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Štefan A, Kasović M, Štefan L. Does a Standardized Load Carriage Increase Spatiotemporal Gait Asymmetries in Police Recruits? A Population-based Study. Mil Med 2024:usae358. [PMID: 39028219 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usae358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although the effects of carrying loads on gait biomechanics have been well-documented, to date, little evidence has been provided whether such loads may impact spatial and temporal gait asymmetries under the different foot regions. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to examine the effects of carrying a standardized police equipment on spatiotemporal gait parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this population-based study, participants were 845 first-year police recruits (age: 21.2 ± 2.3 years; height: 178.1 ± 10.2 cm; weight: 78.4 ± 11.3 kg; body mass index: 24.7 ± 3.2 kg/m2; 609 men and 236 women; 72.1% men and 27.9% women) measured in 2 conditions: (i) "no load" and (ii) "a 3.5 kg load." Spatiotemporal gait parameters were derived from the FDM Zebris pressure platform. Asymmetry was calculated as (xright-xleft)/0.5*(xright + xleft)*100%, where "x" represented a given parameter being calculated and a value closer to 0 denoted greater symmetry. RESULTS When compared to "no load" condition, a standardized 3.5 kg/7.7 lb load significantly increased asymmetries in spatial gait parameters as follows: gait phases of stance (mean diff. = 1.05), load response (mean diff. = 0.31), single limb support (mean diff. = 0.56), pre-swing (mean diff. = 0.22), and swing (mean diff. = 0.90) phase, while no significant asymmetries in foot rotation, step, and stride length were observed. For temporal gait parameters, we observed significant asymmetries in step time (mean diff. = -0.01), while no differences in cadence and gait speed were shown. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that the additional load of 3.5 kg/7.7 lb is more likely to increase asymmetries in spatial gait cycle components, opposed to temporal parameters. Thus, external police load may have hazardous effects in increasing overall body asymmetry, which may lead to a higher injury risk and a decreased performance for completing specific everyday tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andro Štefan
- Department of General and Applied Kinesiology, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10 000, Croatia
| | - Mario Kasović
- Department of General and Applied Kinesiology, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10 000, Croatia
- Department of Physical Activities and Health Sciences, Faculty of Sport Studies, Masaryk University, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Lovro Štefan
- Department of Physical Activities and Health Sciences, Faculty of Sport Studies, Masaryk University, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Education, Catholic University in Ružomberok, Ružomberok 034 01, Slovakia
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Hudson S, Ridland L, Blackburn J, Monchuk L, Ousey K. The comfort and functional performance of personal protective equipment for police officers: a systematic scoping review. ERGONOMICS 2024:1-21. [PMID: 38263946 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2024.2302957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
This scoping review aimed to identify and summarise evidence on the comfort and functional performance of police officer personal protective equipment (PPE). The Arksey and O'Malley (2005) five-stage framework for scoping reviews was followed. PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched, and 35 articles were included in the review. The findings show that increased police PPE mass increases heart rate, metabolic energy expenditure, and perceived exertion in response to exercise. Unisex armour designs cause increased discomfort for females with larger bra sizes. PPE reduces joint-specific range of motion, with the design and location impairing movement more than mass. Jumping and sprinting performance is decreased with heavy PPE but unaffected by lighter protection, while agility is compromised with most forms of protection. Future research is needed on the fit and function of PPE for specialist police units, such as mounted police, along with further investigations on how fit can affect functional performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Hudson
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Leanne Ridland
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Joanna Blackburn
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Leanne Monchuk
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Karen Ousey
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
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Hudson S, Barwood M, Low C, Wills J, Fish M. A systematic review of the physiological and biomechanical differences between males and females in response to load carriage during walking activities. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2024; 114:104123. [PMID: 37625283 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this review was to systematically assess literature on differences between males and females in the physiological and biomechanical responses to load carriage during walking. PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane library were searched. A total of 4637 records were identified and screened. Thirty-three papers were included in the review. Participant characteristics, load carriage conditions, study protocol, outcome measures and main findings were extracted and qualitatively synthesised. Absolute oxygen uptake and minute ventilation were consistently greater in males but there were limited sex-specific differences when these were expressed relative to physical characteristics. There is limited evidence of sex-specific differences in spatio-temporal variables, ground reaction forces (normalised to body mass) or sagittal plane joint angles with load. However, differences have been found in hip and pelvic motions in the frontal and horizontal planes, which might partly explain an economical advantage for females proposed by some authors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Hudson
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom.
