Search

Background Walking is the most common population-wide campaign for health promotion in older people. However, the cutoff threshold for walking steps/day to identify the older people who are at risk of falling is not recommended. Therefore, the objectives were to investigate the association between all possible risk factors including physical performance, physical activity and fall incidence over the six-month in community-dwelling older people who had low-risk of falling and to identify walking threshold (steps/day) for reducing risk of fall. Methods The older people who aged ≥60 years and had free of falling for 1 year were invited to participate in this study. They lived in five communities in Bangkok Thailand. Demographics and physical performances were collected at baseline. Walking (step/day) and 24-h physical activity (PA) were monitored for 5 consecutive days by the Actical® accelerometer wrapped on non-dominant wrists. The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) questionnaire was used to record activities in the past 7 days by interview. A monthly calendar was used to record fall incidence over the 6 months. Unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were analyzed using the Cox’s proportional hazard regression. The Kaplan Meier curve illustrated the probability to survive from fall over the 6 months. Results Of 255, 33 older people (12.94%) reported first-fall incidence over the 6 months. Fall incidence density rate was 0.79 per 1000 person-day. Our findings showed that significant association between fall incidence and behavioral risk factors including PASE scores Conclusions This study proposed walking ≥5000 steps/day as a cutoff threshold to recommend for reducing risk of falling in community-dwelling older people who had low-risk of falling.

Background Prone hip extension is used to clinically assess movement control in patients with nonspecific low back pain (LBP). Excessive lumbopelvic movements and altered muscle activation patterns are common in patients with nonspecific LBP. However, no evidence exists regarding lumbar multifidus and lumbar erector spinae muscle synergy patterns in patients with nonspecific LBP during this clinical test. Objective To determine the difference in lumbopelvic motion and change in muscle synergy between patients with nonspecific LBP and healthy individuals. Design A cross-sectional study design. Setting University physical therapy clinic and laboratory. Participants Seven patients with nonspecific LBP (age [mean ± SD] 29 ± 5 years, 43% female, body mass index [BMI] of 25 ± 2 kg/m2 , Numeric Pain Rating Scale 6 ± 2; Oswestry Disability Index 20% ± 8%) and seven age-, sex-, and BMI-matched healthy individuals (mean age 28 ± 5 years, 43% female, BMI of 22 ± 2 kg/m2 ) were recruited. Methods Each participant performed six repetitions of prone hip extension on each side; kinematic and electromyographic data were collected simultaneously. Main outcome measurements Kinematic data were used to represent lumbopelvic motion, whereas electromyography (EMG) data were used to represent muscle activity. A paired t-test was used to determine the difference in lumbopelvic motion. Principal component analysis and two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance were used to extract muscle synergies and identify differences in muscle synergy patterns between and within groups. Results Results demonstrated no significant group difference (P > .05) in amount of lumbopelvic motion. However, healthy individuals synergistically activate lumbar multifidus and lumbar erector spinae with 81.0% variance accounted for (VAF). Patients with nonspecific LBP had an altered synergy with independent activation of lumbar multifidus on the painful side with 32.0% VAF and the lumbar multifidus on the nonpainful side, and both lumbar erector spinae with 52.2% VAF synergistically activated. Conclusions These findings suggest that clinicians should focus on muscle activation patterns rather than the amount of lumbopelvic motion during clinical observation of prone hip extension. Level of evidence Level III.

This study aimed to assess fatigue among onshore oil rig shift workers in a petroleum company working in swing shifts. The work schedule consisted of 12 h of night shifts for one week followed by 12 h of day shifts for one week. Fatigue was assessed using both subjective and objective measurements which were visual analogue fatigue scale (VAFS) and simple reaction time (SRT) test, respectively. A total of 38 male onshore oil rig shift workers participated in this study. Fatigue assessment was conducted at the start and at the end of workdays on nights 1, 4 and 7, and days 1, 4 and 7. The results showed that there were significant differences of VAFS and SRT at the end of workdays, compared with at the start of workdays (p

Background: Many tasks in industrial and health care setting are involved with pushing and pulling tasks up or down on a ramp. An efficient method of moving cart which reduces the risk of low back pain should be concerned. This study aimed to investigate the effects of handling types (HTs) and slope on lumbar spinal load during moving a cart on a ramp. We conducted a 2 × 2 × 4 factorial design with three main factors: 2 HTs, 2 handling directions of moving a cart and 4 degrees of ramp slope. Methods: Thirty healthy male workers performed 14 tasks consist of moving a cart up and down on the ramp of 0°, 10°, 15°, and 20° degrees with pushing and pulling methods. Joint angles from a 3D motion capture system combined with subject height, body weight, and hand forces were used to calculate the spinal load by the 3DSSPP program. Results: Our results showed significant effect of HT, handling directions and slope on compression and shear force of the lumbar spine (p

