Friend so as to reveal how Dickens has created a scathing satire on the respectable pretension and deep moral vices of Victorian society through his seemingly exaggerated description of characters' sitting manners. It argues that seat performance is not only a crucial means for Victorians' self-representation but also a shrewd strategy for domination. While Dickens's caricatured depictions of Lammle's and Fledgeby's abominable sitting manners manifests his biting attacks on Victorian predatory fortune-hunters' thirst for power and money, his rendition of Jenny's and Bella's questionable sitting poses lays bare the miseries and imprisonment of women in that era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examines the impact of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) on chest mobility, upright sitting height, and quality of life (QoL) in obese women. DNS exercises are used to assess and activate the spinal stabilizers to improve the performance of the posture and respiratory systems. Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 60 participants were randomly assigned to two groups as follows: The DNS group (n=30) and the control group (n=30). To start, in a random order, each participant completed a pre-test of the upper chest mobility, lower chest mobility, upright sitting height, and QoL. The DNS protocol was then implemented, with participants undergoing training six times a week for six weeks. After the completion of training, a post-test was conducted to measure all parameters. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis and repeated measures analysis of variance in the SPSS software, version 23. Results: In the DNS group, significant improvements were observed in the post-test compared to the pre-test for upper chest mobility (2.1±1.6 vs 3.7±1.8 cm, P

• Energy expenditure in the aquatic environment: Measuring energy expenditure by measuring the oxygen consumption of individuals with Duchenne in the pool is innovative and can guide activities in this environment. • Prediction of energy expenditure in the aquatic environment: Prediction of energy expenditure inside the pool, based on measurements on the ground, facilitates assessment and provides confidence for the physiotherapist to outline measures for patients. • Guiding study: The purpose of this study is to obtain data on the energy expenditure of individuals with DMD in a sitting posture, as a basis for new studies on energy expenditure during aquatic exercises, being able to outline load and safety parameters. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most frequent childhood dystrophies, affecting cardiopulmonary functions and walking ability. One of the main symptoms is fatigue, which is caused by altered muscle metabolism related to energy expenditure (EE). Aquatic physiotherapy is a therapeutic modality that facilitates the maintenance of this posture because of immersion on the body. This cross-sectional observational study aimed to compare the EE on the ground and water of individuals with DMD through oxygen consumption in the maintenance of sitting posture. The individuals were in a sitting position on the ground and in the water for 20 min for the assessments. The variables peripheral oxygen saturation, heart rate, maximum expiratory pressure, maximum inspiratory pressure, forced vital capacity, respiratory quotient (RQ), and oxygen consumption per kilogram of body weight (VO 2 /kg) were compared, adopting a significance of 5 %. No difference was found between medians and quartiles of RQ when comparing the two environments. The same was observed for VO 2 /Kg values on the ground and in water. The data from this study demonstrate that the EE of individuals with DMD did not change when maintaining a sitting posture on the ground and in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report presents the adaptation of an assistive device chair for bedside sitting and its application in two patients with trunk control impairment in the acute stroke phase. The device was built with polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipes and designed by a team of mechanical engineers and physiotherapists to maintain a prolonged sitting position with less demand from therapists. To test the device, two patients were followed up during the acute phase of stroke. Both patients underwent an early mobilization program (30 min, twice a day, for three days) with an assistive device chair for bedside sitting. Patients were evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), and International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) checklist (b: body function; d: activity and participation). The adaptations generated the following equipment: 1) foldable, 2) three levels of backrest inclination, and 3) a safety anterior support or an activity table. Both patients showed clinical improvement after the intervention period, with NIHSS score reduction, TIS improvement, and greater functionality and independence on the ICF framework. The equipment with adaptations seems to be functional, easy to handle, and can potentially contribute to clinical and functional improvements in patients with trunk control deficits after stroke. The assistive device chair has a low manufacturing cost, and allow an easy handling and storage The assistive device chair has been adapted to facilitate sitting posture; The assistive device chair can be used as an auxiliary tool in early mobilizations protocols and contemporary rehabilitation approaches; The early mobilization protocol associated with the assistive device chair can generate clinical improvements in acute stroke. The mobilization protocol associated with the assistive device chair can promote improvement in International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health domains in acute stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The static sitting position contributes to increased pressure on the lumbar intervertebral disc, which can lead to dehydration and decreased disc height. To systematically investigate the of sitting posture on degeneration of the lumbar intervertebral disc. One researcher carried out a systematic literature search of articles with no language or time limits. Studies from 2006 to 2018 were found. The searches in all databases were carried out on January 28, 2022, using the following databases: Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) databases, and for the grey literature: Google scholar, CAPES Thesis and Dissertation Bank, and Open Grey. The acronym PECOS was used to formulate the question focus of this study: P (population) – male and female subjects; E (exposure) – sitting posture; C (comparison) – other posture or sitting posture in different periods; O (outcomes) – height and degeneration of the lumbar intervertebral disc(s), imaging exam; and S (study) – cross-sectional and case control. The risk of bias was in its moderate totality in its outcome: height and degeneration of the lumbar intervertebral disc(s) - imaging. Of the four selected studies, three found a decrease in the height of the disc(s) in sitting posture. The individual data from the manuscripts suggest that the sitting posture causes a reduction in the height of the lumbar intervertebral disc. It was also concluded that there is a need for new primary studies with a more in-depth design and sample size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examines the impact of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) on chest mobility, upright sitting height, and quality of life (QoL) in obese women. DNS exercises are used to assess and activate the spinal stabilizers to improve the performance of the posture and respiratory systems. Methods: In this semi-experimental... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The number of people who need to use wheelchair for proper mobility is increasing. The integration of technology into these devices enables the simultaneous and objective assessment of posture, while also facilitating the concurrent monitoring of the functional status of wheelchair users. In this way, both the health personnel and the user can be provided with relevant information for the recovery process. This information can be used to carry out an early adaptation of the rehabilitation of patients, thus allowing to prevent further musculoskeletal problems, as well as risk situations such as ulcers or falls. Thus, a higher quality of life is promoted in affected individuals. As a result, this paper presents an orderly and organized analysis of the existing postural diagnosis systems for detecting sitting anomalies in the literature. This analysis can be divided into two parts that compose such postural diagnosis: on the one hand, the monitoring devices necessary for the collection of postural data and, on the other hand, the techniques used for anomaly detection. These anomaly detection techniques will be explained under two different approaches: the traditional generalized approach followed to date by most works, where anomalies are treated as incorrect postures, and a new individualized approach treating anomalies as changes with respect to the normal sitting pattern. In this way, the advantages, limitations and opportunities of the different techniques are analyzed. The main contribution of this overview paper is to synthesize and organize information, identify trends, and provide a comprehensive understanding of sitting posture diagnosis systems, offering researchers an accessible resource for navigating the current state of knowledge of this particular field.

The number of people who need to use wheelchair for proper mobility is increasing. The integration of technology into these devices enables the simultaneous and objective assessment of posture, while also facilitating the concurrent monitoring of the functional status of wheelchair users. In this way, both the health personnel and the user can be provided with relevant information for the recovery process. This information can be used to carry out an early adaptation of the rehabilitation of patients, thus allowing to prevent further musculoskeletal problems, as well as risk situations such as ulcers or falls. Thus, a higher quality of life is promoted in affected individuals. As a result, this paper presents an orderly and organized analysis of the existing postural diagnosis systems for detecting sitting anomalies in the literature. This analysis can be divided into two parts that compose such postural diagnosis: on the one hand, the monitoring devices necessary for the collection of postural data and, on the other hand, the techniques used for anomaly detection. These anomaly detection techniques will be explained under two different approaches: the traditional generalized approach followed to date by most works, where anomalies are treated as incorrect postures, and a new individualized approach treating anomalies as changes with respect to the normal sitting pattern. In this way, the advantages, limitations and opportunities of the different techniques are analyzed. The main contribution of this overview paper is to synthesize and organize information, identify trends, and provide a comprehensive understanding of sitting posture diagnosis systems, offering researchers an accessible resource for navigating the current state of knowledge of this particular field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

