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L'emprise est la réduction de l'autre au statut d'objet, l'anéantissement de sa subjectivité par le déni de ses besoins et désirs, au profit des siens propres. Elle passe par l'appropriation de l'autre, sa dépossession et sa domination. Exercée au sein du couple, elle se traduit par d'importantes violences psychologiques, parfois supplées de violences physiques et sexuelles qui participent à rendre la victime dépendante et dépourvue d'estime d'elle-même. L'emprise représente donc un enjeu majeur dans la lutte contre les violences conjugales dont les professionnels de soin, de la justice et du social doivent se saisir. Notion complexe, elle s'explique par divers mécanismes criminologiques et victimologiques. Certaines caractéristiques du fonctionnement psychologique, certains troubles psychiques et traits de la personnalité constituent des facteurs de risque à exercer l'emprise ou à en être victime. La qualité de la relation aux figures d'attachement, l'image de soi, l'accès à la mentalisation, le rapport aux émotions sont autant de facteurs représentant à la fois l'étiologie et les axes de prise en soin des victimes et auteurs d'emprise. Ici, nous proposons des pistes claires et concrètes pour comprendre le profil des victimes et auteurs d'emprise afin d'adapter au plus juste notre positionnement et la prise en charge, l'objectif étant d'offrir à nos patients la perspective d'un mode de relation à l'autre sain, et la possibilité pour les victimes de sortir de ce cycle destructeur. Nous pouvons tous, soignants, travailleurs sociaux et professionnels de la justice, contribuer, en synergie et en collaboration, au processus de reconstruction des victimes et à la prévention de la récidive des auteurs. Psychological domination is the reduction of the other person to the status of an object, the annihilation of their subjectivity by denying their needs and desires in favor of the dominator's own. It involves appropriating, dispossessing and dominating the other person. When it occurs within a couple, it takes the form of significant psychological violence, sometimes supplemented by physical and sexual violence which creates a strong dependency and affects the victim's self-esteem. Psychological control is therefore a major issue in the fight against domestic violence which healthcare, legal and social professionals must address. This complex concept can be explained by various criminological and victimological mechanisms. Certain characteristics of psychological functioning, psychological disorders and personality traits constitute risk factors that enable exercising such control or becoming a victim. The quality of the relationship with attachment figures, self-image, access to mentalization, and the relationship with emotions are all factors representing both the etiology and avenues of psychological care for victims and perpetrators of control. In this article, we propose clear and concrete guidelines for understanding the profile of both victims and perpetrators of psychological domination so that we can adapt our perspectives and treatment as accurately as possible. Our goal is to offer our patients the prospect of a healthy relationship with others, and the possibility for victims to break free from this destructive cycle. All of us – caregivers, social workers, and legal professionals – can work in synergy and collaboration to help victims rebuild their lives and prevent perpetrators from repeating their offenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica 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.)

On‐water rowing is a sport where participants make extensive, powerful, and complex repetitive movements with their wrists to pull and feather (twist) the oar. Herein, the aim is to assess the frequency and perceived causes of wrist and forearm pain in rowers and, in particular, assess whether there are any possible mechanical issues that could be addressed through the use of auxetic technology. Through an online survey of 145 on‐water rowers, it is found that 33.8% of the rowers reported wrist or forearm pain arising from rowing. The majority (67.3%) consider over‐gripping to be the cause while one out of five associated it with periods of tension and anxiety, which also led them to over‐grip. This indicates that rowing handles could benefit from the use of mechanical metamaterials, auxetics in particular, owing to their anomalous manner in how they deform when subjected to mechanical deformations. Moreover, given the rise in popularity of coastal rowing, which will become an Olympic discipline alongside classic rowing as from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, the potential use of auxetics in the manufacture of protective gear for use in coastal rowing is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The First-Person Shooter is a very popular genre in electronic sports (esports), where there are different aiming techniques such as Aim Flicking and Aim Tracking. Although the mouse grip is suggested as one of the most important factors in gaming performance, there is a lack of evidence on this topic. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine the performances of three types of mouse grips (palm grip, claw grip, and fingertip grip) in two different tasks (flicking and tracking tasks) by analyzing kinematic and scoring variables. Twenty-two participants performed the tasks on a computer with the same monitor and mouse, each using their preferred grip: palm grip, claw grip, and fingertip grip. The aim400kg was used to perform the tasks, and a camera system (Optitrack's Flex 3) was used to capture the mouse movement. The results from the flicking task indicated significant differences in the minimum cursor trajectory, with higher values observed in the claw grip compared to both the palm and fingertip grips. However, no significant differences were observed in the tracking task in terms of velocity, acceleration, or hand movement. Moreover, only high correlations were observed in the flicking task between Score and Reaction Time (r = −0.911) and between Score and Total Distance (r = 0.724). In conclusion, the mouse grip does not affect the Aim Flicking or Aim Tracking task performance. This study has revealed interesting results related to performance, including correlations between the Score, Reaction Time, and Total Distance in flicking tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Most modern bioprostheses use two sensors located on the flexor and extensor muscles of the hand and fingers to register muscle activity, which severely limits the functionality of the device and complicates switching between grips. One of the solutions to this problem is to use an array of more sensors to recognize different grips using a neural network.Aim. To evaluate the possibility in principle of using an array of 8 sensors for recognizing different grips.Materials and methods. Research was conducted on 23 healthy volunteers, whose surface myograms were recorded at 13 different grips. An array of surface-type electroneuromyographic sensors (n = 8) with bipolar electrodes and electroneuromyographic signal amplification factor of 2000 times, myograph and software are of own development were used as a technical base for the research.Results. For most subjects, the differences in the investigated parameters when comparing grips with each other reached thousands of percent, especially when comparing the product of frequency and mean amplitude. In some pairs the differences were less significant and amounted to less than 400 %. The proportion of pairs with reliable differences varies from subject to subject when comparing the product of frequency and mean amplitude and ranges from 71 to 98 %. The average value for the whole group is 87 %. When comparing frequency only, the variation ranges from 67 to 93 %, with an average of 78 %.Conclusion. For most subjects, the majority of grips are confidently differentiated from each other. Due to pronounced individual peculiarities, the decision to use this or that parameter to control the bioprosthesis for a definite person is individual and should be made after a thorough neurophysiological research. Some people will require training in order to develop a new motor stereotype.