Although prolonged sitting appears as a novel risk factor related to health outcomes for all ages, its association needs to be replicated in occupational conditions. This study explored the associations between sedentary behavior and four noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) as well as two cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) among workers in a petroleum company, Thailand. All workers were invited to complete the online self-report questionnaire. Sedentary behavior was measured as the amount of time sitting at work, during recreation, and while commuting. Out of 3365 workers contacted, 1133 (34%) participated. Prevalence of NCDs and CMRFs was 36% and was positively associated with sedentary behavior. After adjusting for age, BMI, and exercise, the risk of NCDs and CMRFs for sedentary office work was 40% greater compared with more active field work. Those who took a break without sitting more than twice a day and commuted by walking or cycling had less risk of NCDs and CMRFs. The total duration of sedentary behavior was 10 h/day, and two-thirds of that total was workplace sitting. This was significantly associated with NCDs and CMRFs (p < 0.001). Day-and-night rotating shiftwork was negatively associated with NCDs and CMRFs (p < 0.001). Sedentary behavior should be considered a health risk among workers. Hence, to promote a healthy lifestyle and safe workplace, organizations should encourage standing activities during break and physically active commutes, and have workers avoid prolonged sitting.

Manual Material Handling (MMH) activities (i.e. lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, and carrying) pose the risk of injury to the musculoskeletal system of the workers. The injuries may lead to decreased work performance, and increased errors, absenteeism and health care cost. Therefore, it is necessary to know whether the workers of one of the Oil and Gas Company in Thailand are facing with the injury problem and to find the solutions for preventing those injuries. The procedure of the solution is walk-through survey of hazards and risks of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) among the workers (both onshore and offshore platforms) whose works involved in MMH tasks and providing the recommendation and followed up by Medical and Occupational Health team of the Company together with the physical therapists from one of the famous academic institute in Thailand who are collectively called "the research team". The research team conducted a walk-through survey and performed preliminary physical examination at an onshore and all offshore platforms. The survey included characteristics of each work, intensity and frequency of workload, work environment and potential risk factors. Physical fitness assessment including muscle power and weakness was also determined. The findings from the walk-through surveys, work procedure were analyzed to identify risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal injuries. The findings from preliminary physical examination in approximately 300 operating workers, upper cross and lower cross syndromes were found, indicating muscle imbalance in MMH workers. Task activities were analyzed on each procedure which has risk factors including awkward posture, repetitive movement, manual handling, forceful exertion, work environment, equipment, and cognitive and psychosocial issues. The research team reported risk factors with consequences and provided recommendation for each factor regarding engineering, administrative, and individual controls. For example, offshore platform has many floors which are designed for particular function (office, bedroom, dining room, etc.). Offshore workers regularly perform high repetitive stepping up and down stairs making them prone to hip and leg muscles imbalance. There is high compression at knee joint which may lead to early degenerative joint or knee pain. The recommendation is to provide properly work break and training with principle of ergonomics in workplaces including ergonomic risk factors; risk prevention; and strengthening exercise. Findings on this study lead to the specific designed exercise program and training to counteract the effect of heavy musculoskeletal activities related to MMH in daily work. The study will also serve as a guide for developing of MMH guideline for the company.

Physical activity (PA) can improve health and quality of life (QOL) of healthy people. However, the association between PA and QOL among people with physical disability (PWPD) is inconclusive. This study was conducted to determine the relationships between factors including intensity of PA, activitiy in daily living (ADL), stress, and self-esteem that influences self-reported QOL among PWPD. The relationships were further explored using the in-depth interview method to find out whether the intensity of PA, stress, and self-esteem are related to QOL perception in PWPD. One hundred sixty PWPD aged 18-48 years who studied at a vocational school were enrolled. A mixed method case study was conducted: cross-sectional survey and in-depth interview. Five questionnaires, including the Barthel Index, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD) were distributed. QOL was measured using the WHOQOL_BREF. Multiple linear regression was used to determine factors for QOL prediction. For in-depth interview, ten persons from each group (poor-to-fair and good QOL) volunteered to explore further about life satisfaction related to physical disability. One hundred forty-six (91%) subjects completed all questionnaires. One hundred fourteen (77%) reported poor-to-fair QOL. QOL was explained by self-esteem and ADL (adjusted R² 34.7%, p0.001) after adjusted for age, stress, and PA. Although PA could not explain QOL in PWPD, good QOL reported high activities (28.40 ± 30.20 MET hour/day) compared to poor and fair QOL (17.94 ± 22.06 and 21.70 ± 17.75 MET hour/day). Those who had good QOL reported that they were proud to be independent and did not feel inferior. PA participation among people with disabilities should therefore be encouraged.