المخلص: أهداف البحث: يرتبط السلوك الخامل المرتفع بوظائف الأوعية الدموية المركزية المعاكسة والخلل الإدراكي. التدخلات لتخفيف الآثار السلبية للجلوس في مكان العمل مثيرة للاهتمام، ومع ذلك، فإن الأدلة التي تدعي فعالية مثل هذه التدخلات لا تزال تظهر. تهدف تجربة التقاطع العشوائية الحالية إلى استكشاف فعالية الجلوس لفترات طويلة مع أو بدون فواصل النشاط البدني على وظائف الأوعية الدموية المركزية والطرفية والمعرفية لدى البالغين. طرق البحث: أكمل واحد وعشرين من البالغين الأصحاء أربع ساعات من محاكاة ظروف العمل في ثلاث زيارات تجريبية: (1) الجلوس دون انقطاع؛ (2) يقطع الجلوس ثلاث دقائق سيرا على الأقدام كل ساعة؛ (3) يقطع الجلوس ثلاث دقائق من صعود السلم كل ساعة. تم قياس قطر الشريان السباتي والسطحي والسرعة ومعدل القص وتدفق الدم باستخدام الموجات فوق الصوتية المزدوجة عند 50 ميجاهرتز في ثلاث نقاط زمنية (الساعة صفر والثانية والرابعة) بينما تم تقييم الوظائف التنفيذية باستخدام إريكسن فلانكر المعتمدة على الحاسوب كل ساعة. النتائج: كان الانخفاض في أوقات رد الفعل (-30.59٪) والدقة (-10.56٪) أثناء ظروف الجلوس غير المنقطعة ذات دلالة إحصائية، بينما كان الانخفاض أقل أثناء الجلوس المتقطع بثلاث دقائق من المشي كل ساعة والجلوس بثلاث دقائق من صعود السلم كل ساعة. لم يلاحظ وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية في وظائف الشريان السباتي والشريان الفخذي السطحي مع توقف الجلوس لمدة ثلاث دقائق من المشي كل ساعة والجلوس بثلاث دقائق من صعود السلم كل ساعة تدخل. الاستنتاجات: تم العثور على فواصل النشاط البدني متفاوتة الشدة أثناء الجلوس لفترات طويلة لتحسين أوقات رد الفعل. ومع ذلك، يجب تأكيد الفوائد الوعائية لفواصل النشاط البدني من خلال الدراسات المستقبلية في الوقت الفعلي. Abstract: Objectives: High sedentary behaviour is associated with adverse effects on central vascular function and cognitive function. Although interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of workplace sitting are intriguing, evidence of the efficacy of such interventions remains lacking. This randomised cross-over trial was aimed at exploring the effectiveness of prolonged sitting, with or without physical activity breaks, on central, peripheral vascular and cognitive function in adults. Methods: Twenty one healthy adults completed 4 h of simulated work conditions in three experimental visits: (1) uninterrupted sitting (SIT); (2) sitting interrupted by 3 min of walking every hour (LIT); and (3) sitting interrupted by 3 min of stair climbing every hour (MIT). Carotid (CA) and superficial femoral artery (SFA) diameter, velocity, shear rate and blood flow were measured with Duplex ultrasound at 50 MHz at three time points (hours 0, 2 and 4), and executive function was assessed with the computer based Eriksen Flanker task every hour. Results: The decreases in reaction time (−30.59%) and accuracy (−10.56%) during SIT conditions were statistically significant, and less of a decrease was observed under LIT and MIT conditions. No significant differences in CA and SFA function were observed with LIT and MIT interventions. Conclusion: Physical activity breaks of varying intensity during prolonged sitting improve reaction time. However, the vascular benefits of physical activity breaks should be confirmed in the future through long term studies in natural environment.

Copyright of Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: To verify the effect of sitting posture with and without sole-ground contact on chewing stability and masticatory performance. Methods: Thirty healthy subjects were evaluated. The Conformat was used to analyze the center of sitting pressure (COSP), and the three-dimensional motion analysis system was used to analyze changes in head and trunk postures while subjects remained in a sitting position with and without sole-ground contact. The parameters of masticatory performance and movement were calculated as follows. For evaluating masticatory performance, the amount of glucose extraction (AGE) during chewing of a gummy jelly was measured. For evaluating masticatory movements, the movement of the mandibular incisal point was recorded using the Motion Visi-Trainer V1, and parameters of the stabilities of movement path and rhythm were calculated. Results: Head and trunk sway values and the displacement of COSP were significantly smaller with sole-ground contact than those without sole-ground contact. The masticatory movement path with sole-ground contact showed less variation in the opening distance and more stable movement path compared to those without sole-ground contact. The AGE was significantly greater with sole-ground contact than that without sole-ground contact. Conclusion: Sitting posture with and without sole-ground contact affects chewing stability and masticatory performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Practicing incorrect postures in online and virtual education during the COVID-19 pandemic can cause significant study-related musculoskeletal problems among students. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the knowledge, attitude, and practice of sitting posture and computer ergonomics and study-related musculoskeletal problems in undergraduates who followed online education during the pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey among a cohort of Sri Lankan medical undergraduates was conducted using a structured questionnaire with 56 multiple-choice or Yes/No type questions. RESULTS: Of the 410 participants, over 85% (n = 362) knew the correct posture to sit on the chair type that they frequently used for studies. However, the majority (n = 378,92.20%) practised incorrect sitting postures in which leaning forward (n = 319,77.80%) was the most common suboptimal posture. Knowledge (n = 161,40%) and practice (n = 167,40.73%) on taking frequent breaks were poor among the majority. Their knowledge on computer ergonomics was good (>80%, n = 304) except for the recommended eye-to-screen distance (n = 129,31.46%). Importantly, ∼50% (n = 206) did not practise the recommended eye-to-screen distance. Use of non-adjustable chairs with no armrests (n = 346,84.39%) and smartphones (n = 354,86.34%) were identified as the main factors which hindered correct practices. Study-related pain/discomfort reported by