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Although powered prosthetic legs have enabled more biomimetic joint kinematics during steady-state activities like walking and stair climbing, transitions between these activities are usually handled by discretely switching controllers without considering biomimicry or the distinct role of the leading leg. This study introduces two data-driven, phase-based kinematic control approaches for seamless inter-leg transitions (i.e., initiated by either the prosthetic or intact leg) between walking and stair ascent/descent, assuming high-level knowledge of the upcoming activity. One approach employs a novel continuously-varying kinematic model that interpolates between steady-state activities as an approximate convex combination, and the other approach employs a simple switching-based model with optimized switching timing and tunable smoothing of kinematic discontinuities. Data-driven analysis indicates the continuously-varying controller remains beneficial over the switching controller for a range of classification delays. Experimental validation with a powered knee-ankle prosthesis used by two high-functioning transfemoral amputees demonstrates the continuous controller can provide more biomimetic and uninterrupted kinematic trajectories for both joints during transitions, irrespective of the initiating leg. This research underscores the potential for enabling more natural locomotion for high-functioning prosthetic leg users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the concepts of the grotesque and the arabesque in the works of Edgar Allan Poe. It argues that these concepts are intertwined and contribute to the success of Poe's work. The article discusses how the grotesque and the arabesque can transform the mundane into something extraordinary. It also examines the relationship between the grotesque and the baroque, as well as the role of the arabesque in concealing the grotesque. Overall, the article provides a nuanced analysis of these concepts in Poe's writing. Additionally, the text discusses Poe's fascination with palaces, his exploration of beauty and deception, and his use of grotesque and macabre imagery. It portrays Poe as a unique and influential writer who delves into the darker aspects of human existence. [Extracted from the article]

The model of a probabilistic neural network (PNN) is commonly utilized for classification and pattern recognition issues in data mining. An approach frequently used to enhance its effectiveness is the adjustment of PNN classifier parameters through the outcomes of metaheuristic optimization strategies. Since PNN employs a limited set of instructions, metaheuristic algorithms provide an efficient way to modify its parameters. In this study, we have employed the Aquila optimizer algorithm (AO), a contemporary algorithm, to modify PNN parameters. We have proposed two methods: Aquila optimizer based probabilistic neural network (AO-PNN), which uses both local and global search capabilities of AO, and hybrid Aquila optimizer and simulated annealing based probabilistic neural network (AOS-PNN), which integrates the global search abilities of AO with the local search mechanism of simulated annealing (SA). Our experimental results indicate that both AO-PNN and AOS-PNN perform better than the PNN model in terms of accuracy across all datasets. This suggests that they have the potential to generate more precise results when utilized to improve PNN parameters. Moreover, our hybridization technique, AOS-PNN, is more effective than AO-PNN, as evidenced by classification experiments accuracy, data distribution, convergence speed, and significance. We have also compared our suggested approaches with three different methodologies, namely Coronavirus herd immunity optimizer based probabilistic neural network (CHIO-PNN), African buffalo algorithm based probabilistic neural network (ABO-PNN), and β -hill climbing. We have found that AO-PNN and AOS-PNN have achieved significantly higher classification accuracy rates of 90.68 and 93.95, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gymnasium: Scientific Journal of Education, Sports & Health is the property of Alma Mater 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.)

Background: This study was developed to determine the effectiveness of climbing up and down exercise on frailty among geriatric population. Purpose: To find the effectiveness of climbing up and down stairs exercise on frailty among geriatric population. Materials and Methods: This research is the Quasi experimental study. The subjects were collected from Jeevan Jothi Home for Aged and Destitute, Kanyakumari. There are 54 subjects were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the subjects were assessed with Edmonton frail scale as pre test and the same test was performed for post test at the end of 4 weeks from May 2023 to July 2023. 5 days per week 11 steps* 3 repetition* 3 sets. Each set 5 min rest is given. Pre test and post test values were calculated and tabulated. Results: The collected data was statistically analyzed using the paired t-test. Statistical analysis of Edmonton frail scale examination post value revealed the constantly significant differences, with the p value of <0.0001. Conclusion: According to the study, climbing up and down exercise is effective for reducing frailty among geriatric population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is an endocrine disorder distinguished by hormonal imbalances, ovarian dysfunction, and metabolic disturbances. The incidence of PCOS varies greatly in India, from 2.2% to 26%.14 Purpose: To find out the effect of Kapalabhati, Sithali, seethakari pranayama and yogic postures inPoly- cystic Ovarian Syndrome Materials and Methods: A total number 50 were selected from Jain Hospitals and labs based on inclusion criteria and were divided. Yoga group: Kapalabhati pranayama -- 3 rounds with 5 forceful expirations Sithali pranayama -- 5 breaths Seethakari pranayama - 5 breaths, Suryanamaskar -- 6 rounds Bhujangasana, supta baddha konasana, dhanurasana, badhakonasana, and Nauvasana all hold for 15 -- 30 s and dietary changes low fat food, less carbohydrates and high protein and meditation for 10 minutes. Conventional group: Conservative management including exercise including treadmill, steps climbing and cycling. Total session flows for an hour. Both groups were compared with the pre- and post-test measurements Results: The study shows a significant effect on Polycystic Ovarian syndrome using yoga intervention Conclusion: Yoga intervention can be used effectively on Polycystic ovarian syndrome for long term benefits [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Properly designed and installed interior stairs provide safe and convenient access to all residents of the house, including children and elderly people. While safety considerations are paramount for stair design and placement decisions in a two-storey single-family house, sustainability becomes another important factor in these deliberations. Nevertheless, safety and sustainability of the interior stairs can be seen as conflicting objectives in decision-making processes (i.e., while a larger staircase area positively affect residents' climbing ability, it also causes higher energy