Association of Squatting Activities of Pregnant Women during the Antenatal Period and Labor Outcomes

Aim: To investigate impact of antenatal squatting activities on labour outcomes. Methods: All eligible primigravida women, with singleton cephalic fetuses, who presented to ward 18 of Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka, during the period 1st of February to 28th of May 2017 were invited into the study. Those who were already in active stage of labor (at least more than two moderate contractions per 10 minutes) on admission were excluded. Demographic data such as age, ethnicity, religion, educational level, occupation, latrine type in use, and booking Body mass index (BMI) were collected via an interviewer administered questionnaire. Data related to labor (modified Bishop score at onset of active labor, labor augmentation, pain relief, labor duration, mode of delivery, episiotomy or tears) and neonatal outcome (birth weight, APGAR score at 1, 5, 10 minutes) were collected from delivery notes. A pre tested interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain data regarding routine squatting activities during the previous 6 months. Pain visual analogue scale was used on day after delivery to assess the degree of labour pain. Duration of each squatting activity per day and number of days engaged with the activity per week;were used to calculate total squatting hours per week. In the absence of an accepted threshold for adequate squatting, we employed the sample mean as an operational data-driven threshold to define “more” against “less” squatting activities. Women who did not have squatting activities were considered as the controls. We used chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests to compare characteristics and outcomes between those engaging in more and less levels of squatting activity. We fitted a series of logistic regression models with each dichotomized outcome as the dependent variable, more/less squatting activity as the main independent variable of interest, and age, gestation period, BMI and patient’s occupation as covariates. The resulting adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) and statistical significance (p < 0.05) were used to draw conclusions of adjusted associations. Results: We recruited 430 women into this study. Overall, 68% of the women were of 20 - 30 years old, 47% had normal body mass index and 65% were housewives. The most frequent squatting activities were for urination/defecation and clothes washing (146 and 62 minutes/week, respectively). Mean total time was 246 minutes per week, of which more than 147 women (34%) achieved above this level of squatting activities. Those with more squatting activities had a greater modified Bishop Score ≥ 6/10 (92% vs 82%;p < 0.01);labor duration of <6 hours (82% vs 56%;p < 0.01), less likely for labour augmentation (39% vs 51%;p < 0.01) and pain relief (53% vs 65%;p = 0.013). Similar results were obtained after adjustments for maternal age, BMI, gestational age and occupation. However, there were no significant differences in the mode of delivery (normal vaginal vs instrumental vs caesarean), episiotomy rate, birth weight and neonatal Apgar scores. Conclusion: Squatting activities of more than 246 minutes per week may improve labor outcome. Women should be encouraged to increase squatting exercises or incorporate more habitual squatting activities antenatally.

A new passive transfemoral prosthesis mechanism based on 3R36 knee and ESAR foot providing walking and squatting

Researchers have proposed various linkage mechanisms to connect knee and ankle joints for above-knee prosthe-ses,but most of them only offer natural walking.However,studies have shown that people assume a squatting posture during daily activities.This paper introduces a novel mechanism that connects the knee joint with the foot-ankle joint to enable both squatting and walking.The prosthetic knee used is the well-known 3R36,while the energy storing and return(ESAR)prosthetic foot is used for the ankle-foot joint.To coordinate knee and ankle joint movements,a six-bar linkage mechanism structure is proposed.Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed modular transfemoral prosthesis accurately mimics the motion patterns of a natural human leg during walking and squatting.For instance,the prosthesis allows a total knee flexion of more than 140°during squatting.The new prosthesis design also incorporates energy-storing mechanisms to reduce energy expenditure during walking for amputees.

