Investigation of the use of inertial sensing equipment for the measurement of hip flexion and pelvic rotation in horse riders

Equestrian sports report three to five times higher incidence rates for lower back pain than that of the general population, with hip flexion angles of 50-60° suggested as a causal factor. Inertial motion capture technology enables dynamic measurement of rider kinematics but data extraction is time-consuming. The aim of this study was to develop a software tool to automate the process of extracting biomechanical data from the Xsens™ MVN (MoCap) system to investigate postural changes in riders, comparing static position at halt with dynamic position during the sit phase of rising trot. The software was found to be efficient, reducing data extraction time by 97% when used with a sample of 16 riders. Good correlation was found between hip flexion and pelvic anterior-posterior rotation and between halt and trot but with significantly greater values of hip flexion and pelvic anterior rotation in trot. No riders showed hip flexion >50° at halt but 11 riders (69%) showed hip flexion >50° during the sit phase of rising trot, indicating that dynamic assessment is important when considering rider postural faults that may put them at risk of back injury.

Exploring psychological mechanisms of clinical response to an internet-delivered psychological pain management program

BACKGROUND

The evidence for Internet-delivered pain management programs for chronic pain is growing, but there is little empirical understanding of how they effect change. Understanding mechanisms of clinical response to these programs could inform their effective development and delivery.

METHODS

A large sample (n = 396) from a previous randomized controlled trial of a validated internet-delivered psychological pain management program, the Pain Course, was used to examine the influence of three potential psychological mechanisms (pain acceptance, pain self-efficacy, fear of movement/re-injury) on treatment-related change in disability, depression, anxiety and average pain. Analyses involved generalized estimating equation models for clinical outcomes that adjusted for co-occurring change in psychological variables. This was paired with cross-lagged analysis to assess for evidence of causality. Analyses involved two time points, pre-treatment and post-treatment.

RESULTS

Changes in pain-acceptance were strongly associated with changes in three (depression, anxiety and average pain) of the four clinical outcomes. Changes in self-efficacy were also strongly associated with two (anxiety and average pain) clinical outcomes. These findings suggest that participants were unlikely to improve in these clinical outcomes without also experiencing increases in their pain self-efficacy and pain acceptance. However, there was no clear evidence from cross-lagged analyses to currently support these psychological variables as direct mechanisms of clinical improvements. There was only statistical evidence to suggest higher levels of self-efficacy moderated improvements in depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that, while clinical improvements are closely associated with improvements in pain acceptance and self-efficacy, these psychological variables may not drive the treatment effects observed.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study employed robust statistical techniques to assess the psychological mechanisms of an established internet-delivered pain management program. While clinical improvements (e.g. depression, anxiety, pain) were closely associated with improvements in psychological variables (e.g. pain self-efficacy and pain acceptance), these variables do not appear to be treatment mechanisms.

Transdiagnostic internet-delivered cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) for adults with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID): A feasibility open trial

Many people with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) face significant barriers in accessing psychological treatments that are known to reduce symptoms and their psychological sequelae. This study examined the feasibility and initial outcomes of a transdiagnostic and internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (iCBT) intervention, the Chronic Conditions Course, for adults with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). A single-group feasibility open trial design was employed and administered to twenty seven participants. The course ran for 8 weeks and was provided with weekly contact from a Clinical Psychologist. Seventy percent of participants completed the course within the 8 weeks and 81.5% provided data at post-treatment. High levels of satisfaction were observed and relatively little clinician time (M = 42.70 min per participant; SD = 46.25 min) was required. Evidence of clinical improvements in FGID symptoms (ds ≥ 0.46; avg. improvement ≥21%), anxiety symptoms (ds ≥ 0.99; avg. improvement ≥42%), and depression symptoms (ds ≥ 0.75; avg. improvement ≥35%) were observed, which either maintained or continued to improve to 3-month follow-up. Evidence of improvement was also observed in pain catastrophising and mental-health related quality of life, but not physical-health related quality of life. These findings highlight the potential value of transdiagnostic internet-delivered programs for adults with FGIDs and support for the conduct of larger-scale controlled studies.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is associated with preterm delivery but its independent impact on neonatal outcomes remains unclear. We sought to systematically review and meta-analyze clinical outcomes of preterm infants <37 weeks' gestation born to mothers with and without PIH.