consumption and material usage). Therefore, increased awareness of stair-project selection processes is required when multi-objective tasks are involved. Seven criteria affecting stair safety and sustainability in a single-family house are identified in this paper. The integrated AHP-MEREC criteria-weighting approach is proposed, to determine their weights in decision-making processes. Four different multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches, ARAS, SAW, TOPSIS and PROMETHEE, were used to determine alternative evaluations. Since the selection of the most suitable MCDM method is full of uncertainties, the novel combined-decision-making approach formally called CORST (COmbining MCDM appRoaches using method STability coefficient) is proposed in this paper. The new method stability coefficient is used to determine the stability and reliability of the specific MCDM approach. Nine U-shaped inside-staircase projects dedicated to a single-family house were evaluated, to test the effectiveness of the CORST approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tecnura is the property of Tecnura 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.)

An important aspect of a sustainable society is the care of elderly people. For a sustainable society, it is necessary to develop cost-effective, culture-appropriate, and sustainable eldercare services, which should guarantee both safety and quality. It is also important to prolong the time in which elderly people can live independently to contribute to sustainable healthcare. For elderly people, a daily activity, climbing stairs, might be difficult. This paper presents an overview of stair-climbing aid devices. The paper introduces the sustainable healthcare of elderly people. Then, different stair-climbing aid devices are explained and analyzed, ranging from passive ones to high-tech stair-climbing exoskeletons. A prototype of a new solution, which is an Intelligent Crutch, is presented. After elaborating on the design criteria, the detailed conceptual design and the working principle of the device are presented. The presented concept fills a gap between expensive and complicated stair climbing aid devices and simple and cheaper solutions. It is cheaper and simpler than the active, complicated stair-climbing devices but performs almost the same function. The device helps elderly and disabled people to climb stairs alone, thus improving the quality of life of the target group. The study concludes with further development tasks in order to help elderly people and contribute to a sustainable society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sporadic inclusion body myositis is the most common idiopathic inflammatory myopathy over the age of 50, with a male-to-female ratio of 3:1. Symptoms onset before age of 60 occurs in 18-20% of patients, with a delay in diagnosis of 5 to 8 years. The classic clinical presentation of SIBM consists of proximal leg and distal arm weakness, and most commonly patients present early slowly progressive quadriceps weakness which leads to falls and to difficulties in climbing stairs, while less common the initial complaints refer to finger flexor weakness and atrophy, foot drop, or dysphagia, and rare presentations include prominent forearm weakness, sparing the quadriceps. The aetiopathogenesis of the disease remains unclear and despite some preliminary promising results, to the day there is no effective treatment. The diagnosis of SIBM is based on the clinical presentation and the histopathological findings in muscle biopsy, however increasing evidence on genetics and paraclinical biomarkers has recently come to light giving new insights on the pathogenesis, the diagnosis and the potential treatment of the disease. In the present study we aim to review the histopathological findings, genetics and blood biomarkers, and to review the role of muscle biopsy in the diagnosis of SIBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We examined the effect of 4 weeks of a brief vigorous stair climbing exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body composition in women with overweight or obesity. Methods: Twenty-six participants (age, 25.4±4.9 years; body mass index [BMI], 25.3±1.8 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to either a stair climbing exercise group (n=13) or a non-exercising control group (n=13). The stair climbing exercise group performed 20 sessions (supervised, five sessions/week over 4 weeks) of brief intermittent stair climbing exercise consisting of a 3-minute warm-up followed by three bouts of 20 seconds of stair climbing (=80% of age-predicted maximum heart rate) interspersed with 2-minute recovery periods (total exercise duration= 10 minutes/session). Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was measured using a graded maximal treadmill test with the use of a standard open-circuit spirometry technique. Body composition was assessed with bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: All participants, except one who dropped out due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, completed the study with 100% attendance rates. There were significant interaction effects (group×time) on body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and CRF such that the stair climbing exercise group had significant (P=0.01) reductions in body weight (66.5±4.6 to 65.2±4.6 kg), BMI (24.8±1.2 to 24.4±1.1 kg/m2), and waist circumference (78.0±3.7 to 76.5±4.1 cm) and improvements in VO2peak (31.6±2.5 to 34.9±2.6 mL/kg/min) compared with controls. Conclusion: Short bouts of vigorous stair climbing is a feasible and time-efficient exercise strategy for improving CRF in previously sedentary, young women with overweight and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to identify factors influencing the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older adult women with sarcopenia. Methods: The study was secondary data analysis using data from the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The final sample consisted of 142 women aged 60 years and older with sarcopenia and were selected from 8,110 women. The participants was analyzed using complex descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and regression. Results: In terms of HRQoL, three general characteristics were found to be influential, with an explanatory power of 56.0%: difficulty climbing stairs, difficulty working, and perceived health status. Having no or mild difficulty when climbing stairs (B=.20, p=.001; B=.21, p<.001) and no or mild difficulty when working (B=.25, p=. 002; B=.208, p=.013) had a significant effect on HRQoL compared to severe difficulty. Having good or ordinary perceived health status had a significant effect on the HRQoL (B=.11, p<.001; B=.09, p<.001). Conclusion: Based on study findings that the HRQoL of older adult women with sarcopenia were influenced by difficulty climbing stairs and working, as well as good perceived health status, healthcare providers should assist elderly women to maintain physical activities in their daily lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bitacora: Revista de Arquitectura is the property of Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Facultad de Arquitectura 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.)