Squat,Stoop,or Semi-squat:A Comparative Experiment on Lifting Technique

There are actually no sufficient data for lifting technique assessment.A laboratory study was undertaken to determine the effect of 3 regular lifting techniques on erector muscle activation,cardiovascular strain and subjective response.Thirty student volunteers participated in the study,and were required to lift a weight with different techniques.Stoop-,squat-,semi-squat-lifting resulted in 3,2 and 1 time of the highest percentage of the maximum voluntary electrical activation(MVE%) respectively.In the same order,the lowest median frequency(MF) existed 1,1 and 2 times.Muscle fatigue was 4 times in squat,36 in semi-squat and 43 in stoop lifting.Heart rate was the highest in squat and lowest in stoop respectively,with a middle level in semi-squat lifting.It may be recommended to adopt mainly the semi-squat technique for daily lifting works.For heavy lifting,it should use the squat technique.Stoop lifting may also be used alternatively but for light things.

Different squatting positions after total knee arthroplasty: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Total knee arthroplasty(TKA)has been shown to improve quality of life and reduce pain.High-flexion activities such as squatting,kneeling,and floor transfers are mainly listed as demanding tasks.Among them,squatting is an important position.AIM To provide a new squat position classification and evaluate the different squatting positions of a series of patients after primary TKA.METHODS From May 2018 to October 2019,we retrospectively reviewed 154 video recordings of the squatting-related motions of patients after TKA.Among the included patients,119 were women and 35 were men.Their mean age at the index surgery was 61.4 years(range,30 to 77).RESULTS The median follow-up was 12 mo(range,6 to 156 mo).We classified those squatting-related motions into three major variations according to squatting depth:Half squat,parallel squat,and deep squat.The angles of hip flexion,knee flexion,and ankle dorsiflexion were measured in the screenshots captured from the videos at the moment of squatting nadir.A total of 26 patients were classified as half squats,75 as parallel squats,and 53 as deep squats.The angles of hip flexion,knee flexion,and ankle dorsiflexion all differed significantly among the three squatting positions(P<0.001).In the parallel squat group,the mean knee flexion angle(°)was 116.5(SD,8.1;range,97 to 137).In the deep squat group,the mean knee flexion angle(°)was 132.5(SD,9.3;range,116 to 158).CONCLUSION Among the three squatting positions,deep squat showed the highest hip,knee,and ankle flexion angles,followed by the parallel squat.With the improvement of squatting ability,the patient's postoperative satisfaction rate was also significantly enhanced.However,the different squatting abilities of the patients cannot be effectively distinguished from the scoring results(P>0.05).Our squatting position classification offers a pragmatic approach to evaluating patients’squatting ability after TKA.

Power Output and Electromyography Activity of the Back Squat Exercise with Cluster Sets

Recently, it has been demonstrated that hypertrophic training with CLU （cluster） sets produces greater strength and power following a 12-week periodized program. The results suggest possible differences in neuromuscular adaptations. Therefore, we sought to compare the acute effect of TRD （traditional） and CLU set configurations during the parallel back squat on mean power output and integrated EMG （electromyography） activity of the VL （vastus lateralis） and BF （biceps femoris）. Ten males （23 ~ 2.4 years; height 182.9 ~ 6.1 cm; weight 86.2 ~ 4.2 kg; 5 ~ 2 years training） performed the parallel back squat using TRD and CLU with 75% 1RM （one-repetition maximum） in a randomized crossover design. Data was analyzed by a repeated measures--ANOVA （analysis of variance）. A significant effect of set （P = 0.006） was observed in mean power output. Mean power output decreased over each successive set when collapsed for condition. Clusters resulted in greater mean power output during latter repetitions of each set （repetition 4, 6-10; P 〈 0.05）. A significant effect of set （P = 0.049） was observed in VL EMG. VL EMG increased over each successive set when collapsed for condition. TRD training produced significantly greater VL EMG during latter repetitions of each set （repetition 6-8; P 〈 0.05）. An interaction was observed in BF EMG. No significant differences were observed in post-hoc. Thus, cluster sets can be used to achieve greater power output, but greater neuromuscular activity should not be expected relative to traditional training.