Background and Aims: Correctly holding the endotracheal tube (ETT) is essential for successful tracheal intubation. The study’s primary objective was to compare the between-the-fingers grip with the conventional pen-holding grip regarding the number of attempts required for orotracheal intubation and usage of external aids. Methods: Three hundred patients undergoing elective surgeries under general anaesthesia were randomised according to the method to hold the ETT to Group C (conventional grip) and Group M (modified, between-the-fingers grip) during oro-tracheal intubation. A designated anaesthetist blinded to the groups performed laryngoscopy in all the patients, and difficult Cormack-Lehane grade 3b and 4 (n = 24) were excluded. Then, the group was revealed to the anaesthetist, and intubation was done accordingly; the number of attempts, use of backward upward rightward pressure (BURP), and time taken were noted. The sample size was estimated using the software G*Power version 3.1.9.2. Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 23 (SPSS-23, IBM, Chicago, USA) was used for data analysis. Results: Single-attempt intubation was comparable between the groups (99.3% versus 97.2%, P = 0.197). In contrast, the external assistance as BURP (0.75% versus 6.99%, P = 0.009) and the time taken for intubation (P = 0.008) were reduced in group M significantly. Conclusion: The between-the-fingers grip seems as effective as the standard grip to hold the ETT during intubation. However, it proved to be better as it can reduce the requirement for external assistance in BURP.

Rowing is a sport that requires athletes to perform the action of pulling and rotating an oar by hand, applying forces of considerable magnitude. Herein, inspired by the notion that auxetic materials and metamaterials behave differently compared to their conventional counterparts, it is examined how a handle prototype, specifically designed to incorporate the classic re‐entrant motif, behaves and how end‐users perceive it. Physical experiments conducted on such prototype, which measured the contact pressures, suggest that on average, higher pressures are measured when pulling with this reentrant grip compared to its non reentrant counterpart, indicating that this re‐entrant prototype should feel firmer. More importantly, respondents of a survey are asked to give their feedback, and different views on which handle they would prefer to use are provided. The ones who preferred the prototype with the reentrant features report that they preferred it because it felt firmer and allowed for a better grip. This suggests that there is potential for further investigation into whether handles, oar handles in particular, made from auxetic components, re‐entrant cells, or other motifs which are well known for their negative Poisson's ratio characteristics, could provide a better and more secure grip and be used in sports applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss of hand function causes severe limitations in activity in daily living. The hand-soft robot is one of the methods that has recently been growing to increase the patient's independence. The purpose of the present systematic review was to provide a classification, a comparison, and a design overview of mechanisms and the efficacy of the soft hand robots to help researchers approach this field. The literature research regarding such tools was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials. We included peer-reviewed studies that considered a soft robot glove as an assistive device to provide function. The two investigators screened the titles and abstracts, then independently reviewed the full-text articles. Disagreements about inclusion were resolved by consensus or a third reviewer. A total of 15 articles were identified, describing 210 participants (23 healthy subjects). The tools were in three categories according to their actuation type (pneumatic system, cable-driven, another design). The most critical outcomes in studies included functional tasks (fourteen studies), grip strength (four studies), range of motion (ROM) (five studies), and user satisfaction (five studies). Function and grip parameters are the most common critical parameters for tests of hand robots. Cable-driven transmission and soft pneumatic actuators are the most common choices for the actuation unit. Radder et al. study had the highest grade from other studies. That was the only RCT among studies. Although few soft robotic gloves can be considered ready to reach the market, it seems these tools have the potential to be practical for people with a disability. But, we lack consistent evidence of comparing two or more soft robot gloves on the hand functions. Future research needs to assess the effect of soft robotic gloves on people with hand disorders with more populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Correctly holding the endotracheal tube (ETT) is essential for successful tracheal intubation. The study's primary objective was to compare the between-the-fingers grip with the conventional pen-holding grip regarding the number of attempts required for orotracheal intubation and usage of external aids. Methods: Three hundred patients undergoing elective surgeries under general anaesthesia were randomised according to the method to hold the ETT to Group C (conventional grip) and Group M (modified, between-the-fingers grip) during oro-tracheal intubation. A designated anaesthetist blinded to the groups performed laryngoscopy in all the patients, and difficult Cormack-Lehane grade 3b and 4 (n = 24) were excluded. Then, the group was revealed to the anaesthetist, and intubation was done accordingly; the number of attempts, use of backward upward rightward pressure (BURP), and time taken were noted. The sample size was estimated using the software G*Power version 3.1.9.2. Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 23 (SPSS-23, IBM, Chicago, USA) was used for data analysis. Results: Single-attempt intubation was comparable between the groups (99.3% versus 97.2%, P = 0.197). In contrast, the external assistance as BURP (0.75% versus 6.99%, P = 0.009) and the time taken for intubation (P = 0.008) were reduced in group M significantly. Conclusion: The between-the-fingers grip seems as effective as the standard grip to hold the ETT during intubation. However, it proved to be better as it can reduce the requirement for external assistance in BURP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We studied the effectiveness of biomechanically calculated abdominal wall reconstructions for incisional hernias of varying complexity in an open, prospective observational registry trial. Methods: From July 1st, 2017 to December 31st, 2020, four hospitals affiliated with the University of Heidelberg recruited 198 patients with complex incisional hernias. Hernias were repaired using biomechanically calculated reconstructions and materials classified on their gripping force towards cyclic