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the lower extremity loading during activities of daily living (ADLs) using the Continuous Scale of Physical Functional Performance (CS-PFP 10) test and wireless sensor insoles in healthy volunteers. Methods: In this study, 42 participants were recruited, consisting of 21 healthy older adults (mean age 69.6 ± 4.6 years) and 21 younger healthy adults (mean age 23.6 ± 1.8 years). The performance of the subjects during ADLs was assessed using the CS-PFP 10 test, which comprised 10 tasks. The lower extremity loading was measured using wireless sensor insoles (OpenGo, Moticon, Munich, Germany) during the CS-PFP 10 test, which enabled the measurement of ground reaction forces, including the mean and maximum total forces during the stance phase, expressed in units of body weight (BW). Results: The total CS-PFP 10 score was significantly lower in older participants compared to the younger group (mean total score of 57.1 ± 9.0 compared to 78.2 ± 5.4, respectively). No significant differences in the mean total forces were found between older and young participants. The highest maximum total forces were observed during the tasks 'endurance walk' (young: 1.97 ± 0.34 BW, old: 1.70 ± 0.43 BW) and 'climbing stairs' (young: 1.65 ± 0.36 BW, old: 1.52 ± 0.28 BW). Only in the endurance walk, older participants showed a significantly higher maximum total force (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The use of wireless sensor insoles in a laboratory setting can effectively measure the load on the lower extremities during ADLs. These findings could offer valuable insights for developing tailored recommendations for patients with partial weight-bearing restrictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

System engineering towards utilizing machine learning solutions in the aviation domain is a fast‐progressing discipline. This paper tries to bring out the system engineering and implementation aspects of ML solution as an improvement in a sub‐system of an existing aviation system. The flight management systems (FMSs) compute the recommended cruise level (RCL) considering the aircraft's gross weight, its speed schedule, and the forecast wind. The RCL increases with distance in the no wind conditions as the fuel get consumed, reducing the gross aircraft weight. The RCL profile may have frequent climbs and descents in the presence of winds, which is not desired for flight operations. The document proposes a neural network‐based method for computing an operationally acceptable cruise profile considering the wind and temperature weather forecast. The method recommends step climbs and step descents (optimal level and optimal step location) in such a way that they are separated by a large enough cruise phase. From system engineering point of view two guiding documents for such an implementation to look forward are "EASA Concept Paper: First usable guidance for Level 1 machine learning applications" [12] and "Process Standard for Development and Certification/Approval of Aeronautical Safety‐Related Products Implementing AI" [13]. Two neural networks have been created to estimate wind compensated ECON cruise speeds and required time‐fuel to cover the next 500NM distance. The RCL profiles are generated for various test wind scenarios for Airbus A220 aircraft. It has been recorded the proposed neural network‐based method is better at recommending a cruise altitude and it is 9X faster than the existing method to calculate the RCL and optimal climb location. The neural network‐based design also helped in reducing the memory footprint by more than 100 times as there is no requirement of storing the performance database files required by the existing system. Only the parameters of the trained neural networks are required to be stored. Most importantly, the RCL computed by the proposed neural network‐based method yields a smaller operational cost than that determined by the existing method. The proposed method is designed to replace the existing traditional subsystem to give an overall improved performance while the functionalities of other subsystems remain unaffected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document is an introduction to the Constitutional Court Review XIII, which focuses on the theme of "The Capacity to Inspire." The introduction discusses the 2022 Constitutional Court Review conference, which took place before the World Congress of Constitutional Law in Johannesburg. The conference brought together scholars from around the world to discuss pressing questions in constitutional law. The document also highlights the importance of South Africa's place in the global constitutional community and the inspiration that the country's transition to constitutional democracy can provide. The volume includes articles on various topics in constitutional law, engaging with both South African and global issues. The document expresses gratitude to the editors, authors, peer reviewers, and supporters of the journal. [Extracted from the article]

Background: The use of maintenance medication in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in real life is known to deviate from recommendations in guidelines, which are largely based on randomized controlled trials and selected populations. Objectives: We used the COSYCONET (CO PD and Sy stemic Consequences – Co morbidities Net work) cohort to analyze factors linked to the use of COPD drugs under non-interventional circumstances. Design: COSYCONET is an ongoing, multi-center, non-interventional cohort of patients with COPD. Methods: Patients with COPD of Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) grades 0–4 participating in visits 1–5 were included. Data covered the period from 2010 to 2018. Generalized linear models were used to examine the relation of COPD characteristics to different types of respiratory medication. Results: A total of 1043 patients were included. The duration of observation was 4.5 years. Use of respiratory medication depended on GOLD grades 0–4 and groups A-D. Long-acting muscarinic antagonist therapy increased over time, and was associated with low carbon monoxide (CO) diffusing capacity, while inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use decreased. Active smoking was associated with less maintenance therapy in general, and female sex with less ICS use. From the eight items of the COPD Assessment Test, only hill and stair climbing were consistently linked to treatment. Conclusion: Using data from a large, close to real-life observational cohort, we identified factors linked to the use of various types of respiratory COPD medication. Overall, use was consistent with GOLD recommendations. Beyond this, we identified other correlates of medication use that may help us to understand and improve therapy decisions in clinical practice. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01245933. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Descending stairs is an indicator of independence among stroke survivors, but is demanding in terms of both neuromuscular control and cognitive functioning. Previous studies found a compromised performance when stepping down with a concurrent cognitive task among healthy older adults, but whether stroke survivors react similarly is not known. This cross-sectional study thus investigated how stroke survivors responded to a dual-task that involved stepping down and compared their performance with that of control subjects. Thirty-four healthy individuals and 26 stroke survivors reacted to an auditory Stroop test while stepping off a 19-cm high platform. The auditory Stroop test was evaluated with a composite score (dividing accuracy by averaged reaction time). Stepping down performances were quantified with subjects' sway amplitudes in anteroposterior and mediolateral directions after landing and sway velocities of their center of pressure. Stroke survivors demonstrated significantly lower composite scores when dual-tasking (76.4 ± 31.2) than when single-tasking (90.0 ± 25.6), while no significant change in stepping down performance was observed. Stroke survivors also swayed significantly more and with a higher velocity than controls when dual-tasking. The results suggested that stroke survivors adopted a posture-first strategy to deal with this dual-tasking challenge. This study raised the awareness on dual-tasking ability among stroke survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the acute effect of repeated climbing actions on functional and morphological measures of the shoulder girdle. Fifteen male indoor climbers participated in this study. All the climbers declared route level 6a+, as the best climbing grade (French climbing grade scale). Functional (range of motion – ROM and muscle strength), and morphological measurements (muscle/tendon stiffness and thickness) after a repeated climbing exercise protocol were analysed. The ROM and muscle strength showed significant decreases from baseline to Immediate-Post (IA) as well as significant increases from IA to 1 h-Post for all movements (p ≤.001 for all). Muscle stiffness showed significant increases from baseline to IA after as well as significant decreases from IA to 1 h-Post for all muscles (p ≤.001 for all). However, the thickness showed significant increases from baseline to IA for supraspinatus tendon and muscle thickness and occupation ratio (p ≤.001 for all), while a significant decrease was observed in acromiohumeral distance (p ≤.001). Significant decreases from IA to 1 h-Post were found for muscles/tendons and occupation ratio (p ≤.001 for all), while a significant increase for AHD (p ≤.001). Our data demonstrated acute alterations in tendon thickness due to acute signs of implement symptom in climbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imaging of the joint in response to loading stress may provide additional measures of joint structure and function beyond conventional, static imaging studies. Exercise such as running, stair climbing, and squatting allows evaluation of the joint response to larger loading forces than during weight bearing. Quantitative MRI (qMRI) may assess properties of cartilage and meniscus hydration and organization in vivo that have been investigated to assess the functional response of these tissues to physiological stress. [18F]sodium fluoride ([18F]NaF) interrogates areas of newly mineralizing bone and provides an opportunity to study bone physiology, including perfusion and mineralization rate, as a measure of joint loading stress. In this review article, methods utilizing quantitative MRI, PET, and hybrid PET-MRI systems for assessment of the joint response to loading from exercise in vivo are examined. Both methodology and results of various studies performed are outlined and discussed. Lastly, the technical considerations, challenges, and future opportunities for these approaches are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the characteristics of physical activity according to sit-to-stand, standing, and stand-to-sit abilities in subacute stroke with walking difficulty. In this study, 29 participants with subacute stroke and walking difficulty were enrolled and classified into two groups: participants who successfully completed three items (i.e., sit-to-stand, standing, and stand-to-sit) of the Functional Balance Scale (independent group, n = 13) and those who showed incomplete scores on any of the three items (dependent group, n = 16). Light-intensity physical activity (LIPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were measured using an accelerometer at three periods (i.e. daytime, therapy time, and non-therapy time) for a week. Two-way analysis of variance (groups × physical activity intensity) demonstrated a significant interaction in each period. Post-hoc tests showed significantly more LIPAs and MVPAs in the independent group in all periods, except for MVPA in the non-therapy time. Particularly, LIPA showed significant between-group differences in each period. Among individuals with subacute stroke and walking difficulty, those who could completely perform sit-to-stand, standing, and stand-to-sit could perform more LIPAs. Increasing sit-to-stand, standing, and stand-to-sit abilities could be an important factor in increasing the opportunity to perform LIPAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the