Analysis of kinematic data and determination of ground reaction force of foot in slow squat

In the present paper, the ground reaction force （GRF） acting on foot in slow squat was determined through a force measuring system, and at the same time, the kinematic data of human squat were obtained by analyzing the photographed image sequences. According to the height and body weight, six healthy volunteers were selected, three men in one group and the other three women in another group, and the fundamental parameters of subjects were recorded, including body weight, height and age, etc. Based on the anatomy characteristics, some markers were placed on the right side of joints. While the subject squatted at slow speed on the force platform, the ground reaction forces on the forefoot and heel for each foot were obtained through calibrated force platform. The analysis results show that the reaction force on heel is greater than that on forefoot, and double feet have nearly constant force. Moreover, from processing and analyzing the synchronously photographed image sequences in squat, the kinematic data of human squat were acquired, including mainly the curves of angle, angular velocity and angular acceleration varied with time for knee, hip and ankle joints in a sagittal plane. The obtained results can offer instructive reference for photographing and analyzing the movements of human bodies, diagnosing some diseases, and establishing in the future appropriate mathematical models for the human motion.

NDI of Rail Squats and Estimating Defect Size and Location Using Lock-In Thermography

Rail squats are a form of near surface rolling contact fatigue damage found in rail heads. Currently, the most popular method to detect the rail squats is utilizing ultrasonic techniques to determine their presence and measure their depths. This technique needs to be direct contact between the probe and the rail head, with a coupling fluid in at the interface. Other weaknesses of these ultrasonic techniques include false detections as well as missed detections. Infrared thermography is a relatively new non-destructive inspection technique used for a wide range of applications but is not used for rail squat detection. Lock-in thermography is a non-destructive inspection technique that can be used for the detection of near surface defects. It utilizes an infrared camera to detect the thermal waves and then produces a thermal image, which displays the local thermal wave variation in phase or amplitude. In inhomogeneous materials, the amplitude and phase of the thermal wave carries information related to both the local thermal properties and the nature of the structure being inspected. This comparison is then used to determine the phase angle difference (Δf) between the input and the thermal response of the object. The aim of this paper is to determine whether lock-in thermography can be used to firstly locate squats in rails, and secondly measure their depths. It has demonstrated the feasibility for using such a technique in generating thermal responses that could be adequately utilized for the purpose of defect characterization.

Finite Element Method Study on the Squats Growth Simulation

A simplified finite element analysis on the squats growth simulation and the effect different contact stresses has been presented. This analysis is based on the element removal study to simulate squat growth in a rail track under cyclic loading. The major principal stress (maximum principal stress failure theory) has been used as failure criteria. Evolution strategies are derived from the biological process of evolution, to find squats growth path solution to a complex rail/ wheel contact problem.

Effect of Knee Valgus Angle during Single Leg Squat and Horizontal Hop for Distance in Patients with Patellofemoral Pain and Controls

Background: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is considered one of the most common dysfunctions of the lower extremities. Faulty lower limb mechanics and increased of knee valgus on loaded tasks are believed to play an important role in the development of PFP. Objective: To figure out if male PFP patients during single leg horizontal hop for distance and squat with greater knee valgus than controls, and if the nature of the task changes the angles of knee valgus. Methods: Twenty males with unilateral PFP formed the patient group and forty-five asymptomatic males formed the control group. Two dimensional (2-D) frontal plane projection angle (FPPA) was used during single leg squatting and horizontal hop for distance tasks. Results: For the single leg squat, the mean of 6.96°, 9.80°, 15.04° was reported in the control, PFP asymptomatic knee, and PFP symptomatic knee, respectively. For the single leg horizontal hop for distance, the mean of 11.63°, 13.72°, 19.17° was reported in the control, PFP asymptomatic knee, and PFP symptomatic knee, respectively. These differences were significant (p < 0.002) for both tasks. Conclusions: Patients with PFP represented with greater knee valgus angle than what was found in either their asymptomatic limb or in the control group.