Background: Jump landing is a complex movement in sports. While competing and practicing, athletes frequently perform multi-planar jump landing. Anticipatory muscle activity could influence the amount of knee flexion and prepare the knee for dynamic weight bearing such as landing tasks. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to examine knee muscle function and knee flexion excursion as athletes naturally performed multi-direction jump landing. Materials and Methods: Eighteen male athletes performed the jump-landing test in four directions: forward (0°), 30° diagonal, 60° diagonal, and lateral (90°). Muscles tested were vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), semitendinosus (ST), and biceps femoris (BF). A ViconTM 612 workstation collected the kinematic data. An electromyography was synchronized with the ViconTM Motion system to quantify dynamic muscle function. Repeated measure ANOVA was used to analyze the data. Results: Jump-landing direction significantly influenced (P < 0.05) muscle activities of VL, RF, and ST and knee flexion excursion. Jumpers landed with a trend of decreasing knee flexion excursion and ST muscle activity 100 ms before foot contact progressively from forward to lateral directions of jump landing. Conclusions: A higher risk of knee injury might occur during lateral jump landing than forward and diagonal directions. Athletes should have more practice in jump landing in lateral direction to avoid injury. Landing technique with high knee flexion in multi-directions should be taught to jumpers for knee injury prevention.

To translate the compendium physical activity (compendium) proposed by Ainsworth to Thai and to validate the Thai translated version.Five steps of cross-cultural adaption were conducted as follows: (1) forward translation, (2) group review, (3) backward translation, (4) group review and final decision and (5) a pilot study. Eight hundred and twenty-one activities ofthe compendium were translated to Thai by two independents translators. Thai translated version was considered by 23 persons who have studied physical activity for at leastfive years. Backward translation was carried out by two bilingual translators. The research team completed the final Thai translation by comparing original and translated versions. For pilot study the Thai translated version was validated by 22 allied health persons. Data was analyzed by multi-rater agreement (Fleiss's kappa) and qualitative analysis.For translations and group review, recommendations included; (a) changing to lay language with the same meaning, (b) converting the U.S. customary unit to the metric unit, and (c) using consistent language. More than 80% of 22 persons accepted the Thai translation and the Kappa agreement rangedfrom 0.187 to 0.694. Some activities demonstratedpoor multi-rater agreement and required additional definitions.Thai translated compendium physical activity was constructed to reduce the language barrier and promote physical activity in Thailand. The poor to moderate agreement of each major heading of translation may partly be due to Western culture. Many activities in the compendium were assembled but they were not recognized by Thais. Hence, Thai compendium physical activity should to be developed in afuture study.

The purposes of this study were to (1) quantify trunk endurance times according to subjects' age and sex; and (2) identify factors affecting the endurance times.Endurance times ofsedentary workers aged 20-49 years were determined by an extensor endurance, aflexor endurance, and right and left side bridge (trunk lateral flexor) tests. Each test was performed once in random order with a resting period of 10 minutes between tests.Of 137 workers, Two-way analysis ofvariance indicated that age had no effect on these 4 isometric trunk endurance tests. Sex had an effect on the extensor endurance test, and right and left side bridge tests. Females had longer endurance times than males for the trunk extensor muscle, whereas males had longer endurance times thanfemales for right and left lateral flexor trunk muscles. Low negative but significant Pearson ' correlations (r = -0.233 to -0.377, p = 0.047 to 0.001) were found between extensor endurance times vs. body weight and abdominal skinfold thickness in both sexes. Only in males, both right and left side bridge endurance times correlated with abdominal skinfold thickness (r = -0.296 and r = -0.382, respectively, p0.05 both).Sex, weight and abdominal skinfold thickness factors should be considered when trunk muscle endurance is evaluated.