reproducibility, criterion-related validity, and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of the stair negotiation test (SNT) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Sixty patients who underwent THA were included in this study. They performed the SNT and rated their difficulty in stair negotiation (question 7 of the Oxford Hip Score [OHSQ7]) before and 6 months after surgery. The SNT determined the time taken by a patient to ascend, turn around, and descend the stairs (15 cm × 4 steps) and was measured twice each time. As a measure of reproducibility, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC1,1) was calculated using the preoperative SNT. As an index of criterion-related validity, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between the better score of two trials in the preoperative SNT and the OHSQ7. The MCID of the SNT was calculated using the distribution-based method and the anchor-based method. The change in the OHSQ7 between before and after surgery was used as an anchor in the latter method. The ICC1,1 of the SNT was 0.97. The SNT was significantly correlated with the OHSQ7 (r = 0.40, p <.05). Moreover, the anchor-based MCID of the SNT was 1.98 seconds. The SNT is an objective assessable test of stair negotiation ability in post-THA patients that has good reproducibility and moderate criterion-related validity. Changes in the SNT beyond the MCID (1.98 seconds) represent clinically important changes in stair negotiation ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Studies regarding effects of therapeutic tapings when patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) descend stairs are limited. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of McConnell taping (MT) and Kinesio taping (KT) on kinematic variables when patients with PFPS descend stairs. METHODS: Fifty PFPS patients were randomly assigned to either the MT group or the KT group. Pain and lower extremities joint angles were measured while descending stairs before and after the intervention. All outcomes measured were analyzed using either paired t tests or independent t tests to compare the difference within or between groups, respectively. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in both groups in anterior knee pain scale score (p < 0.05). As a result of analysis of lower extremities joint angles at initial contact, loading response, and terminal stance, there were statistically significant within-group differences in hip, knee flexion, abduction and lateral rotation angles in both groups (p < 0.05). There were statistically significant within-group differences in hip flexion, knee flexion, and dorsiflexion angles in pre-swing (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in the following events: (1) knee lateral rotation angle at initial contact; (2) hip flexion angle at loading response; (3) and hip flexion at terminal stance angle (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: MT and KT were effective in lowering knee pain and improving lower extremities joint angle when patients with PFPS descend stairs. In the comparison between the groups, the MT group showed significantly reduced anterior knee pain and increased range of motion of the lower extremities joint compared to the KT group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autologous micrografting technology (AMT®) involves the use of autologous micrografts to stimulate/enhance the repair of damaged tissue. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of the AMT® procedure in patients with early stages of knee osteoarthritis. Briefly, the AMT® procedure involved extraction of auricular cartilage, disaggregation using the Rigeneracons® SRT in 4.0 mL of saline solution, and injection of the disaggregated micrografts into the external femorotibial compartment area of the affected knee. Ten patients (4 men, 6 women; age range: 37–84 years) were included in the study. In all patients, there was a steady improvement in knee instability, pain, swelling, mechanical locking, stair climbing, and squatting at 1- and 6-months post-procedure. Improvement in mobility was observed as early as 3 weeks post-procedure in 2 patients. Significant improvements were seen in mean scores of all five subscales of Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS [KOOS symptoms, KOOS pain, KOOS ADL, KOOS sport and recreation, and KOOS quality-of-life]) between pre-procedure and 1- and 6-months post-procedure (all p ≤ 0.05). Autologous auricular cartilage micrografts obtained by AMT® procedure (using Rigenera® technology) is an effective and safe protocol in the treatment of early stage knee osteoarthritis. These encouraging findings need to be validated in a larger patient population and in a randomized clinical trial (RCT). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary purpose was to identify relationships between performance-based measures onto both computerized adaptive testing [Physical Function-Computer Adaptive Testing (PF-CAT)] and joint-specific legacy [Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (KOOS-ADL)] instruments pre- and 12-month post-TKA. The PF-CAT and KOOS-ADL were identified as outcomes and performance on the 40-m fast-paced walking test, stair climb test and chair stand test were identified as predictors. Linear regression was used for all comparisons after adjusting for confounders. Sixty-eight people with TKA (56.7% male) were tested. Better scores on the 40-m fast-paced walking (KOOS-ADL, p = 0.02), stair climb (KOOS-ADL, p = 0.05) and chair stand (KOOS-ADL, p < 0.01) associated with better self-reported scores pre-TKA. Better scores on the 40-m fast-paced walking (PF-CAT, p = 0.05; KOOS-ADL, p = 0.01), stair climb (KOOS-ADL, p < 0.01), chair stand (PF-CAT, p < 0.01) and range of motion (KOOS-ADL, p = 0.02) were associated with better self-reported scores 12-month post-TKA. Decrease knee range of motion related to poorer 40-m fast-paced walking (p = 0.01) and stair climb (p = 0.03) scores pre-TKA. Quadriceps weakness related to poorer 40-m fast-paced walking (p = 0.04) score pre-TKA. Self-reported instruments are a moderate, but inconsistent surrogate to