the majority (n = 241,58.78%) is potentially due to suboptimal ergonomics. Their attitude toward learning and practicing correct ergonomics in home workstations was good (n = 383,93.41%). CONCLUSION: Poor practice of posture and computer ergonomics, despite the good knowledge and attitude is possibly due to the suboptimal work environments. Introducing simple practical measures to facilitate ergonomically appropriate work environments is mandatory in virtual education to prevent study-related musculoskeletal problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to impaired trunk motor control, negatively impacting the performance of activities of daily living in the affected individuals. Improved trunk control with better sitting posture has been previously observed due to neuromuscular electrical stimulation and transcutaneous spinal stimulation, while improved postural stability has been observed with spinal cord epidural stimulation (scES). Hence, we studied how trunk-specific scES impacts sitting independence and posture. Fourteen individuals with chronic, severe cervical SCI with an implanted neurostimulator performed a 5-min tall-sit task without and with trunk-specific scES. Spine posture was assessed by placing markers on five spine levels and evaluating vertical spine inclination angles. Duration of trunk manual assistance was used to assess independence along with the number of independence changes and average independence score across those changes. With scES, the sacrum-L1 inclination and number of independence changes tended to decrease by 1.64 ± 3.16° (p = 0.07; Cohen's d = 0.53) and 9.86 ± 16.8 (p = 0.047; Cohen's d = 0.59), respectively. Additionally, for the participants who had poor sitting independence without scES, level of independence tended to increase by 12.91% [0%, 31.52%] (p = 0.38; Cohen's d = 0.96) when scES was present. Hence, trunk-specific scES promoted improvements in lower spine posture and lower levels of trunk assistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desk workers spend long periods sitting with poor posture. This leads to back pain and musculoskeletal disorders. Current solutions to track posture use sensors or cameras that may make sitting uncomfortable and violate privacy. This letter presents a system that detects the leg position when sitting at a desk via 2-D light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and a support vector machine running on a Raspberry Pi 4. The system recognizes six common positions: legs slightly open with knees bent, legs crossed, one leg on the other leg’s knee, legs extended forward, backward, and legs parallel with an angle of ~90° between upper and lower legs. The results of an experiment involving 30 workers showed an accuracy of 99.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The effectiveness of the Tipton chair on the thoracic and lumbar spine of students was evaluated in the straight upright position and careful study postures. Materials & Methods: This study was performed on 30 students (20 women and 10 men) who had no history of musculoskeletal disorders. Evaluation of changes in the angles of the thoracic and lumbar spinal was performed using an electrogoniometer on the normal and Tipton chair in the two postures of straight upright and careful study. The participants were evaluated in each posture on each chair for five minutes. Considering the resting time and questionnaire completion, the study took 30 minutes for each person. The data recorded by the electrogoniometer were analyzed through repeated measures statistical test and data of the system usability scale (SUS) questionnaire by the paired t-test in SPSS software, version 25. Results: The mean range of changes in the angles of the thoracic spine in the sagittal plane showed that the variable of chair type was not significant (P=0.072), but the variable of posture was (P=0.013). Also, regarding the mean range of change in thoracic lateral flexion, the interaction of chair and posture (P=0.048) and the chair variable with (P=0.003) had a significant difference. This difference was about a 28% reduction in the mean range of changes in the lateral flexion of the thoracic spine in the upright posture and a 10% reduction in the careful study posture in the Tipton chair compared to the normal chair. While the posture variable had no significant difference (P=0.705). Also, the mean range of changes in lumbar flexion extension showed that the chair variable (P=0.003) had a significant difference. This significant difference was about a 16% reduction in the mean range of changes in the flexion extension of the lumbar spine in the upright posture and a 43% reduction in the careful study posture in the Tipton chair compared to the normal chair. While the variable of posture (P=0.162) did not have significant differences. The study's results on lateral lumbar flexion also showed that both variables of chair and posture had a significant difference (P=0.009). The mean range of changes in lumbar lateral flexion angles in both upright and careful posture in the Tipton chair was reduced by 28% compared to the normal chair. Analysis of SUS questionnaire scores for the Tipton and normal chairs showed a significant difference between these two chairs (P=0.000). In addition, the average scores of the SUS questionnaire were 78.6 for the Tipton chair and 65.9 for the normal chair, which shows an increase of 19%. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the Tipton chair could reduce the average range of body angles in the thoracic and lumbar spine. Also, the study results indicated an increase in user satisfaction with the Tipton chair compared to the normal chair, in which the level of satisfaction of women is higher than men. It can be due to the difference in anthropometric dimensions between women and men.