load. This approach determines the required strength preoperatively based on the hernia size, using the Critical Resistance to Impacts related to Pressure. The surgeon is supported in reliably determining the Gained Resistance, which is based on the mesh-defect-area-ratio, as well as other mesh and suture factors, and the tissue stability. Tissue stability is defined as a maximum distension of 1.5 cm upon a Valsalva maneuver. In complex cases, a CT scan of the abdomen can be used to assess unstable tissue areas both at rest and during Valsalva's maneuver. Results: Larger and stronger gripping meshes were required for more complex cases to achieve a durable repair, especially for larger hernia sizes. To achieve durable repairs, the number of fixation points increased while the mesh-defect area ratio decreased. Performing these repairs required more operating room time. The complication rate remained low. Less than 1% of recurrences and low pain levels were observed after 3 years. Conclusions: Biomechanical stability, defined as the resistance to cyclic load, is crucial in preventing postoperative complications, including recurrences and chronic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the influence of elbow and forearm postures, as well as sex, on the perception of grip force in a sample of individuals without any known health conditions. A total of 21 healthy participants (10 women and 11 men) from college were included and completed a force reproducibility assignment with four elbow and forearm positions (full pronation, supination, and extension, and at 90° of flexion) at three force levels (10%, 30%, and 50% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]). Our results show that participants were more sensitive in detecting variations in their grip force when their elbow was in full supination (14.1 ± 8.5% MVIC, p <.05) and full extension (13.8 ± 10.1% MVIC, p <.01) than when it was at 90° of flexion (19.9 ± 20.1% MVIC). The normalized absolute error exhibited comparable patterns among both male and female participants. Specifically, when the working range of the muscles increased (as indicated by higher maximum voluntary isometric contraction values in males), the accuracy decreased (as reflected by the more significant absolute error in men). Moreover, men exhibited a greater degree of both constant and variable error than women. Recent research indicates that the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders is higher in women than in males. The results we obtained may contribute to developing strategies to reduce injury risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deciding on a course of action requires both an accurate estimation of option values and the right amount of effort invested in deliberation to reach sufficient confidence in the final choice. In a previous study, we have provided evidence, across a series of judgment and choice tasks, for a dissociation between the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), which would represent option values, and the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), which would represent the duration of deliberation. Here, we first replicate this dissociation and extend it to the case of an instrumental learning task, in which 24 human volunteers (13 women) choose between options associated with probabilistic gains and losses. According to fMRI data recorded during decision-making, vmPFC activity reflects the sum of option values generated by a reinforcement learning model and dmPFC activity the deliberation time. To further generalize the role of the dmPFC in mobilizing effort, we then analyze fMRI data recorded in the same participants while they prepare to perform motor and cognitive tasks (squeezing a handgrip or making numerical comparisons) to maximize gains or minimize losses. In both cases, dmPFC activity is associated with the output of an effort regulation model, and not with response time. Taken together, these results strengthen a general theory of behavioral control that implicates the vmPFC in the estimation of option values and the dmPFC in the energization of relevant motor and cognitive processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Despite the longstanding importance of grasping adaptations in theories of primate evolution, quantitative data on primate grasping strength remain rare. We present the results of two studies testing the prediction that callitrichines—given their comparative retreat from a small‐branch environment and specialization for movement and foraging on tree trunks and large boughs—should be characterized by weaker grasping forces and underdeveloped digital flexor muscles relative to other platyrrhines. Methods: First, we directly measured manual grasping strength in marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) and squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis), using a custom‐constructed force transducer. Second, we reanalyzed existing datasets on the fiber architecture of forearm and leg muscles in 12 platyrrhine species, quantifying digital flexor muscle physiological cross‐sectional area (i.e., PCSA, a morphometric proxy of muscle strength) relative to the summed PCSA across all forearm or leg muscles. Results: Callithrix was characterized by lower mean and maximum grasping forces than Saimiri, and callitrichines as a clade were found to have relatively underdeveloped manual digital flexor muscle PCSA. However, relative pedal digital flexor PCSA did not significantly differ between callitrichines and other platyrrhines. Conclusions: We found partial support for the hypothesis that variation in predominant substrate usage explains variation in empirical measurements of and morphological correlates of grasping strength in platyrrhines. Future research should extend the work presented here by (1) collecting morphological and empirical metrics of grasping strength in additional primate taxa and (2) extending performance testing to include empirical measures of primate pedal grasping forces as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was carried out to examine the relationship between rest, activity, and nighttime pain and grip and isokinetic muscle strength of the wrist muscles in individuals with lateral epicondylitis. Methods: Fifty-six sedentary individuals aged between 18 and 65 years diagnosed with unilateral lateral epicondylitis volunteered to participate in the study. The level of rest, activity, and nighttime pain was evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS). The grip strengths of both arms were evaluated by averaging a maximum of three grip strength measurements using a hand dynamometer. The strength of both wrist flexor and extensor muscles were evaluated with isokinetic dynamometer at angular velocities of 60 and 180°/s with five and 15 concentric repetitions respectively. Results: There was no significant relationship found between the affected side's grip strength and isokinetic