STUDY DESIGN

Medline, Embase, PsychINFO and CINAHL were searched from January 2000 to October 2016. Studies with low-moderate risk of bias reporting neonatal outcomes based on PIH as primary exposure variable were included. Data were extracted independently by two co-authors.

RESULTS

PIH was associated with lower mortality (3 studies; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.65; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54 to 0.79), lower severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (2 studies; aOR 0.83; 0.72 to 0.96) and lower severe brain injury (2 studies; unadjusted OR (uOR) 0.57; 0.49 to 0.66). No association between PIH and short-term respiratory outcomes, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was identified. In subgroup analysis among infants <29 weeks' gestation, BPD odds were higher (3 studies; aOR 1.15; 1.06 to 1.26), whereas mortality lower (2 studies; aOR 0.73; 0.69 to 0.77). In subgroup analysis limited to severe PIH, odds of mortality (3 studies; uOR 2.36; 1.07 to 5.22) and invasive ventilation (3 studies; uOR 3.26; 1.11 to 9.61) were higher. In subgroup analysis limited to preeclampsia, odds of BPD (3 studies; uOR 1.21; 95% CI:1.03 to 1.43) and NEC were higher (3 studies; uOR 2.79; 95% CI:1.57 to 4.96).

CONCLUSION

PIH was associated with reduced odds of mortality and ROP (all infants), but higher odds for BPD (<29 weeks' gestation). The paradoxical reduction in mortality may be due to survival bias and deserves further exploration in future studies.

A review of atypical subtrochanteric femoral fractures in Northern Ireland between 2010 and 2014

The term atypical femoral fractures most commonly occur in the subtrochanteric area. Concerns exist regarding the role of bisphosphonate treatment in their aetiology. Which surgical intervention provides the best outcome remains contentious. We reviewed all atypical subtrochanteric femoral fractures treated in Northern Ireland over 5 years, specifically investigating incidence, prodromal symptoms, association with bisphosphonates and optimal fixation methods. All subtrochanteric fractures treated in the region were identified and reviewed for atypical features. Case notes and imaging were then reviewed for each patient. A total of 364 subtrochanteric femoral fractures were identified during the 5-year study period. Twenty-six of these met the criteria for an atypical fracture (7%). Thirteen patients (50%) had presented with prodromal symptoms prior to complete fracture, six of which had radiological evidence of an incomplete fracture of the lateral cortex. Thirteen patients had a history of bisphosphonate treatment. All were treated operatively, with twenty-five cephalomedullary nails and one dynamic hip screw. Twenty-one patients had follow-up for greater than 2 months, nine of which (42.9%) achieved radiological union with a mean time to union of 297 days. Dynamically locked nails had a higher union rate than statically locked (80% versus 33.3%). Four patients required major revision surgery (15.4%). The quality of reduction was statistically significant in predicting need for revision. Atypical fractures often present with prodromal symptoms. Complete fractures are difficult to successfully manage with longer than expected times to union. Treatment with a dynamically locked, cephalomedullary with a good reduction provided the best results.

The changing face of fractures of the hip in Northern Ireland: a 15-year review

AIMS

We reviewed all patients who sustained a fracture of the hip and were treated in Northern Ireland over a period of 15 years to identify trends in incidence, the demographics of the patients, the rates of mortality, the configuration of the fracture and the choice of implant.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Since 01 January 2001 data about every fracture of the hip sustained in an adult have been collected centrally in Northern Ireland. All adults with such a fracture between 2000 and 2015 were included in the study. Temporal changes in their demographics, the mode of treatment, and outcomes including mortality were analysed.