to determine the effects ofback belt use on trunk muscle performance and the association between those performance outcomes with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs).All manual lifting workers in one grocery distribution, warehouse center were interviewed about the history of illness, back injury, WMSDs, lifting manner and experience of back belt use. They were assessedfor trunk muscles performance including the flexion (F), the extension (E) and the right and left side bridge (RSB and LSB) endurance test and Exercise Level of Lumbar Stabilization test (ELLS). Pearson s correlation and Spearman's rank correlation statistics were used to determine the association.One hundred and seven males, aged 18 to 42 years participated in the study. Most participants had ELLS at levels 2 (31.1%) and 3 (30.2%). The mean F, E, RSB and LSB endurance times were 62.33, 88.62, 77.17 and 77.33 seconds, respectively. The greatest area of WMSDs was the lower back (53.33%). Significant correlations were found between the ELLS and RSB (r = 0.244, p = 0.012) and between the ELLS and LSB (r = 0.199, p = 0.041). Significant correlations were found between pain scale of backpain and ELLS (r = -0.299, p = 0.016). Significant correlations were found between the number of WMSD areas and trunkflexion endurance (r = -0.263, p = 0.007), right trunk endurance (r,= -0.195, p = 0.044), left trunk endurance (r = -0.325, p = 0.001) and endurance ratio of RSB/LSB (r(s) = 0.224, p = 0.022). Furthermore, most participants (84.1%) had imbalanced endurance of RSB/LSB. Duration andfrequency ofback belt use did not correlate with any trunk muscle performance. This may have been because few participants did not wear belts (10.1%) or wore belts sometimes (26.6%).Low correlation was found between back belt use and WMSDs. To prevent back injury, the lifting workers should be trained to balance their trunk muscles endurance, especially right and left trunk muscles and to stabilize their lower back while lifting.

This study aimed to investigate the electromyography (EMG) activity amongfive abdominal and back muscles at six starting positions in untrained individuals.Twenty-five healthy individuals aged 20.9 +/- 3.9 years, who were inexperienced with lumbar stabilization exercise, were recruited. They were asked to perform maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and then six starting positions in random order EMG data ofeach starting position were normalized as a percentage of MVIC. Friedman two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests were used for data analysis.Significant differences in EMG activity of five abdominal and back muscles were found in all six starting positions (p0.001). The highest EMG activity ofthe transversus abdominis/internal abdominal oblique (TrA/IO) was found in crook lying, with right leg lifted (CLR), and of multifidus (MF) in four-point kneeling with straight right leg lifted horizontally (4p-SRL).The results suggested that CLR and sitting on a gym ball (SG) were able tofacilitate TrA/IO activity with minimal activity from the rectus abdominis (RA), while CL, 4p-SRL, andSG were able tofacilitate MF activity with minimal activity from erector spinae (ES).

To investigate the effects of Thai dancing on median neurodynamic response during 4-hour computer use.Twenty-four healthy participants aged 20-30 years performed 5 minutes of Thai dancing including Prom See Na, Yoong Fon Hang, Sod Soy Mala, Lor Keaw and Cha Nee Rai Mai during a 10-minute break of 4-hour computer use. All participants were assessed for nerve tension by elbow range of motion ofupper limb neurodynamic test 1 (ULNT1) and components of quick test. The discomfort was measured by visual analogue discomfort scale (VADS). These measurements were assessed before and after computer work. The statistical analyses employed paired t-test for continuous outcome and Friedman's test.The median nerve tension (indicated by elbow range of motion) was significantly reduced at before and after work, when 5 minutes of Thai dancing was introduced during the break. While components of the quick test emphasized that Thai dance immediately helped reduce the median nerve tension. The VADS in eight body areas increased over the period of 4 hours, but decreased after performing Thai dancing (p0.05).Thai dancing helped relieve median nerve tension and body discomfort. It may be recommended as an exercise during break for computer users who continuously work to prevent WMSDs.

To investigate the correlation between Short Form-36 (SF-36) and exercise capacity including: (1) metabolic equivalents measured by an exercise stress test (METs of EST), (2) peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak), and (3) walking distances measured by a six-minute walk test (6MWT).SF-36, EST and 6MWT were estimated at the sixth week after coronary artery bypass graft (n=17) and percutaneous coronary intervention (n=13) patients. Pearson product-moment correlation was used to evaluate the relationship ofparameters.Physicalfunctioning scale ofSF-36showed moderate correlation with METs (r = 0.55, p0.01),fair correlation with VO2 peak of 6MWT (r = 0.46, p0.05) and walking distance (r = 0.43, p0.05). Bodily pain showed fair correlation with METs (r = 0.40, p0.05) and walking distance (r = 0.45, p0.05). Socialfunctioningshowedfair correlation with METs (r = 0.38, p0.05). Report-health transition showed fair correlation with METs (r = 0.38, p0.05) and walking distance (r = 0.41, p0.05).The physical domain ofSF-36 that comprised physicalfunction, role-physical, bodily pain and general health correlated with physical capacity ofthese post-operation groups (r = 0.49, p0.001). Therefore, clinicians can use the SF-36 and 6MWTto evaluate functional capacity in addition to ESTand indirect calorimetry conveniently.