Copyright of Rigakuryoho Kagaku is the property of International Press Editing Center Incorporation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cervical Spondylosis (CS) is a chronic spinal condition in which the spine gradually stiffens and can finally become completely inflexible. It is arduous to diagnose in early stages and leads to delay in medication. The risk level of Cervical Spondylosis can be reduced if it is detected in primary care. Based on this objective, a system is designed and developed to diagnose and predict the severity of cervical spondylosis in early stages. Different machine learning techniques are evaluated for this and results indicate that machine learning techniques can provide a low cost and accurate mechanism for early stage spondylosis detection.

Swallowing function is both directly and indirectly related to postures, such as head and cervical angle and body position. However, the effects of different sitting postures on oropharyngeal swallowing have not been investigated. This study aimed to investigate whether the change in thoracolumbar alignment affected the oropharyngeal swallowing. A total of 58 healthy adult women (mean age 22.2 ± 1.67 years) without dysphagia were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Participants were positioned in three sitting postures: comfortable sitting (CS), thoracic upright sitting (TUS), and slump sitting (SS). In each sitting posture, the kyphosis index (using a flexicurve), head and cervical angles (using a digital camera), swallowing speed (100-ml water swallowing test), and oral and articulatory function [by maximum tongue pressure (MTP) and oral diadochokinesis (ODK)] were evaluated. SS showed the largest kyphosis index and was associated with a greater anterior translation of the head. Swallowing speed was significantly decreased in SS compared with CS (p = 0.002) and TUS (p = 0.020) and ODK was significantly decreased in SS compared with other postures, for both /ta/ (p = 0.004) and /ka/ (p < 0.001) syllables. Further, MTP tended to decrease in SS compared with TUS (p = 0.064). Our results suggest that changes in sitting posture with different thoracolumbar alignments affect swallowing speed and oral and articulatory function. Consequently, adjustments to reduce sitting postural kyphosis may improve swallowing speed and oral and articulatory function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The effectiveness of the Tipton chair on the thoracic and lumbar spine of students was evaluated in the straight upright position and careful study postures. Materials & Methods This study was performed on 30 students (20 women and 10 men) who had no history of musculoskeletal disorders. Evaluation of changes in the angles of the thoracic and lumbar spinal was performed using an electrogoniometer on the normal and Tipton chair in the two postures of straight upright and careful study. The participants were evaluated in each posture on each chair for five minutes. Considering the resting time and questionnaire completion, the study took 30 minutes for each person. The data recorded by the electrogoniometer were analyzed through repeated measures statistical test and data of the system usability scale (SUS) questionnaire by the paired t-test in SPSS software, version 25. Results The mean range of changes in the angles of the thoracic spine in the sagittal plane showed that the variable of chair type was not significant (P=0.072), but the variable of posture was (P=0.013). Also, regarding the mean range of change in thoracic lateral flexion, the interaction of chair and posture (P=0.048) and the chair variable with (P=0.003) had a significant difference. This difference was about a 28% reduction in the mean range of changes in the lateral flexion of the thoracic spine in the upright posture and a 10% reduction in the careful study posture in the Tipton chair compared to the normal chair. While the posture variable had no significant difference (P=0.705). Also, the mean range of changes in lumbar flexion extension showed that the chair variable (P=0.003) had a significant difference. This significant difference was about a 16% reduction in the mean range of changes in the flexion extension of the lumbar spine in the upright posture and a 43% reduction in the careful study posture in the Tipton chair compared to the normal chair. While the variable of posture (P=0.162) did not have significant differences. The study's results on lateral lumbar flexion also showed that both variables of chair and posture had a significant difference (P=0.009). The mean range of changes in lumbar lateral flexion angles in both upright and careful posture in the Tipton chair was reduced by 28% compared to the normal chair. Analysis of SUS questionnaire scores for the Tipton and normal chairs showed a significant difference between these two chairs (P=0.000). In addition, the average scores of the SUS questionnaire were 78.6 for the Tipton chair and 65.9 for the normal chair, which shows an increase of 19%. Conclusion The results of the present study showed that the Tipton chair could reduce the average range of body angles in the thoracic and lumbar spine. Also, the study results indicated an increase in user satisfaction with the Tipton chair compared to the normal chair, in which the level of satisfaction of women is higher than men. It can be due to the difference in anthropometric dimensions between women and men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to impaired trunk motor control, negatively impacting the performance of activities of daily living in the affected individuals. Improved trunk control with better sitting posture has been previously observed due to neuromuscular electrical stimulation and transcutaneous spinal stimulation, while improved postural stability has been observed with spinal cord epidural stimulation (scES). Hence, we studied how trunk-specific scES impacts sitting independence and posture. Fourteen individuals with chronic, severe cervical SCI with an implanted neurostimulator performed a 5-min tall-sit task without and with trunk-specific scES. Spine posture was assessed by placing markers on five spine levels and evaluating vertical spine inclination angles. Duration of trunk manual assistance was used to assess independence along with the number of independence changes and average independence score across those changes. With scES, the sacrum-L1 inclination and number of independence changes tended to decrease by 1.64 ± 3.16° (p = 0.07; Cohen’s d = 0.53) and 9.86 ± 16.8 (p = 0.047; Cohen’s d = 0.59), respectively. Additionally, for the participants who had poor sitting independence without scES, level of independence tended to increase by 12.91% [0%, 31.52%] (p = 0.38; Cohen’s d = 0.96) when scES was present. Hence, trunk-specific scES promoted improvements in lower spine posture and lower levels of trunk assistance.