RESULTS

The incidence of fractures of the hip, in Northern Ireland, rose from 54 in 100 000 in 2000 to 86 in 100 000 in 2015. If these trends continue, we predict this rising to 128 in 100 000 in 2030. We found that these patients are becoming older and increasingly frail, as assessed by the American Association of Anesthesiology grade. Complex extracapsular fractures have become more common since 2009, which may explain the increased use of cephalomedullary nails. Despite increasing frailty, the 30-day and 12-month rates of mortality fell significantly (p = 0.002 and 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Fractures of the hip are becoming more common and more complex in an aging, increasingly frail population. We expect these trends to continue. This will place an increasing economic and clinical strain on healthcare systems. Forward planning is essential to put systems in place that can deal with the increasing demand. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1223-31.

Fitness adjusted racial disparities in central adiposity among women in the USA using quantile regression

OBJECTIVE

This study comprehensively explores racial/ethnic disparities in waist circumference (WC) after adjusting for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), among both adult and adolescent women, across WC percentiles.

METHODS

Analysis was conducted using data from the 1999 to 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Female participants (n = 3,977) aged 12-49 years with complete data on CRF, height, weight and WC were included. Quantile regression models, stratified by age groups (12-15, 16-19 and 20-49 years), were used to assess the association between WC and race/ethnicity adjusting for CRF, height and age across WC percentiles (10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th).

RESULTS

For non-Hispanic (NH) Black, in both the 16-19 and 20-49 years age groups, estimated WC was significantly greater than for NH White across percentiles above the median with estimates ranging from 5.2 to 11.5 cm. For Mexican Americans, in all age groups, estimated WC tended to be significantly greater than for NH White particularly for middle percentiles (50th and 75th) with point estimates ranging from 1.9 to 8.4 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant disparities in WC between NH Black and Mexican women, as compared to NH White, remain even after adjustment for CRF. The magnitude of the disparities associated with race/ethnicity differs across WC percentiles and age groups.

Is there any place for the variable angle proximal femoral plate? A case matched cohort study against the Dynamic Hip Screw system

INTRODUCTION

The Variable angle Martin Plate (MP) is designed to offer patient-specific adaption for the treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures. Its proposed benefits include optimization of lag screw placement, plate shaft congruence and reduced risk of failure. Often its use has been criticized as representing a poor reduction of the fracture. The purpose of this study was to assess for a poorer quality of reduction, and compare functional outcomes and mortality, using a MP to that of a fixed angle Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) in a matched cohort of patients.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospective fracture database system was undertaken between 1st January 2004 to 31st December 2013. MP patients were matched to a cohort of DHS patients. Outcomes measure were a quality of procedure score(QPS), 1-year mortality rates, reoperation rates, and Barthel Index functional outcome. Minimum follow up was 12 months.

RESULTS

A total of 77 Martin Plate patients were identified and case matched. The mean pre- and post-op Neck Shaft Angle (NSA) in the MPs was significantly different (132.97±7.78 Vs 126±8.62; p<0.0001). Conversely, the mean pre op DHS NSA and the mean post op NSA was not (p=0.397). Mean Tip-Apex Distance (TAD) was significantly different between groups; MP mean 26.51±9.09mm vs DHS 23.50±8.14mm (p=0.023). The QPS consisted of 4 variables. A significant inverse relationship between QPS and the incidence of construct related complications exists. TAD>25mm, and a change in AP NSA of >5°conveyed the greatest risk of complications. No difference occurred in complications, nor 12-month mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

No statistical difference was found in the quality of reduction between MP and DHS in this group of matched patients. QPS demonstrated a significant inverse correlation with implant-related complications. No significant difference was noted in the incidence of complications, Barthel Index functional scores, or 12-month mortality between implants. A rationale exists regarding the use of MPs, particularly in patients with varus NSA. However, planning and adequate reduction are essential regardless of implant choice.