To compare lipid and carbohydrate use during and after a high-intensity endurance exercise bout between lean and obese subjects.Lean and obese healthy male subjects with energetic physical activity and stable body weight were recruited to participate in the present study. The respiratory exchange ratio (RER), lipid and carbohydrate oxidation, and lipid and carbohydrate energy expenditure during resting condition, high-intensity exercise and 180 min after exercise were determined by indirect calorimetryTen lean and ten obese healthy male subjects, aged 26+/-4 years, completed a 300-kcal high-intensity exercise session. Resting energy expenditure and lipid energy expenditure in the obese group were significantly higher than those of the lean group. The RER, lipid oxidation, and carbohydrate oxidation were not significantly different between groups throughout the exercise period. The total energy expenditure and total lipid and carbohydrate energy expenditure were also not significantly different between lean and obese groups. During the 180-minute post exercise period, both lean and obese subjects showed a declination in RER and carbohydrate oxidation and an increase in lipid oxidation.Substrate use during and after high-intensity exercise between healthy lean and obese subjects was not significantly different. Both groups used carbohydrates and lipids as the main substrate sources during and after high-intensity exercise, respectively.

Neck pain is associated with certain breathingpatterns and may lead to altered respiratory function. Moreover the altered breathing patterns may cause neck pain symptoms. This study has determined the effects of respiratory muscle reeducation on neck pain symptoms and respiratory function.Subjects with chronic neck pain (n = 36) were re-educated with three breathing patterns for 30 min. The pain intensity at rest and at the end-of-range of each neck movement, the cervical range of motion (CROM) measured from photographic images and the chest expansion during full inhalation and exhalation recorded using videography were evaluated before and after breathing re-education. Upper trapezius, anterior scalene, and sternocleidomastoid activity were evaluated during normal and deep breathing using surface electromyography, and the respiratory function measured by a spirometer was also evaluated during the same period.The pain intensity and the muscle activity were significantly decreased after re-education. The CROM and chest expansion at lower rib cage were significantly increased after re-education.Breathing re-education can change breathing patterns and increase chest expansion. This change leads to an improvement in CROM Positive consequences may result from the improvement in diaphragm contraction or reduced activity of accessory muscles.

The present study evaluated the changes in trunk-stabilizer electromyography (EMG) activities during manual lifting with and without a back belt in experienced back belt users.Eighteen participants from a warehouse and distribution center in Thailand, aged 22 to 44 years, were assessed for trunk stabilizer muscle EMG activity including the rectus abdominis (RA), external abdominal oblique (EO), transversus abdominis (TrA), internal abdominal oblique (IO), erector spinae (ES), and multifidus (MF). The EMG data were recorded during (1) rest and (2) the initial phase of manual lifting in a dynamic semi-squat posture. For both conditions, the data were compared with and without wearing a back belt.The results showed that wearing a back belt significantly decreased TrA/IO activity during rest (p0.01) and significantly increased RA activity during the lifting period (p0.05) as compared with the condition of no back belt.The present study does not recommend healthy workers wear a back belt as a protective device for lower back injury, particularly without any lifting activity. However the back belt can be applied during lifting as it can enhance RA activity, which may help improve abdominal pressure and is less likely cause weakness of the TrA.

To develop an online, self-report questionnaire on computer work-related exposure (OSCWE) and to determine the internal consistency, face and content validity of the questionnaire.The online, self-report questionnaire was developed to determine the risk factors related to musculoskeletal disorders in computer users. It comprised five domains: personal, work-related, work environment, physical health and psychosocial factors. The questionnaire's content was validated by an occupational medical doctor and three physical therapy lecturers involved in ergonomic teaching. Twenty-five lay people examined the feasibility of computer-administered and the user-friendly language. The item correlation in each domain was analyzed by the internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha; alpha).The content of the questionnaire was considered congruent with the testing purposes. Eight hundred and thirty-five computer users at the PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited registered to the online self-report questionnaire. The internal consistency of the five domains was: personal (alpha = 0.58), work-related (alpha = 0.348), work environment (alpha = 0.72), physical health (alpha = 0.68) and psychosocial factor (alpha = 0.93).The findings suggested that the OSCWE had acceptable internal consistency for work environment and psychosocial factors. The OSCWE is available to use in population-based survey research among computer office workers.