performance-based measures pre- and post-TKA. Our findings indicate that both self-reported and performance-based measures are necessary to fully characterize physical function and should be used jointly to aid in the recovery analysis of people undergoing TKA. Monitoring the trajectory of pre- to post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA) physical function is important as it directly relates to mortality, morbidity and poorer quality of life in older adults. Both self-reported and performance-based measures of physical function are used to determine progress in recovery for patients pre- and post- TKA. This study provides evidence that perceived physical function measures are a moderate, but an inconsistent, surrogate to objective physical function measures pre- and post-TKA. Joint specific deficits in knee range of motion and quadriceps strength were weakly associated with deficits in function measures pre-TKA, but no association was observed 12-month post-TKA. Our findings indicate that both self-reported and performance-based measures are necessary to fully characterize physical function and should be used jointly to aid in the complete recovery analysis of people undergoing TKA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile robotics has been used in recent years to provide various types of services in fields such as agriculture, surveillance, rehabilitation, space exploration, and logistics, among others. In many cases, mobile robots need to overcome complex obstacles where traditional wheels are not the best solution, and many researchers have proposed legged wheel hybrid designs. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the effect of the geometry of legged wheels on the performance of mobile robots in climbing stairs. The method used to develop this research is dynamic simulation, in which the parameters that affect the kinematics and dynamics of the robot are included. Subsequently, the results of how the robot manages to perform the test, the torque of the motors, and the contact force of the wheels are analyzed. The main hypothesis of this research is that the opening of the legs of the wheels is a geometric parameter that determines whether the structure will be able to climb the stairs. After 63 simulations, the proportional relationship between the diagonal of the stands and the opening of the wheel legs ranges between 1.11 and 1.53. This parameter showed a strong correlation with the torque of the motors and significant differences in terms of the simulations that succeeded in climbing the stairs and those that did not. These results were used to state a design method for flat, robotic structures using legged wheels. This method was validated by an additional simulation that was performed for a four-legged wheel. It can be concluded that the contribution of this work is a series of steps with which to design these mechanical structures to climb the stairs based on the proposed indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Katsoulis, K and Amara, CE. The effects of power training frequency on muscle power and functional performance in older women: a randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): 2289-2297, 2023--Low-intensity power training (PT) has emerged as an effective method for improving muscle power and functional performance in older adults. However, effects of low training frequencies are less understood and could expand the repertoire of exercise prescription, particularly in older women who experience greater functional disability with age compared with men. This study investigated the impact of frequency of low-intensity (40% of 1 repetition maximum, 1RM) PT on lower-body power and functional performance in healthy older women. Women (74 6 4 years) were randomized to 12 weeks of PT of 1 (PT1, n 5 14), 2 (PT2, n 5 17), or 3 (PT3, n 5 17) d·wk21 or wait control (CON, n 5 15). Measures included leg press 1RM, knee extension power (KEP), and functional performance (stair climb power, stair climb time, 30-second chair stands, 400-m walk, Short Physical Performance Battery). There were no differences between the frequency of training in changes in leg press 1RM, KEP, or functional performance after 12 weeks. Pre-post data for individual training groups revealed that leg press 1RM improved in all PT groups (20-33%, p, 0.05). Furthermore, KEP improved in PT2 and PT3 by 10 and 12%, respectively, and all PT groups improved in the 30-second chair stands and Short Physical Performance Battery (6-22%), whereas PT1 and PT3 improved in the 400-m walk and PT2 improved in stair climb power and stair climb time after training (4-7%, p ,0.05). One to 3 weekly low-intensity PT sessions can improve functional performance, although improvements in both functional performance and power might require 2 or 3 sessions per week in older healthy women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The main aim of this study was to examine the association of sarcopenia and subjective memory complaints with the incidence of dementia in a population-based cohort of cognitively unimpaired older adults. Design: Three-year longitudinal study. Settings and Participants: A total of 2163 community-dwelling persons aged 65 years or older who participated in the National Health Interview Survey in Taiwan, 2017. Measurements: Sarcopenia was determined based on SARC-F, a self-reported symptom-based questionnaire that includes five components: strength, assistance walking, rise from a chair, climb stairs, and falls. Two questions ("Do you have difficulties with your memory or attention?" and "Do you have difficulties with your memory only or attention only or both?") were used to screen for subjective memory complaints (SMCs). The incidence of dementia was determined by data linkage to the Taiwan National Health Insurance claims database from 2018 to 2020. Results: Among the 2163 participants without dementia at baseline, 135 had incident dementia during the 3-year follow-up, giving a crude incidence rate of 6.2% (135/2163). Compared to participants free from sarcopenia and SMCs, the adjusted hazard ratio for incident dementia was 1.83 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23–2.72) for