This study aimed to develop a vibro-haptics feedback based smart corset to stimulate humans to be in ideal posture by monitoring the spline in thoracic vertebrae of T5-T12 levels, and provide a vibrotactile stimuli to human's skin at lumbar L3 level. A corset contains a microcomputer, sensors and an actuator was implemented on 12 participants for 2 cases to determine its efficiency. In the first case, tactile stimuli was not provided to the participants, while in the second case tactile stimuli was ensured. The results showed once the vibro-tactile stimuli was represented to the participants, their posture regime improved significantly with a value of 53.13±23.14 %. Moreover, it was also observed that their non-ideal postural duration significantly decreased. These results suggest that the corset provides vibro-tactile feedback that encourage humans in seated posture to beneficial postural habits while using computers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Purpose] To evaluate the efficacy of the "forward-tilting posture" (the trunk tilted forward against a table) in a wheelchair in relieving gluteal pressure. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-six healthy adults were instructed to sit in a wheelchair assuming the following three postures: (1) both feet placed on the foot support with the trunk upright ("basic sitting posture"), (2) both feet placed on the foot support with the trunk tilted forward against a table ("forward-tilting posture A"), and (3) both feet placed on the floor with the trunk tilted forward against a table ("forward-tilting posture B"). A seat-type sensor pad placed on a wheelchair cushion was used to measure the maximum gluteal pressure and gluteal contact area. [Results] The maximum gluteal pressures in "forward-tilting postures A" and "forward-tilting postures B" were significantly lower than those in the basic sitting posture. The maximum gluteal pressure in "forward-tilting posture B" was significantly lower than that in "forward-tilting posture A". The gluteal contact area in "forward-tilting posture B" was significantly larger than that in "forward-tilting posture A". [Conclusion] The study results indicate that the "forward-tilting posture" in a wheelchair effectively relieves gluteal pressure., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest to declare., (2024©by the Society of Physical Therapy Science. Published by IPEC Inc.)

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the influence of seat-forward tilt angles on improving upper limb dexterity in seated tasks and to contribute to the development of seating strategies. [Participants and Methods] Seventeen healthy men (age, 20.0 ± 0.5 years; height, 175.1 ± 4.9 cm; and body weight, 63.8 ± 6.7 kg) participated in this study. The forward tilt angles of the seat were set at 0°, 15°, and 30°, with knee pads used in all conditions. The Purdue Pegboard task was used to assess upper limb dexterity, with participants inserting pins into holes in the board for 60 s. Additionally, a visual analog scale was used to evaluate the perceived ease of the task. [Results] The Purdue Pegboard task scores were 30.0 ± 2.5, 30.6 ± 2.7, and 32.5 ± 2.9 for the 0°, 15°, and 30° conditions, respectively. The visual analog scale scores were 75.3 ± 9.8, 76.4 ± 14.6, and 84.1 ± 11.1 for the 0°, 15°, and 30° conditions, respectively. Both measurements showed significantly higher values under the 30° condition than under the other two conditions. [Conclusion] These results suggest that a tilt angle of 30° provides the most significant ease and upper limb dexterity., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The authors are responsible for the content and writing of this manuscript., (2024©by the Society of Physical Therapy Science. Published by IPEC Inc.)