muscle strength with rest, activity and nighttime pain (all P > 0.05). However, there was a difference observed between the affected and unaffected side in grip strength and isokinetic strength measurements of all wrist muscles (all P < 0.05); the unaffected side values were found to be higher. Conclusion: The result of this study found no correlation between the stated level of pain and the true muscle strength in the affected hand. In line with these findings, we think that assessments involving strength can be made in other musculoskeletal problems where pain is present. However, the findings may not reflect the true muscle strength which will tend to be underrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of the present study was to correlate neck and upper-limb disabilities with neck flexion in university students who are smartphone users. While handling smartphones, a posture with sustained neck flexion known as "Text Neck" is usually adopted, and some authors related to musculoskeletal symptoms on the neck and the upper limb. However, recent studies state that such an association is questionable. Methods: This is an observational study when evaluating 192 university students through questionnaires such as the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), besides the maximal neck flexion, grip and lateral pinch strength of the participants. Results: The sociodemographic questionnaire demonstrated that most participants had used the device for 5 to 10 years, for five or more hours per day. The DASH questionnaire scores presented an average of 7.2 points, while the data regarding grip and lateral pinch strength showed averages of 29.5 kgf and 8.8 kgf, respectively. The NDI questionnaire scores presented an average of 10.5. The average range of motion of the maximum neck flexion was 27°. Conclusion: There was no association between neck flexion with the DASH and NDI or the grip and lateral pinch strength after the correlation and binary logistic regression analyses. The results show that the scores of DASH, NDI, hand grip and lateral pinch strength, have no association with the maximum neck flexion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The First-Person Shooter is a very popular genre in electronic sports (esports), where there are different aiming techniques such as Aim Flicking and Aim Tracking. Although the mouse grip is suggested as one of the most important factors in gaming performance, there is a lack of evidence on this topic. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine the performances of three types of mouse grips (palm grip, claw grip, and fingertip grip) in two different tasks (flicking and tracking tasks) by analyzing kinematic and scoring variables. Twenty-two participants performed the tasks on a computer with the same monitor and mouse, each using their preferred grip: palm grip, claw grip, and fingertip grip. The aim400kg was used to perform the tasks, and a camera system (Optitrack’s Flex 3) was used to capture the mouse movement. The results from the flicking task indicated significant differences in the minimum cursor trajectory, with higher values observed in the claw grip compared to both the palm and fingertip grips. However, no significant differences were observed in the tracking task in terms of velocity, acceleration, or hand movement. Moreover, only high correlations were observed in the flicking task between Score and Reaction Time (r = −0.911) and between Score and Total Distance (r = 0.724). In conclusion, the mouse grip does not affect the Aim Flicking or Aim Tracking task performance. This study has revealed interesting results related to performance, including correlations between the Score, Reaction Time, and Total Distance in flicking tasks.

The kinetochore links chromosomes to spindle microtubules to drive chromosome segregation at cell division. While we know nearly all mammalian kinetochore proteins, how these give rise to the strong yet dynamic microtubule attachments required for function remains poorly understood. Here, we focus on the Astrin-SKAP complex, which localizes to bioriented kinetochores and is essential for chromosome segregation but whose mechanical role is unclear. Live imaging reveals that SKAP depletion dampens the movement and decreases the coordination of metaphase sister kinetochores and increases the tension between them. Using laser ablation to isolate kinetochores bound to polymerizing versus depolymerizing microtubules, we show that without SKAP, kinetochores move slower on both polymerizing and depolymerizing microtubules and that more force is needed to rescue microtubules to polymerize. Thus, in contrast to the previously described kinetochore proteins that increase the grip on microtubules under force, Astrin-SKAP reduces the grip, increasing attachment dynamics and force responsiveness and reducing friction. Together, our findings suggest a model where the Astrin-SKAP complex effectively "lubricates" correct, bioriented attachments to help preserve them.

Background: High radial nerve injury results in wrist and finger extension loss. As documented, the greatest loss in function is the weakness of grip due to inability to extend the wrist. Methods: A Prospective study included 17 patients with acute high radial nerve injury operated on using early pronator teres to Extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon transfer and primary nerve repair from January 2020 to April 2023. Patients were evaluated using active range of motion, grip strength, pinch strength, and DASH score. Result: Fifteen patients were evaluated at 6 and 9 months post-operative. At 6th-month post-operative, the mean extension range of motion significantly increased, but the mean flexion range of motion slightly decreased. Large grip power was 52.6%, small grip power was 76%, the key pinch was 115%, the palmar pinch was 92%, the tip pinch was 116%, and the mean DASH score was 26.1. At the end of 9 months post-operative follow-up, there was a highly significant increase in extension range of motion and no statistically significant difference between normal and affected limb in flexion range of motion, improvement in large grip power was 58.9%, 80.9% in small grip power, 109% in the key pinch, 103% in the palmar pinch, and 136% in tip pinch and the mean DASH score was 24.8. Three patients had complicated postoperatively by hematoma. Two of them needed no intervention, and one needed ultrasonic-guided aspiration. Conclusions: It could be concluded that early pronator teres to Extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon transfer with primary repair of the radial nerve in high injuries improves remaining function and quickly restores hand function. Level of evidence: Level III, Therapeutic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Human Factors in Design is the property of Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina 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.)