SMCs alone, 2.40 (95% CI: 1.17–4.93) for sarcopenia alone, and 2.49 (95% CI: 1.21–5.11) for coexisting SMCs and sarcopenia. Conclusions: Our results indicate that sarcopenia screened with SARC-F and SMCs independently predict the cognitively unimpaired older adults at risk of incident dementia. Our findings highlight the importance of screening not only for cognitive but also muscle deficits to identify those at increased risk of incident dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a case of external snapping hip syndrome in a 42-year-old male, diagnosed through dynamic ultrasound examination and treated with ultrasound-guided tenolysis. Snapping hip syndrome is characterized by audible or palpable snapping sensations during hip movements and can be caused by various factors. The study highlights the importance of dynamic ultrasound examination in diagnosing and treating snapping hip syndrome, emphasizing the need to address underlying biomechanical causes to prevent recurrence. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Stair climbing is a readily available form of physical activity with potential cardiovascular benefits. This study aimed to investigate the association between stair climbing and numerous modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we used data from 7282 Japanese people (30–84 years) residing in Suita City, Osaka. CVD risk factors and stair climbing frequency were assessed during the Suita Study health examination. Logistic regressions were used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for CVD risk factors across stair climbing frequencies. Results: After adjustment for age, sex, lifestyle, and medical conditions, stair climbing >60% of the time, compared to

Precision agriculture, which aims to improve crop production by observing and responding to variability within fields, is becoming increasingly important in meeting the rising food demand while ensuring environmental sustainability. Robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) have been integrated into precision agriculture systems, with applications including automated fruit harvesting, crop monitoring, and weed control. However, challenges remain in areas such as motion planning, perception, and learning. The interdisciplinary nature of agricultural robotics, which combines robotics and natural sciences, is emphasized. The article also highlights specific research on topics such as vine trunk segmentation, tree trunk detection, and autonomous navigation of farmer robots. Cooperation between robots is explored in tasks such as grape harvesting and field operations. The article concludes by acknowledging the financial support of the project "Smell sense To Agricultural Robotics (STAR)." [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the concept of basements as concealed cultural landscapes that blur the boundaries between the private and public self. The author draws on various references, including philosophical teachings on caves and shadows, Marina Abramović's performance art, and the symbolism of holes. The article suggests that basements are relational spaces that hold symbolic and structural significance, and they can be seen as architectural technologies of our consciousness, identities, and memories. The author also highlights the importance of considering the unsaid and the invented when reflecting on the topic. [Extracted from the article]

Vision-based human activity classification has remarkable potential for various applications in the sports context (e.g., motion analysis for performance enhancement, active sensing for athletes, etc.). Recently, learning-based human activity classifications have been widely researched. However, in sports scenes in which more detailed and player-specific classifications are required, this is a quite challenging task; in many cases, only a limited number of datasets are available, unlike daily movements such as walking or climbing stairs. Therefore, this paper proposes a time-weighted motion history image, an effective image sequence representation for learning-based human activity classification. Unlike conventional MHI based on the assumption that "the newer frame is more important," our method generates importance-aware representation so that the predictor can "see" the frames that contribute to analyzing the specific human activity. Experimental results have shown the superiority of our method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Certain cardiovascular health benefits of stair climbing are now widely accepted, but no prior studies have as yet been found linking the quantity of stairs climbed to low back pain (LBP) morbidity. Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal impairment, and research has begun to show an association between LBP and gluteus maximus (GM) weakness. With stair climbing being the activity which most activates GM, the aim of the present research was to assess the relationship between stair ambulation and LBP prevalence. The hypothesis of this cross-sectional study was that individuals with LBP would report a significantly lower numbers of stair flights climbed compared with individuals without LBP. Methods: A survey tool was developed and distributed via email to a convenience sample of orthopedic physical therapists. Survey items included information regarding medical history, physical activity, workplace, and LBP factors, using a one-year prevalence period. Results: A total of 363 respondents took the survey and, after application of exclusion criteria, 248 records remained in our final sample. When analyzing all genders together, non LBP (NLBP) respondents reported a mean of 51.62 flights climbed per week; and LBP respondents reported 37.82 flights climbed per week, with P = 0.077. When males and females were analyzed separately, a statistically significant difference in mean number of flights of stairs climbed was found among female respondents (61.51 flights climbed for NLBP and 35.61 flights climbed for LBP females; P = 0.031). When analyzed based on chronicity of LBP, an even stronger association between stairs climbed and LBP prevalence was found for