Kinetics and Benefits of an Unique Assisted Free Bodyweight Squatting System: The DB Method®TM

Squatting movements are used frequently in the activities of daily living and squatting exercises are used to strengthen abdominal core and lower limb muscles. However, many individuals cannot perform a traditional squat. An alternative is to hire a physical trainer or coach for supervision which can be prohibitively expensive. The DB Method® machine is unique and affordable. A product satisfaction descriptive survey to owners of The DB Method machine describes increased gluteal, core, pelvic floor and lower body strength, an improvement in gluteal region shape, and an increase in activity and energy level. A surprising result of the survey was that this DB Method also seemed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and, in some cases, to lessen urinary incontinence. In this article, the results of this survey are described as the kinetics of this machine relative to the lower limbs and the pelvic floor muscles. A comparison between traditional squats and The DB Method and the benefits of using The DB Method are discussed.

Pilot Study of Phosphine RECIRCULATION FUMIGATION OF PHOSPHINE in Squat Silos

Taking into account the squat silos with high grain line and large-volume storage characteristics, to ensure that the stored grain secu rity, we compared phosphine RECIRCULATION FUMIGATION OF PHOSPHINE with the conventional circulation fumigation method and compared with test data which measured by the analysis and research. Squat Silos taken positions on the circulation phosphine fumigation insecticidal methods, not only to achieve the purpose of the pesticide control, and effectively reduce the cost of fumigation, a decrease of gas in the fight against the occu pational hazards, and have achieved good results.

蹲厕行为对胶囊内镜检查胃转运时间和全小肠检查率的影响

目的研究蹲厕行为对胶囊内镜检查胃转运时间(gastric transit time,GTT)和全小肠检查率(complete examination rate of small bowel,CER)的影响。方法随机纳入2019年1-12月于重庆医科大学附属第二医院行胶囊内镜检查的患者122例,采用随机数字表法将其分为试验组63例和对照组59例,试验组即吞服胶囊后随时可以蹲厕,对照组如需如厕采取坐便。比较2组患者GTT、小肠转运时间、CER和诊断率的区别。结果试验组和对照组患者在性别、年龄、住院情况等方面差异无统计学意义。试验组患者CER显著高于对照组(92.06%vs 79.66%),差异有统计学意义(P=0.048)。试验组患者中位GTT显著少于对照组(26.7 vs 45.6 min),差异有统计学意义(P=0.027)。两组患者在小肠转运时间和诊断率上差异无统计学意义。结论行胶囊内镜检查患者采用蹲厕行为能减少胶囊在胃内转运时间,增加全小肠检查率。

上下双层浅圆仓中心卸料的动态效应分析

上下双层浅圆仓作为一种新型粮食储藏结构,既可以保证储粮品质,又具有节约用地、节能减碳、机械化程度高等优势。采用离散元与有限元结合的方法,构建了上下双层浅圆仓中心卸料过程粮食颗粒与仓壁之间动态响应的数值分析模型,利用实验与缩尺模型相结合的方法验证了缩尺方法的有效性;分别将缩尺模型数值分析与理论计算结果进行对比,验证了数值方法的可行性;进而对上下双层浅圆仓中心卸料过程粮食-仓体的相互作用进行了分析。结果表明:中心卸料过程中上下层均出现了侧压力突增和震荡的现象,且在越接近每层仓壁中间位置处,超压系数越大;粮食-仓体共同作用后上下层仓壁的应力均在距离仓壁底部1/4处达到最大。本文可为上下双层浅圆仓的结构设计提供技术支持,有利于其推广应用,具有重要的工程应用价值。

双层浅圆仓不同入风温度的粮堆温度场分析

建立半地下双层浅圆仓的数值模型,并对机械通风不同入风温度的粮堆温度场进行数值分析,研究在机械通风过程中半地下双层浅圆仓粮堆温度场的变化规律。结果表明:当吨粮通风量为8 m^(3)/h时,平均降温速度随入风温度降低而加快,整体粮堆的平均温度从初始30℃下降至20℃。当入风温度分别为17、15、13、11℃时,地上层通风时间分别需173、148、121、111 h,地下层通风时间分别需237、196、168、142 h。当通风稳定后,地上层粮堆平均温度分别为17.02、15.01、13.14、11.14℃,地下层粮堆平均温度分别为17.51、15.83、14.04、11.25℃,均趋近于入风温度,表明机械通风可有效降低粮堆温度,保证粮食安全。

