Articles: ninos.
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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. ⋯ 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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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are commonly reported in military populations. Point-of-care tests (POCTs) are commercially available, but their use is variable in the civilian sector. Their use among military providers has not been evaluated. We sought to identify the pattern of use and barriers to using STI POCTs for military obstetrician/gynecologists (OBGYNs). ⋯ Military OBGYNs rely on several STI-related POCTs. Economic factors and interruption to workflow were cited as the most significant barriers to using POCTs for military OBGYNs. Test cost and impact on workflow should be considered in future development and procurement of POCTs for the Military Health System.
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Osseointegration is an innovative procedure to attach an external prosthetic device directly to the skeleton. The technique has been shown to improve physical function and quality of life relative to conventional socket prosthetic devices. While much of the research in osseointegration has focused on functional outcomes, less is known regarding perioperative pain management. The purpose of this study was to describe perioperative and postoperative pain management approaches received by patients undergoing osseointegration procedures at a tertiary medical center. ⋯ Variability in pain management requirements calls forth opportunities to optimize osseointegration analgesia care and future research. As osseointegration becomes more accessible, the need for optimizing pain management through patient-centered research becomes more salient.
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Pregnancy has a profound impact on physical fitness, and delivery does not allow for rapid return to peak performance levels as physiologic changes can persist for greater than 1 year postpartum. Multiple studies across all military services have documented decrements in physical performance with pregnancy among women. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of serial pregnancies on physical fitness and body composition in a cohort of Army women. We hypothesized that a second pregnancy would be associated with increasing decrements in physical fitness in active duty soldiers beyond that seen following a first delivery. ⋯ The present study is the first to analyze the association of serial pregnancies on physical fitness utilizing a validated physical fitness test, and the results suggest that a second pregnancy is associated with progressive worsening of performance. This study is limited by the small sample size, and future studies could further elucidate the degree to which serial pregnancies affect physical fitness.
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Low back pain (LBP) is highly prevalent after lower limb amputation (LLA) and contributes to substantial reductions in quality of life and function. Towards understanding pathophysiological mechanisms underlying LBP after LLA, this article compares lumbar spine pathologies and muscle morphologies between individuals with LBP, with and without LLA. ⋯ Despite similar lumbar muscle size, those with unilateral LLA may be predisposed to progress to symptomatic spondylolisthesis and intramuscular fat. Surgical and/or rehabilitation interventions may mitigate long-term effects of diminished spinal health, decrease LBP-related disability, and improve function for individuals with LLA.