Summary: Background and Aims: There are a wide variety of different designs for mugs and cups, but these are primarily driven by visual aesthetics rather than utility. The range of drinking vessels available to the care home sector is limited and not informed by ergonomic considerations that would make them more suitable for the frail elderly to use. Although our previous work has thrown some light on this problem, there is a need to improve our understanding of the ergonomics of drinking and drinking vessels to better inform both the designs available and purchasing decisions of facilities caring for older people. Methods: This study was split into two phases, an initial qualitative focus group study and a quantitative ergonomic analysis. Results: From the focus group study, two cups were preferred of the five presented. The characteristics shared by these two cups were lightness and large handle. From the ergonomic analysis the general grip observed in this to hold a cup can be classified as a power grip with an adducted thumb. Cups with a relatively low mass (m), a handle orifice area (S) sufficient to allow a minimum of two fingers to pass through comfortably whilst offering the ability to be supported by an adducted thumb and ring finger comfortably are seen to perform best. Further, whilst the handle orifice area should be sufficiently large for the optimal grip to be used it should also minimize the moment on the user's wrist. Computed finger forces show considerable variability across the fingers and across the cups. All the forces calculated from the simulation are relatively low for power grips of the type described earlier. This indicates that the individual finger grip forces are less of an issue for users than the stability needed to control and balance the force in the wrist. Conclusion: This study has also shown that there are several critical dimensions for the design of cups for people with reduced strength and dexterity. The mass of the cup (m), the diameter of the cup D, the handle length L, and the orifice area S effecting the critical moment on the wrist and the ability to support this moment through the fingers.

Grip and elbow flexor strength and endurance are crucial performance surrogates in competitive climbing. Thus, we examined the effects of blood flow restricted (BFR) climbing on grip and elbow flexor performance. Fifteen trained climbers (8 females; 20.8 ± 7.0 yrs; 1.72 ± 0.08 m; 63.0 ± 9.7 kg; 21.7 ± 2.7 IRCRCA grade) were either assigned to the intervention (BFR) or control (noBFR) group, using the minimization method (Strata: age, height, body mass, gender, and IRCRA grade). While BFR was used during low-intensity climbing training (2-times 10 min/session; 3-times/week), noBFR followed identical training protocols without BFR over 5 weeks. BFR of the upper limb was applied via customized pneumatic cuffs (occlusion pressure: 120 ± 23 mmHg, 75%; occlusion pressure). Endurance and strength performances were assessed via one-handed rung pulling (GripSTRENGTH), one-handed bent arm lock off at 90° (ArmSTRENGTH), static-intermitted finger hang (GripENDURANCE), and bent arm hang (ArmENDURANCE). Bayesian credible intervals revealed increased GripENDURANCE (+21 s (95% credible interval: −2 to 43 s)) and ArmENDURANCE +11 s (−5 to 27 s); adaptations via BFR. In contrast, GripSTRENGTH +4 N (−40 to 48 N) and ArmSTRENGTH +4 N (−68 to 75 N) were not affected by the BFR intervention. Fifteen cumulative sessions of BFR application with a cumulative total BFR load of 5 h over a 5 weeks macrocycle remarkably increased grip and elbow flexor endurance. Thus, BFR might serve as a promising means to improve relevant performance surrogates in trained climbers. Blood flow restricted (BFR) climbing induced superior grip and elbow flexor endurance adaptations compared to non-restricted climbing training over a 5-week lasting training period BFR and non-BFR climbing training induced similar grip and elbow flexor strength adaptations Therefore, BFR served as a feasible, promising and beneficial complementary training stimuli additionally to the sheduled climbing training program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human hand has evolved to become the most complex and versatile grasping and manipulation tool. The fingers play a crucial role in acquiring information about touched objects through tactile and thermal sensors. Specifically, the fingertips are densely packed with touch and thermal receptors, which have the highest concentration of cells responsible for transmitting stimuli to the brain.