| | - Martin Barwood
- School of Health, Sport and Life Sciences, Leeds Trinity University, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Low
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Jodie Wills
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia
| | - Michael Fish
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
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Sax van der Weyden MN, Kearney JW, Cortes N, Fernandes O, Martin JR. Common law enforcement load carriage systems have limited acute effects on postural stability and muscle activity. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2023; 113:104091. [PMID: 37437354 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Law enforcement officers are inherently at a high risk of injury and the loads they must carry during their occupational duties further increase their injury risk. It is unknown how different methods of carrying a law enforcement officer's load influence factors related to injury risk. This study assessed the effects of common law enforcement load carriage systems on muscular activity and postural stability while standing. Twenty-four participants performed single and dual-task (i.e. concurrent performance of cognitive tasks) standing while wearing a duty belt, tactical vest, and no load. The postural stability and muscle activity were measured and effects of condition and task examined. Dual task standing decreased postural stability and increased muscular activity. The belt and vest (7.2 kg each) increased muscle activity compared to control for the right abdominals, low back, right thigh. The duty belt resulted in less muscle activity in the right abdominals but more muscle activity in the left multifidus compared to the control. The findings indicate that common law enforcement load carriage systems increase muscular activity but do not affect postural stability. However, the lack of differences between the duty belt and tactical vest did not provide clear support for one load carriage system versus the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan N Sax van der Weyden
- Sports Medicine Assessment Research & Testing (SMART) Laboratory, VA, USA; School of Kinesiology, George Mason University, VA, USA.
| | - James W Kearney
- Sports Medicine Assessment Research & Testing (SMART) Laboratory, VA, USA; School of Kinesiology, George Mason University, VA, USA.
| | - Nelson Cortes
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation, and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Essex, England, UK; Department of Bioengineering. George Mason University, VA, USA.
| | - Orlando Fernandes
- School of Science and Technology, University of Évora, Évora, Portugal.
| | - Joel R Martin
- Sports Medicine Assessment Research & Testing (SMART) Laboratory, VA, USA; School of Kinesiology, George Mason University, VA, USA.
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Poff BA, Aronson A. Symptomatic subcutaneous mass in a police officer: An underrecognized occupational complication. JAAD Case Rep 2023; 36:102-104. [PMID: 37274143 PMCID: PMC10238825 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2023.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam Aronson
- Correspondence to: Adam Aronson, MD, Skin Cancer and Reconstructive Surgery Center, 180 Newport Center Dr. Suite 158, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
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Jacewicz J, Dziuba-Słonina A, Chwałczyńska A. Assessment of Balance Parameters in Children with Weakened Axial Muscle Tone Undergoing Sensory Integration Therapy. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10050845. [PMID: 37238393 DOI: 10.3390/children10050845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Children with weakened axial muscle tone face various problems every day. One is maintaining a stable body posture, which limits their participation in activities and games with peers. The study aimed to assess balance parameters in children with weakened axial muscle tone who underwent sensory integration therapy (SI). The study group consisted of 21 children (divided into three age groups) referred by a doctor for therapy. METHODS The ZEBRIS platform was used to measure the balance parameters (MCoCx, MCoCy, SPL, WoE, HoE, and AoE). The study was conducted twice: before and after two months of sensory integration therapy. The results were compiled using the TIBICO® Statistica software version 13.3.0. RESULTS After the SI program, statistically significant changes were observed in the values of MCoCy_oe, WoE_oe, AoE_oe in the group of four-year-olds, MCoCX_ce in the group of five-year-olds, and in SPL_ce and AoE_ce in six-year-olds. A statistically significant, highly positive correlation was observed between body height and changes in SPL_oe, HoE_oe, and AoE_oe in the group of six-year-olds, as well as in the case of changes in SPL_oe in the group of five-year-olds. In the group of four-year-olds, a statistically significant correlation occurred only between body height and the change in the MCoCx_oe value. CONCLUSIONS the sensory integration therapy used in the study group of 4-6-year-old children with reduced muscle tone gave positive results in the form of improved static balance and balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jadwiga Jacewicz
- Department of Physiotherapy in Neurology and Pediatrics, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Alicja Dziuba-Słonina
- Department of Physiotherapy in Neurology and Pediatrics, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Chwałczyńska
- Department of Human Biology, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland
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Rentz C, Far MS, Boltes M, Schnitzler A, Amunts K, Dukart J, Minnerop M. System Comparison for Gait and Balance Monitoring Used for the Evaluation of a Home-Based Training. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:4975. [PMID: 35808470 PMCID: PMC9269735 DOI: 10.3390/s22134975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
There are currently no standard methods for evaluating gait and balance performance at home. Smartphones include acceleration sensors and may represent a promising and easily accessible tool for this purpose. We performed an interventional feasibility study and compared a smartphone-based approach with two standard gait analysis systems (force plate and motion capturing systems). Healthy adults (n = 25, 44.1 ± 18.4 years) completed two laboratory evaluations before and after a three-week gait and balance training at home. There was an excellent agreement between all systems for stride time and cadence during normal, tandem and backward gait, whereas correlations for gait velocity were lower. Balance variables of both standard systems were moderately intercorrelated across all stance tasks, but only few correlated with the corresponding smartphone measures. Significant differences over time were found for several force plate and mocap system-obtained gait variables of normal, backward and tandem gait. Changes in balance variables over time were more heterogeneous and not significant for any system. The smartphone seems to be a suitable method to measure cadence and stride time of different gait, but not balance, tasks in healthy adults. Additional optimizations in data evaluation and processing may further improve the agreement between the analysis systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Rentz
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Juelich, 52428 Juelich, Germany; (K.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Mehran Sahandi Far
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain & Behaviour (INM-7), Research Centre Juelich, 52428 Juelich, Germany; (M.S.F.); (J.D.)