半地下双层浅圆仓静态储粮温度场的数值分析

粮食温度是影响储粮安全的最重要因素之一,为揭示半地下双层浅圆仓的储粮温度场分布规律,本文建立了地上浅圆仓和地下仓的粮堆数学分析模型,并通过现场实验结果验证了模型的有效性。以此为基础建立了半地下双层浅圆仓数值模型,分析低温入粮后静态储藏1年期间的粮堆温度场变化规律。结果表明:半地下双层浅圆仓地上层靠近仓壁2 m内的粮温受外界气温影响变化明显,温度范围在10.62~27.37℃,地下层粮温常年处在准低温状态,平均温度不超过地下恒温区温度17℃;入冬时地上层粮堆在距仓壁1~3 m之间会短期形成一个热量聚集区,导致近仓壁处粮堆温差较大,随后外围区温度缓慢降低,形成“热心冷皮”;仓壁的保温隔热措施可有效减小气温对粮温的影响,地上层夏季最高粮温较未做保温的地上浅圆仓低3.86℃左右。研究结果可为半地下双层浅圆仓的推广应用提供技术支持。

高轴压比下小剪跨比剪力墙的抗震性能试验研究

通过5片不同轴压比下小剪跨比剪力墙构件的低周反复荷载试验,研究了高轴压比对小剪跨比剪力墙的破坏模式、受剪承载力、延性、刚度特征及耗能能力的影响,并对加载全过程中剪力墙腹板双向钢筋的受力情况及传力机制进行分析。研究结果表明:所有构件均发生了剪切破坏,并在高轴压力作用下发生了平面外的错动;高轴压比阻碍了裂缝的产生及发展,提高了构件的受剪承载力,但在构件达到峰值荷载后,强度和刚度退化剧烈,极限位移小,提高边缘约束构件配箍率可以有限地提高构件的变形能力、延性及耗能能力,但对破坏模式、传力机制的影响不大。轴压比对构件的传力机制有着显著的影响,当轴压比较小时,桁架作用明显,水平钢筋与竖向钢筋对受剪承载力的贡献相当,均能充分发挥作用;当轴压比较高时,拱作用明显,水平钢筋未能充分发挥作用,对受剪承载力的贡献有限,竖向钢筋主要对拱作用有贡献。

不同剪跨比下低矮开洞剪力墙抗震性能试验

核电厂房的剪力墙具有剪跨比低和配筋率高的特点,为满足人员通行以及设备管道的布置,需要在剪力墙中开设洞口,然而,关于低矮开洞剪力墙抗震性能的研究比较有限。为此,设计3个1∶2.7的大比例尺低矮钢筋混凝土剪力墙试件,通过拟静力试验研究剪跨比对此类剪力墙抗震性能的影响。研究内容包括试件的破坏模式、滞回曲线、延性系数、刚度退化、耗能能力和变形能力等方面的分析和讨论。结果表明:低矮开洞剪力墙的破坏主要是由墙肢的斜向主裂缝宽度明显增大引起,导致承载力快速下降;剪跨比的减少使得低矮剪力墙的承载力、刚度和单圈耗能效果增加,但变形能力和极限位移显著降低,从而导致累计耗能较小;剪跨比较小的试件容易在洞口上方产生塑性铰,随后连梁的转动会导致洞口附近的混凝土压碎,且剪切效应较显著。此外,小洞口的存在会产生严重的不对称性,影响其抗震性能。