Abstract Background Normative values for hand grip and pinch strength among children in Saudi Arabia has not been well established. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to establish normative values for hand grip and pinch strength in children aged 6 to 18 years in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from different 5 regions in Saudi Arabia. Participants between the age of 6 years and 18 years old were recruited through different primary and secondary schools in Saudi Arabia. Data for age, gender, Body Mass Index, and preferred hand were collected. Hand grip strength was measured using digital hand dynamometer and the tip pinch, palmar pinch, and key pinch strength were measured using the hydraulic pinch gauge. Results A total of 616 participants included in this study (318 boys and 298 girls). Participants were stratified into 5 chronological age groups of 6–7 years, 8–9, 10–11, 12–13, 14–15, 16–17, and 18 years. The results showed an overall trend of increasing hand grip strength and pinch strength with age regardless of hand preference. Boys had significantly higher grip strength than girls in all age groups (P

Handwriting is a critical functional skill that impacts academic participation and progress. Occupational therapists address components of grasp in their handwriting intervention as it is commonly assumed that grasp affects legibility, fluency, and endurance, yet research studies examining this relationship are limited. We used scoping review methodology to map existing research on grasp and handwriting performance in school-age children and to identify gaps in the literature. Thirteen articles met search criteria and were categorized by grasp patterns and handwriting performance, and grasp force and handwriting performance. Findings suggest an inefficient grasp can lead to decreased handwriting legibility and fatigue. The current literature is inconclusive and several gaps were identified. Additional studies should address research gaps through inclusion of children with special needs and interventions including lengthier handwriting tasks representative of a typical school day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bedside nurses and nursing students are at increased risk of musculoskeletal injury due to the physicality and complexity of their work. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between grip strength and orthopedic injuries or pain among nurses and nursing students. Methods: A cross-sectional study of nursing staff and nursing students at a health sciences university was conducted. The survey consisted of work-related demographics, exercise habits, and validated scales. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to collect information on musculoskeletal problems. Anthropomorphic measures included height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and grip strength. Logistic regression was performed. Findings: Participants with grip strength at or above the national average had significantly lower odds of self-reported orthopedic problems, B = 0.86, OR = 2.35, p =.01, indicating participants with grip strength at or above national average were 135% less likely to report orthopedic problems compared to participants with grip strength below the national average. Conclusion/Application to Practice: Healthcare workers in direct patient care who have lower grip strength may be at increased risk for injuries. Nursing staff and students with below average grip strength were more likely to experience orthopedic problems. Increased muscle mass and grip strength are known to effectively reduce the risk of upper extremity injuries. Nurse leaders may benefit from promoting grip strengthening activities among employees to prevent workplace injuries. Further research is needed to understand the biophysiological mechanisms, confirm the findings of this study and evaluate effective interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing and monitoring shoulder strength is extremely important during rehabilitation. A fixed dynamometer represents a valid and inexpensive assessment method. However, it has not been studied whether posture and grip modality influence shoulder muscle strength. The aim of this study was to compare shoulder strength values between sitting and standing positions and between the handle and cuff grip modalities. A total of 40 volunteers were divided into a posture (PG) and a handle-cuff group (HCG). Participants in the PG were asked to perform a maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) for shoulder flexion, extension, ab-adduction, and intra-extra rotation in standing and sitting positions. The HCG participants were tested in a standing position while holding a handle or with a cuff around their wrist. PG showed higher forces in the standing position for shoulder flexion (p = 0.009); internal rotation showed higher values in the sitting position (p = 0.003). ER/IR ratio was significantly higher in the standing position (p < 0.001). HCG showed higher significant forces during cuff modality in all positions and grip modalities, including the ER/IR ratio (p < 0.05). Different body positions and grip modalities influenced the assessment of shoulder strength as recorded by a fixed dynamometer; therefore, these factors should be carefully considered when carrying out a shoulder strength assessment, and we encourage the development of assessment guidelines to make future clinical trial results comparable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archery is a static sport that requires good physical strength. This physical strength can affect the achievement of an archery athlete. Physical strength includes hand grip strength and body balance. One way to measure grip strength is to use a handgrip dynamometer. Meanwhile, to measure the balance of the body can use the stock body balance test. Then the sample did a test shooting of 36 arrows with a shooting range of 15 meters. This study was to determine the relationship between hand grip strength and body balance with the ability to shoot archery at a distance of 15 meters. This research is a descriptive-analytic study with a cross-sectional design. The research was conducted at the Archery Training Center, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region, Indonesia. The population sample is 60 people aged 12-13 years consisting of 34 boys and 26 girls. The data obtained was then tested for Pearson product-moment correlation and multiple regression correlation tests using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) application version 26. The SPSS analysis test showed that there was a significant relationship between grip strength and archery skills at a distance of 15 meters with a significance value of p = 0.000 (p <0.05) with a correlation coefficient of 0.446. Body balance is also related to archery skills at a distance of 15 meters with a significance value of p=0.043 (p<0.05) with a correlation coefficient of 0.262. Meanwhile, in the multiple correlation test, the results obtained were p = 0.001 (p <0.05) with a correlation coefficient of 0.480. Based on the results and discussion above, it can be concluded that there is a relationship between hand grip strength, body balance, and archery skills at a distance of 15 meters in junior archery athletes in Sleman Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modern era it has become increasingly easier to manipulate and tamper digital images, one of the primary reasons being the boon of commonplace availability of powerful image editing tools and software. These tools become a bane when used for malicious reasons as users can possibly add or remove important features from an image without leaving any obvious