To investigate the relationship among metabolic equivalents of an exercise stress test (METs of EST), demographic parameters (age, body weight, height, BMI), peak oxygen consumption (VO(2) peak), and six-minute walk distances (6MWD) determined from a six-minute walk test (6MWT).Exercise capacity was estimated by a 6MWT and EST at the sixth week post operation in post coronary artery bypass graft (post CABG n = 17) and post percutaneous coronary intervention (post PCI, n = 13)patients.METs of EST showed: high correlation (pO.01) with VO(2) peak of 6MWT (r = 0.94), 6MWD (r = 0.92); muscle strength (r = 0.78), moderate correlation (p0.01) with height (r = 0.53); negative correlation with age (r = -0.50). Low correlation was found (pO. 05) with step length (r = 0.43), and weight (r = 0.38). No correlation was found among METs of EST and rating perceived exertion (RPE) of EST and 6MWT. The multiple linear regression equation for explaining METs of EST is as follows: METs of EST = -2.94+0.02 (6MWD), (r = 0.923, R2 = 0.85, p0.001).The 6MWT may possibly be used as an alternative choice for estimating energy expenditure to design exercise programs for these post operation groups.

Sick leaves caused by work-related musculoskeletal disorders were analyzed from 2009 to 2011 medical records of the PTTEP Thailand Company Limited. Health care cost of the company increased two-fold in 2011.The results showed that the prevalence ratio of musculoskeletal disorders was 51% and high prevalence was found at the Bangkok office. The computer work-related musculoskeletal complaints were low back pain (47%), neck and upper extremity problems (31%), knee and ankle discomfort (14%) and muscle strain (8%). Those who worked at Bangkok office were 2.56 times to have musculoskeletal disorders and sick leaves compared to those who worked at the provincial division of PTTEP. Therefore, we designed a study to determine prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and their risk factors in approximate 1500 computer workers at Bangkok office divisions of PTTEP. The findings will lead to guidelines for health care program, behavior adaptation and risk factor management. A survey research was conducted in July 2013 using electronic questionnaires. The questions related to four issues including physical, administration, psychological and environmental factors have been included. The prevalence rate, odds ratio (OR) and 95% confident interval (95%CI) were calculated and demonstrated those who likelihood to have work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the sagittal angles and moments of lower extremity joints during single-leg jump landing in various directions. [Subjects] Eighteen male athletes participated in the study. [Methods] Participants were asked to perform single-leg jump-landing tests in four directions. Angles and net joint moments of lower extremity joints in the sagittal plane were investigated during jump-landing tests from a 30-cm-high platform with a Vicon™ motion system. The data were analyzed with one-way repeated measures ANOVA. [Results] The results showed that knee joint flexion increased and hip joint flexion decreased at foot contact. In peak angle during landing, increasing ankle dorsiflexion and decreasing hip flexion were noted. In addition, an increase in ankle plantarflexor moment occurred. [Conclusion] Adjusting the dorsiflexion angle and plantarflexor moment during landing might be the dominant strategy of athletes responding to different directions of jump landing. Decreasing hip flexion during landing is associated with a stiff landing. Sport clinicians and athletes should focus on increasing knee and hip flexion angles, a soft landing technique, in diagonal and lateral directions to reduce risk of injury.

Investigate the effect of lower extremity exercise on maximum lower extremity muscle strength and physical capacity in COPD patients.Twenty moderate to very severe COPD patients were allocated into trained and control groups. The trained group received eight weeks of lower extremity functional exercise including forward step up, lateral step up, heel raise, and lunge at home. Maximum muscle strength and Six Minute Walk Distance (6MWD) assessments were performed at pre-training, week 4, and week 8 in hospital settings.There was no significant difference between trained and control groups in maximum muscle strength and 6MWD at the beginning of the program. However, there was a significant improvement in 6MWD after eight weeks of training, whereas there were no significant differences in the control group.Functional exercise may improve physical capacity in moderate to very severe COPD patients. It is beneficial and easy to perform at home.