Impact of bromide on halogen incorporation into organic moieties in chlorinated drinking water treatment and distribution systems

The impact of elevated bromide concentrations (399 to 750 μg/L) on the formation of halogenated disinfection by-products (DBPs), namely trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, haloacetonitriles, and adsorbable organic halogen (AOX), in two drinking water systems was investigated. Bromine was the main halogen incorporated into all of the DBP classes and into organic carbon, even though chlorine was present in large excess to maintain a disinfectant residual. Due to the higher reactivity of bromine compared to chlorine, brominated DBPs were rapidly formed, followed by a slower increase in chlorinated DBPs. Higher bromine substitution and incorporation factors for individual DBP classes were observed for the chlorinated water from the groundwater source (lower concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC)), which contained a higher concentration of bromide, than for the surface water source (higher DOC). The molar distribution of adsorbable organic bromine to chlorine (AOBr/AOCl) for AOX in the groundwater distribution system was 1.5:1 and almost 1:1 for the surface water system. The measured (regulated) DBPs only accounted for 16 to 33% of the total organic halogen, demonstrating that AOX measurements are essential to provide a full understanding of the formation of halogenated DBPs in drinking waters. In addition, the study demonstrated that a significant proportion (up to 94%) of the bromide in source waters can be converted AOBr. An evaluation of AOBr and AOCl through a second groundwater treatment plant that uses conventional treatment processes for DOC removal produced 70% of AOX as AOBr, with 69% of the initial source water bromide converted to AOBr. Exposure to organobromine compounds is suspected to result in greater adverse health consequences than their chlorinated analogues. Therefore, this study highlights the need for improved methods to selectively reduce the bromide content in source waters.

Estimating cut points: A simple method for new wearables

Wearable technology is readily available for continuous assessment due to a growing number of commercial devices with increased data capture capabilities. However, many commercial devices fail to support suitable parameters (cut points) derived from the literature to help quantify physical activity (PA) due to differences in manufacturing. A simple metric to estimate cut points for new wearables is needed to aid data analysis.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate a simple methodology to determine cut points based on ratios between sedentary behaviour (SB) and PA intensities for a new wrist worn device (PRO-Diary™) by comparing its output to a validated and well characterised 'gold standard' (ActiGraph™).

STUDY DESIGN

Twelve participants completed a semi-structured (four-phase) treadmill protocol encompassing SB and three PA intensity levels (light, moderate, vigorous). The outputs of the devices were compared accounting for relative intensity.

RESULTS

Count ratios (6.31, 7.68, 4.63, 3.96) were calculated to successfully determine cut-points for the new wrist worn wearable technology during SB (0-426) as well as light (427-803), moderate (804-2085) and vigorous (≥ 2086) activities, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our findings should be utilised as a primary reference for investigations seeking to use new (wrist worn) wearable technology similar to that used here (i.e., PRO-Diary™) for the purposes of quantifying SB and PA intensities. The utility of count ratios may be useful in comparing devices or SB/PA values estimated across different studies. However, a more robust examination is required for different devices, attachment locations and on larger/diverse cohorts.

The psychosocial impact associated with diabetes-related amputation

AIMS

Research has suggested that the additional impact of a diabetes-related amputation is associated with poorer physical functioning, poorer psychosocial outcome and greater body image disturbance. However, no study to date has compared patients with diabetes with and without amputation and adequately controlled for additional medical morbidity often found among individuals with an amputation. The aim of this study was to statistically control for any group differences on medical and demographic variables to examine the isolated psychosocial impact of diabetes-related amputation.

METHODS

Individuals with diabetes with an amputation (n = 50) were compared to a control sample (individuals with diabetes without an amputation; n = 240). All participants completed a demographic and medical questionnaire, as well as measures of psychological distress, quality of life and body image.

RESULTS

The results indicated that, in univariate analyses, depression, physical quality of life and body image disturbance were all poorer in the amputee group. These differences remained for body image disturbance (P = 0.005), but were no longer significant for depression or physical quality of life in multivariate analyses controlling for important demographic and medical variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study found that the impact of diabetes-related amputation was significant for body image disturbance. However, it appears that other psychosocial outcomes are better accounted for by medical co-morbidities common in this group rather than the amputation itself. This research certainly highlights that clinicians must assess for and address all potential medical contributors to psychosocial outcomes, rather than assuming that people will experience poorer outcomes following amputation.