marks of tampering. Hence the need of forgery detection techniques which show high accuracy in detection arises. One of the most prevalent forms of image tampering is the copy-move forgery attack. In this type of forgery, a part of an image is copied and then pasted somewhere else in the same image with the intent to hide key features of the image. This paper introduces a new copy-move image forgery detection technique which relies on a texture feature descriptor called Local Tetra Pattern (LTrP) for block level image comparison used to localize tampered region(s). Initially, the input image is divided into overlapping blocks, then LTrP features are extracted from each block to form a single feature vector. Next, the feature vectors of all image blocks are sorted lexicographically, and then similar blocks are identified by matching the features from neighboring blocks. Finally, blocks matched falsely due to the presence of homogeneous color information like sea, field, and sky are removed using a shift vector aided outlier removal method. Experiments have been conducted on two standard datasets - GRIP and CoMoFoD. We have obtained 0.9834 and 0.9093 average F1 scores at pixel-level for GRIP and CoMoFoD datasets respectively. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed technique has been able to detect the forged regions with higher accuracy as compared to many state-of-the-art copy-move forgery detection methods. Moreover, experimental results on CoMoFoD dataset show that the method is able to correctly detect the forgery even after various post-processing attacks. The source code of proposed method is available at https://github.com/RollingThunderSagnik/LTrP-Copy-Move-Forgery-Detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of an object slipping within the grasp of a prosthetic hand enables the hand to react to ensure the grasp is stable. The computer controller of a prosthetic hand needs to be able to unambiguously detect the slide from other signals. Slip can be detected from the surface vibrations made as the contact between object and terminal device shifts. A second method measures the changes in the normal and tangential forces between the object and the digits. After a review of the principles of how the signals are generated and the detection technologies are employed, this paper details the acoustic and force sensors used in versions of the Southampton Hand. Attention is given to the techniques used in the field. The performance of the Southampton tube sensor is explored. Different surfaces are slid past a sensor and the signals analysed. The resulting signals have low-frequency content. The signals are low pass filtered and the resulting processing results in a consistent response across a range of surfaces. These techniques are fast and not computationally intensive, which makes them practical for a device that is to be used daily in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Normative values for hand grip and pinch strength among children in Saudi Arabia has not been well established. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to establish normative values for hand grip and pinch strength in children aged 6 to 18 years in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from different 5 regions in Saudi Arabia. Participants between the age of 6 years and 18 years old were recruited through different primary and secondary schools in Saudi Arabia. Data for age, gender, Body Mass Index, and preferred hand were collected. Hand grip strength was measured using digital hand dynamometer and the tip pinch, palmar pinch, and key pinch strength were measured using the hydraulic pinch gauge. Results: A total of 616 participants included in this study (318 boys and 298 girls). Participants were stratified into 5 chronological age groups of 6–7 years, 8–9, 10–11, 12–13, 14–15, 16–17, and 18 years. The results showed an overall trend of increasing hand grip strength and pinch strength with age regardless of hand preference. Boys had significantly higher grip strength than girls in all age groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study established normative values for hand grip and pinch strength in the healthy Saudi pediatric and adolescent population, using boys and girls aged 6 to 18. The outcomes of this study also demonstrated that gender, age, and hand preference can all have an impact on how strong a handgrip develops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background hand-arm vibration is one of the typical annoying physical factors. Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a disorder caused by vibrating working tools which vibrate hands beyond the threshold. Long-term HAVS may result in damage to blood vessels, chronic numbness in the fingers, bone injury, and muscular weakness. People are exposed to high-rate noise vibration in a variety of situations, including vessel employment and operating in tiny boats. Moreover, the extant study was conducted to examine manual function disability levels caused by Sailing Speed Vessels (SSV) vibration. Methods The extant study was quasi-experimental research in which, 52 male sailors in SSVs were chosen as the experimental group, and 27 office personnel were selected as the control group. The demographic factors questionnaire, DASH questionnaire, grip and pinch strength tests, the neurosensory exam, and the skill-dexterity test were all employed in this study. SPSS23 software was used to analyze the data. Results The findings suggested that the experimental group experienced greater vibration disorder symptoms than the control group. Because the experimental group had a higher score, the individuals experienced poorer circumstances in terms of arm, shoulder, and hand impairment as compared to the control group. The mean grip strength of hands and fingers in two hands of the experimental group was lower than the control group (P

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The human hand has evolved to become the most complex and versatile grasping and manipulation tool. The fingers play a crucial role in acquiring information about touched objects through tactile and thermal sensors. Specifically, the fingertips are densely packed with touch and thermal receptors, which have the highest concentration of cells responsible for transmitting stimuli to the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Influenza, also known as flu, is a viral disease with high mortality and morbidity. Although every age group is at risk, people aged six months to 18 years are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications. This descriptive study had two objectives: 1) determining primary school student's level of knowledge about the flu, and 2) examining the factors affecting their decision to get flu shots. Material and Method: The sample consisted of 670 sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students from three public and three private schools. Data were presented as percentiles, ratios, chisquares, and means (± standard deviation). The data were analyzed at a significance level of 0.05. Results: Less than a quarter of the participants defined the flu as a viral disease (23.7%). More than half the participants stated that the flu was contagious (65.5%). More than a quarter of the participants noted that the flu was transmitted through aerosols containing the virus, direct contact, or contact with contaminated surfaces (35.5%). More than half the participants said it was necessary to get flu shots (71.3%). Eight in ten of those participants had flu shots (82.8%). More than half of mothers with high school or higher degrees had their children vaccinated against the flu (56.7%). Most fathers with high school or higher degrees had their children vaccinated against the flu (78.4%) (p=0.030). Almost all parents with health insurance had their children vaccinated against the flu (p<0.001). Conclusion: Students do not know much about the flu and flu shot. Therefore, children and parents should be informed about the effects of the flu, how to avoid getting it, and what the flu vaccine is. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Incisional hernias often follow open abdominal surgery. A small-stitch-small-bite suture might close the incision durably. We analyzed specific details of this closure technique and assessed their influence on the closure stability.Methods: The effects of cyclic loads, simulating coughs were investigated on a bench test. We prepared porcine bellies in the median line and bovine flanks parallel to the muscle fibers with 15 cm long incisions. Then we punched round or rhomboid defects with a diameter of 5-10 cm into the center of the incision. Monomax® 2-0 and Maxon® 1 and 2-0 were used as suture materials. We tested the durability of the closure with pressure impacts of 210 mmHg repeated 425 times. Throughout the experiments, we modified the suturing technique, the surgeon, the tissue tension, the defect size and shape and the suture diameter.Results: Standardizing the suture technique improved the durability of the closure significantly. Any other variations showed minor influences after standardization. All incisions with round defects up to 7.5 cm width withstood 425 impacts using standardized suturing. Unstandardized sutures failed in all cases. When closing an incision with a 10 cm wide defect, the tissues ruptured frequently next to the suture line. We defined criteria to standardize this suturing technique. For the first time, we developed a suture factor related to the durability of a sutured tissue closure. We integrated the suture factor into the concept of biomechanically durable repairs.Conclusions: Suturing the abdominal wall with a standardized suturing technique improves its durability significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a lack of research to date regarding the test-retest reliability of grip force sense in healthy adult males. This study was therefore designed to explore this topic across a series of target force levels using an ipsilateral force reproduction task. The same experienced research staff conducted two testing sessions for each study participant, with 1 week between test sessions. Intraclass correlation coefficient values indicated that these force sensing tests exhibited good to fair reliability with respect to both absolute error (0.42–0.63) and constant error (0.49–0.60), although variable error was indicative of poor reliability (–0.85 to 0.14). Together, these results suggest that researchers can achieve a fair level of test-retest reliability when analysing grip force sense in healthy adult males, with results being most reliable at force levels of 20 N and 50 N, as determined based upon measured constant error and absolute error. Practitioner summary: To ensure that grip force sense can be accurately interpreted over time, it is important to assess the test-retest reliability. It is recommended that practitioners measure the absolute error and constant error at force levels of 20 N and 50 N when assessing grip force sense in a clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is known that hand strength and fingertip force are used as an indicator of muscle strength and are also highly related to the various chronic symptoms and even lifespan. To use the individual fingertip force (IFF) as a quantitative index for clinical evaluation, the IFF should be measured and analyzed with various variables from various subjects, such as the normal range of fingertip force and the difference in its distribution by disease. Objects: We tried to measure and analyze the mean maximum IFF distribution during grasping a cylindrical object in healthy adults and patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: Five Force-sensitive resistor (FSR) sensors were attached to the fingertips of 24 healthy people and 13 patients with SCI. They were asked to grip the object three times for five seconds with their maximum effort. Results: The mean maximum IFF of the healthy adult group’s thumb, index, and middle finger was similar statistically and showed relatively larger than IFF of the ring and small finger. It is a 3-point pinch grip pattern. All fingertip forces of patients with SCI decreased by more than 50% to the healthy group, and their IFF of the middle finger was relatively the largest among the five fingertip forces. The cervical level injured SCI patients showed significantly decreased IFFs compared to thoracic level injured SCI patients. Conclusion: We expect that this study results would be helpful for rehabilitation diagnosis and therapy goal decision with robust further study.

Motor control between the thumb and index finger is critical for holding and interacting precisely with an object. In case of an improper pinching force, especially when it stems from sensory problems, modulating the interaction gain by changing the contact surface properties is a promising solution because of its simplicity and minimal risk. In this pilot study, three healthy human subjects participated in the pinching experiment with two different surface areas to test the effect of interaction gain on motor control (88 mm2 and 176 mm2 as $1\times $ and $2\times $ surface areas). Subjects were asked to match their pinching force to the reference fingertip pressure applied to the other hand. The results demonstrated that subjects applied less force to the thumb when the contact surface area was smaller, perhaps to compensate for the increase in pressure, while the contact surface area did not change the force applied to the index finger. The ratio of the force applied to the $2\times $ surface area to the force applied to the $1\times $ surface area was 1.19±0.02 (Mean±STE) and 1.00±0.02 for the thumb and index finger, respectively. The pinching force was also affected by the tactile memory. When subjects pinched the $2\times $ surface area after pinching the $1\times $ surface area, the pinching force was higher than the one at pinching the $2\times $ surface area from the beginning. These results suggest that environmental intervention is strong enough to bias the motor output of the sensorimotor system.

BackgroundGrip strength is frequently measured as a global indicator of motor function. In clinical populations, such as hemiparesis post-stroke, grip strength is associated with upper-extremity motor impairment, function, and ability to execute activities of daily living. However, biomechanical configuration of the distal arm and hand may influence the magnitude and stability of maximal voluntary grip force and varies across studies. The influence of distal arm/hand biomechanical configuration on grip force remains unclear. Here we investigated how biomechanical configuration of the distal arm/hand influence the magnitude and trial-to-trial variability of maximal grip force performed in similar positions with variations in external constraint.MethodsWe studied three groups of 20 individuals: healthy young, healthy older, and individuals post-stroke. We tested maximal voluntary grip force in 4 conditions: 1: self-determined/"free"; 2: standard; 3: fixed arm-rest; 4: gripper fixed to arm-rest, using an instrumented grip dynamometer in both dominant/non-dominant and non-paretic/paretic hands.FindingsRegardless of hand or group, maximal voluntary grip force was highest when the distal limb was most constrained (i.e., Condition 4), followed by the least constrained (i.e., Condition 1) (Cohen's f = 0.52, P's