female respondents with acute LBP (P = 0.009). Conclusions: More weekly stairs climbed was associated with a lower LBP prevalence among females, especially with respect to acute LBP. Randomized, longitudinal research is, however, required to confirm a relationship between stair climbing and LBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was performed to compare the clinical effect of bipolar hemiarthroplasty via the direct anterior approach (DAA) or minimally invasive posterolateral approach (MIPA) in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture. Methods: In total, 196 elderly patients with femoral neck fractures were divided into the DAA group (n = 9 8) and MIPA group (n = 9 8). The clinical data, postoperative pain and complications, time until able to remain seated for 1 hour and walk independently, postoperative Harris score of functional activity at 6 weeks and 2 years postoperatively, and mortality at 2 years postoperatively were compared between the groups. Results: The DAA group had a longer operation time but a lower incidence of pneumonia 72 hours postoperatively, lower visual analogue scale score 24 hours postoperatively, and earlier time until able to remain seated for 1 hour and walk independently (P < 0. 0 5). Six weeks postoperatively, the Harris scores for putting on socks, tying shoelaces, sitting comfortably on a chair, and climbing stairs were better in the DAA than the MIPA group (P < 0. 0 5). After 2 years, there was no significant difference in the Harris scores between the two groups (P > 0. 0 5). Conclusion: In elderly patients undergoing bipolar hemiarthroplasty, the DAA can be more effective than the MIPA in reducing the incidence of complications associated with long-term bed rest, relieving early postoperative pain, and improving early postoperative hip function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Functional performance is impaired in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). The effects of a supervised exercise training (SET) program on functional performance have yet to be clearly determined. The aim was to investigate the time-course evolution of functional performance during a 3-month SET program. Methods: Patients with chronic symptomatic PAD participating in a 3-month SET program were investigated. Six-minute walking distance (6MWD), the stair climbing test (SCT), and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were assessed before SET, after the first and second months of SET, and following the SET program. The ankle– and toe–brachial indices were measured before and after the SET program. Results: Ninety patients with PAD (age 65.4 ± 10.2 years) were analyzed. The 6MWD significantly improved after the first (+7%, p ⩽ 0.001) and second months (+13%, p ⩽ 0.001) and following SET (+14%, p ⩽ 0.001) compared to before the SET program. The 6MWD significantly improved after the 2nd month (+6%, p ⩽ 0.001) and following SET (+7%, p ⩽ 0.001) compared to after the first month of the SET program. The SPPB score and SCT performance significantly improved after the first (SPPB score: +9%, p ⩽ 0.001; SCT: +17%, p ⩽ 0.001) and second months (SPPB score: +11%, p ⩽ 0.001; SCT: +24%, p ⩽ 0.001) and following SET (SPPB score: +12%, p ⩽ 0.001; SCT: +25%, p ⩽ 0.001) compared to before the SET program. No significant differences were observed following SET compared to the second month of the SET program. Vascular parameters did not change significantly. Conclusions: A 3-month SET program improves several components of functional performance, and adaptations mainly occur during the 1st and 2nd months of the SET program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate and compare the perceived autonomy of people using wheeled mobility assistive devices (WMADs) in five community-based environments. To evaluate how personal, environmental, and assistive device-related factors impact the perceived autonomy of WMAD users. A study-specific questionnaire was used to evaluate perceived satisfaction of WMAD users with their autonomy in five environments: the Home Environment, Buildings Outside of the Home Environment, Outdoor Built Environment, Outdoor Natural Environment, and Transportation. For each environment, participants rated their satisfaction with autonomy about 15 personal, environmental, and assistive device-related factors. Qualitative perceptions were also collected with open-ended questions. Participants included 123 full- and part-time community-dwelling WMAD users. Participants' overall satisfaction with autonomy in the Outdoor Natural Environment was statistically significantly lower compared to the other four environments (p < 0.05). In all environments, the top factor respondents were most satisfied with was WMAD ease of use. Their least satisfaction was when negotiating stairs, curbs, or obstacles in the Home, Buildings Outside of the Home, and the Outdoor Built Environments. In the Outdoor Natural Environment, the most dissatisfaction was with manoeuvring on different terrains. Responses to open-ended questions supported the quantitative findings and highlighted the effects of various factors on autonomy (e.g., subject-environment familiarity). WMAD users reported the greatest restriction to their autonomy in outdoor environments. Different context-specific factors were found to impact autonomy in different environments. Understanding how environment-specific contextual factors contribute to overall perception of autonomy may inform the development of future strategies to overcome identified limitations and challenges. Wheeled mobility assistive device (WMAD) users experienced the highest autonomy in their home environments, specifically, when having access to home modification services. WMAD users had the lowest autonomy in the outdoor natural environment, with manoeuvrability on different terrains being the main predictor of the overall satisfaction with autonomy in this environment. Environment-specific contextual factors with significant impacts on perceived autonomy were identified that can inform the design and development of future WMADs (e.g., distance travelled, safety). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]