Purpose: To statistically analyse sitting posture using anthropometrics data among college students in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach: This study was conducted among 52 college students consisting of males and females. Data were analysed using a common statistical tool which is the Statistical Package of Sosial Science (SPSS). Findings: Preliminary analysis of data indicated that there are wider differences in standard deviation of eye sitting height compared to the previous study conducted. Research limitations/implications: This study was conducted at only one higher learning institution/college located at East Cost of Malaysia. Practical implications: The larger value of standard deviation discovered as statistical analysis performed using combined data among male and female participants suggested that data should be segregated. Originality/value: Result obtained could be used as a preliminary guideline to design any related item in related to sitting posture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Though low back pain (LBP), is a main cause for ill health and morbidity among all age groups, the prevalence of LBP among the younger age group especially university students is not uncommon. This can be attributed to many hours of sitting during class, faulty posture, sedentary lifestyle or a combination of all these factors more so during online learning and movement control during the pandemic. This study aims to investigate the correlation between long hours of sitting and LBP among pre-clinical medical students in a private university in Malaysia during online learning. Methods: Quantitative data was collected from 100 consenting, pre-clinical MBBS students from year 1 and year 2 who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria using a pre-tested, validated questionnaire. Results: A total of 30 male and 70 female participants responded to the survey. 71(71%) students reported LBP in the past six months with year 2 students reporting a higher incidence. Though the intensity was not severe, most of the students reported acute pain after prolonged sitting episodes. Gender and LBP showed no association in Pearson Chi Square test. The correlation between year of study and LBP was statistically significant at X²=9.179, p=0.002. Point biserial correlation showed a strong, positive correlation between LBP and sitting duration, which was statistically significant (rpb =0.686, < 0.05). Conclusion: Pre-clinical MBBS students in the private university showed a high prevalence of LBP which correlated well with year of study and duration of sitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical Spondylosis (CS) is a chronic spinal condition in which the spine gradually stiffens and can finally become completely inflexible. It is arduous to diagnose in early stages and leads to delay in medication. The risk level of Cervical Spondylosis can be reduced if it is detected in primary care. Based on this objective, a system is designed and developed to diagnose and predict the severity of cervical spondylosis in early stages. Different machine learning techniques are evaluated for this and results indicate that machine learning techniques can provide a low cost and accurate mechanism for early stage spondylosis detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Musculoskeletal pains are among evident health problems in children and adolescents. Backpack carrying behaviors and the sitting postures are among behavioral factors associated with musculoskeletal pain in schoolchildren. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors related to these important musculoskeletal behaviors, using Health Promotion Models. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was created based on PRECEDE Model and Health Belief Model and was administered to 673 Iranian students, whom were selected randomly from elementary schools of Hamadan, Iran, in 2018. Results The findings of the study revealed that proper sitting postures and backpack carrying were 42 and 33%, respectively. The findings also showed that predisposing factors including perceived susceptibility (p

Background: Inappropriate sitting posture leads to musculoskeletal problems and is reported to be linked with the individual's confidence. This study explores the importance of recommended sitting posture on student, health, and sleep. Methods: 70 volunteer adolescent students aged 18–26 years were enrolled in this study. Instructions and sensitization lectures about the study were conducted and obtained informed consent. The students were asked to wear an upper scapular brace from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily/31 days and advised to maintain the optimal sitting posture as per occupational health guidelines. The effect of the upper scapular brace and optimal sitting on posture from the various body angles were measured at sitting and standing. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Simple lifestyle indicator questionnaires (SLIQ), Happiness index (HI) responses was collected and analysed. Measured multitasking tests and anthropometric variables like Height, Weight, and BMI before and after the intervention and effect sizes (Cohen's d) was calculated. Used an alpha level (P

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Although professional bus drivers are required to perform their task while adopting a prolonged constrained sitting posture, existence of possible effects in terms of postural strategies has been scarcely investigated under actual working conditions. This study aimed to characterise modifications of trunk sway in 14 professional bus drivers during regular shifts performed on non-urban routes using a pressure-sensitive mat placed on the seat. Centre-of-pressure (COP) time series were extracted from body-seat pressure data to calculate sway parameters (i.e. sway area, COP path length, COP displacements and velocities). Results show generalised increase in trunk sway as driving progresses, which becomes statistically significant after approximately 70–100 minutes of continuous driving. This may indicate the adoption of specific strategies to cope with discomfort onset or a fatigue-induced alteration of postural features. Trunk sway monitoring of bus drivers may be useful in detecting postural behaviours potentially associated with deteriorating performance and discomfort onset. Practitioner summary: Professional bus drivers operate in sitting position for prolonged time. Such constrained posture may induce discomfort and fatigue. We investigated trunk sway during actual shifts using pressure-sensitive mats. Significant increase of sway was detected after 70 min of continuous driving. Body-seat pressure data could be used as discomfort and fatigue markers. Abbreviations: ANOVA-RM: analysis of variance with repeated measures; AP: antero-posterior; COP: center of pressure; EC: ellipse's centroid; ML: medio-lateral; SA: sway area; SP: sway path. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of extra-terrestrial missions, the effects of hypogravity (0 < G < 1) on the human body can reduce the well-being of the crew, cause musculoskeletal problems and affect their ability to perform tasks, especially during long-term missions. To date, studies of the effects of hypogravity on human movement are limited to experiments on the lower limbs. Here, we extend the knowledge base to the upper limbs, by conducting experiments to evaluate the effect of hypogravity on upper limb physical fatigue and mental workload in participants. Our hypothesis was that hypogravity would both increase participant productivity, by reducing overall physical fatigue expressed in Endurance Time, and reduce mental workload. Task Intensity-Endurance time curves are developed especially in seated positions, while performing static, dynamic, repetitive tasks. This experiment involved 32 healthy participants without chronic problems of the musculoskeletal system aged 33.59 ± 8.16 years. Using the collected data, fatigue models were constructed for tasks of varying Intensity. In addition, all participants completed the NASA – Task Load Index subjective mental workload assessment, which revealed the level of subjective workload when executing different tasks. We found two trends in the empirical fatigue models associated with the difference between the strength capabilities of males and females. The first is a significant positive (p = 0.002) relation between Endurance time and gravity level (⅙ G Moon, ⅓ G Mars, 1G) with negative coefficient for males and females for a static task. And there is marginal relation (p < 0.1) between overall mental workload and gravity level with a positive coefficient for males and females for the same task. The same trend was observed for dynamic and repetitive tasks. We concluded that the Task Intensity-Endurance Time model, adapted to hypogravity in combination with subjective mental assessment, is useful to human fatigue investigation. The combination of these methods used for ergonomic analysis and digital human modeling, could improve worker productivity. Finally, this study may help prepare astronauts for long-term missions on the Moon and Mars and improve our understanding of how we can prevent musculoskeletal disorders caused by hazardous manual handling under such extreme environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Capital Institute of Physical Education is the property of Shoudu Tiyu Xueyuan and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: In this study, the lumbar muscle contraction was evaluated by using surface electromyography (sEMG) technique in different anteroposterior inclination of the spine sitting posture which was simulated by flight seat, so as to provide some reference for the sitting posture of pilots. Methods: A total of 20 subjects were recruited in this study. Each participant participated in three sets of experiments successively. During the experiment, the subjects sat in the flight seat and kept the body upright, and the angle of the spine anteroposterior inclination was fixed at 90, 100 and 110 respectively. The subjects were asked to try their best to contract the muscles of the whole body for 15 s. At the same time, the EMG signals of bilateral multifidus and erector spinal muscles were recorded. In order to avoid muscle fatigue, the intervals of each group were 10 minutes. Results: The root mean square value (RMS) and integral electromyography (IEMG) of the four muscles were greater than 90 ° at 100 ° anteroposterior inclination(P<0.01). The RMS value of right multifidus muscle was greater than 90 ° at 110 ° anteroposterior inclination (P<0.05). The RMS value of left multifidus muscle and left and right erector spinae muscle at 100 ° anteroposterior inclination was greater than 110 ° (P<0.05), and the IEMG value of right erector spinae muscle at 100 ° anteroposterior inclination was greater than 110 ° (P<0.01). There was no statistical significance in the comparison of EMG signals between the other spinal inclination angles in each muscle group (P＞0.05). Conclusions: The left and right multifidus muscles and erector spines muscles can exert greater muscle power in the sitting position with the spine anteroposterior inclination angle of 100. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible pressure monitoring device can help correct the sitting posture and prevent health problems (e.g., deformity of spinal column and musculoskeletal disease). Currently, most measurement systems hinder their wide applications owing to the high cost or low accuracy. In this study, a flexible sitting pressure measurement system was proposed based on a textile-based capacitive pressure sensor array in order to measure sitting pressure distribution simply and conveniently. The capacitive pressure sensor array is sandwich structure composed of a high-density sponge layer and two electrode array fabrics, which possesses high resolution (2. 26 sensors/cm²), high sensitivity (0.701 kPa-1) and fast response (≤35 ms). It is worth noting that the raw materials of the sensing fabric include commercialized copper sheets and polyester yarns. The as-prepared pressure measurement system can accurately measure the pressure distribution nephogram for sitting posture analysis. The sitting pressure of 10 volunteers was measured and six types of posture were distinguished clearly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]