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Maik Boltes
- Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-7), Research Centre Juelich, 52428 Juelich, Germany;
| | - Alfons Schnitzler
- Department of Neurology, Center for Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany;
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Katrin Amunts
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Juelich, 52428 Juelich, Germany; (K.A.); (M.M.)
- C. and O. Vogt Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Juergen Dukart
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain & Behaviour (INM-7), Research Centre Juelich, 52428 Juelich, Germany; (M.S.F.); (J.D.)
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Martina Minnerop
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Juelich, 52428 Juelich, Germany; (K.A.); (M.M.)
- Department of Neurology, Center for Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany;
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
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Zhou W, Webster KE, Veliz PT, Larson JL. Profiles of sedentary behaviors in the oldest old: findings from the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Aging Clin Exp Res 2022; 34:2071-2079. [PMID: 35676552 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-022-02157-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sedentary behavior is a significant health risk. Emerging research suggests that mentally active sedentary behaviors (e.g., computer use and reading) are associated with better health than mentally passive sedentary behaviors (e.g., watching TV). However, these relationships are not well established in the literature, and little is known about the oldest old (age ≥ 80). AIMS The aims of this study were to (1) identify distinct subgroups of oldest old adults based on six domains of sedentary behavior (watching TV, using a computer/tablet, talking to friends or family members, doing hobby or other activities, transportation, and resting/napping); and (2) compare health-related outcomes across identified subgroups, using the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) dataset. METHODS Latent profile analysis was used to identify distinct profiles of sedentary behavior. Design-based linear and logistic regressions were used to examine associations between different profiles and health outcomes, accounting for socio-demographic characteristics. RESULTS A total of 852 participants were included. We identified four profiles and named them based on total sedentary time (ST) and passive/active pattern: "Medium-passive", "High-passive", "Low", "High-mentally active". Compared to the "High-passive" group, "Low" group and "High-mentally active" group were associated with fewer difficulties with activities of daily living, fewer problems limiting activities and higher cognitive function. CONCLUSION This study, with a national representative sample of the oldest old population, suggests that both total ST and sedentary behavior pattern matter when evaluating health outcomes of being sedentary. Interventions should encourage oldest old adults to reduce ST and especially target mentally passive ST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijiao Zhou
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Abor, MI, USA.
| | | | - Philip T Veliz
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Abor, MI, USA
| | - Janet L Larson
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Abor, MI, USA
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Kasović M, Štefan A, Štefan L. The Associations Between Objectively Measured Gait Speed and Subjective Sleep Quality in First-Year University Students, According to Gender. Nat Sci Sleep 2021; 13:1663-1668. [PMID: 34594142 PMCID: PMC8478338 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s328218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the associations between gait speed and sleep quality in first-year university students, according to gender. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 193 first-year university students [mean age±standard deviation (SD): 19.6±1.1 years; mean height: 178.0±10.5 cm; mean weight: 74.0±11.0 kg; 26.9% women). Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality questionnaire, with a lower score indicating "better" sleep quality. Gait speed was measured using the Zebris pressure platform. The associations were examined with generalized linear models and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS In the unadjusted model, faster participants had significantly "better" sleep quality (β=-3.15, 95% CI -3.82 to -2.47, p<0.001). When the model was adjusted for sex, age, body-mass index, self-rated health, smoking status, and psychological distress, faster participants remained having "better" sleep quality (β=-2.88, 95% CI -3.53 to -2.22, p<0.001). CONCLUSION This study shows that sleep quality can be predicted by gait speed in the first-year university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Kasović
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Department of General and Applied Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10 000, Croatia
- Faculty of Sports Studies, Department of Sport Motorics and Methodology in Kinanthropology, Masaryk University, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Andro Štefan
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Department of General and Applied Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10 000, Croatia
| | - Lovro Štefan
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Department of General and Applied Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10 000, Croatia
- Faculty of Sports Studies, Department of Sport Motorics and Methodology in Kinanthropology, Masaryk University, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Department of Recruitment and Examination (RECETOX), Masaryk University, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
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