不同躯干约束下蹲姿对人体下肢运动学和动力学的影响

目的 探究躯干控制对青年群体亚洲蹲和西方蹲时下肢运动生物力学特征的影响,为深蹲训练的应用和推广提供实证性依据。方法 24名健康男性青年大学生在带杆、无杆控制条件下进行亚洲蹲和西方蹲,运用红外光点运动捕捉系统和三维测力台采集其下肢运动学和动力学特征。通过Cortex-642.6.2软件,根据欧拉角方法计算获得下肢三维角度,运用逆动力学方法得到三维力矩。通过2×2重复设计的双因素方差分析检验躯干控制和深蹲姿势对下肢运动特征的影响。结果 躯干控制和深蹲姿势对运动学和动力学参数均无显著性交互作用(P>0.05)。西方蹲具有较大的膝关节屈曲角、髌股关节接触力峰值、髋膝伸展力矩峰值之比,较小的踝关节背屈角、髋关节屈曲角(P<0.05)。带杆深蹲具有较大的踝关节背屈角、髌股关节接触力峰值和髋关节屈曲角,较小的膝关节屈曲角、髋膝伸展力矩峰值之比(P<0.05)。结论 西方蹲有助于训练伸髋肌群肌力,亚洲蹲则有助于训练伸膝肌群肌力。西方蹲髌股关节接触力峰值显著大于亚洲蹲,故推荐髌股关节痛患者采用亚洲蹲。带杆深蹲可补偿人体平衡,建议由于踝关节背屈活动范围受限或胫骨前肌无力人群可以考虑进行带杆深蹲等躯干控制训练,有助于提高深蹲时下肢稳定性。

基于叠加效应的全身振动联合蹲起同步训练对脑卒中患者步行功能的影响

目的:探讨基于叠加效应的全身振动联合蹲起同步训练对脑卒中患者步行功能的影响。方法:选取复旦大学附属华山医院康复医学科(浦东院区)40例监护或者辅助具下,可以独立步行的脑卒中患者,随机分为全身振动训练组(WBVT组)和对照组,两组均采用常规康复治疗,每天40min。WBVT组在常规康复治疗的基础上增加全身振动联合蹲起同步训练,20min/次/天。对照组在常规康复治疗的基础上增加在全身振动平台上无振动站立,20min/次/天。分别在入组时和干预4周后,采用穿戴式三维步态评估仪对患者步行能力进行评估,使用表面肌电图仪采集患者步行过程中的股直肌和股二头肌长头的肌电信号,并对干预前后的数据进行统计学分析。结果:经过4周干预,两组的步速和步幅均比治疗前有提高(P<0.05),且WBVT组均优于对照组(P<0.05);WBVT组膝关节摆动角度较治疗前有提高(P<0.05),明显优于对照组;在患侧单支撑相(SS),WBVT组双侧股直肌和股二头肌协同收缩率干预前后均有差异(P<0.05);在患侧摆动相(SW),两组双侧股直肌和股二头肌协同收缩率干预前后均有差异(P<0.05),但干预后WBVT组患侧优于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:基于叠加效应的全身振动联合有节律的蹲起同步训练能够改善患者步行速度、步幅和下肢肌肉协同收缩率,改善患者步行功能。

DETERMINATION OF QUADRICEPS FORCES IN SQUAT AND ITS APPLICATION IN CONTACT PRESSURE ANALYSIS OF KNEE JOINT

While the quadriceps muscles of human body are quite important to the daily ac-tivities of knee joints,the determination of quadriceps forces poses significant challenges since it cannot be measured in vivo.Here,a novel approach is presented to obtain the forces in squat through the combination of motion photography,force transducers measuring,multi-rigid-body theory and finite element analysis.Firstly,the geometrical and angular data of human for squat process were obtained through the analysis of photographed pictures for human squat with cam-era.At the same time,force transducers were used to measure the reaction forces from feet and to determine the center of gravity for identical squat process.Next,based on the multi-rigid-body dynamics,a mathematical model for human right leg and foot was established in order to determine the quadriceps torques under different squat angles.Then,so as to determine the quadriceps forces along with varied squat angles,a simplified three-dimensional finite element model was built,including tibia,fibula,patella,patella ligament and quadriceps tendon.Finally,the contact pressure of knee joint was analyzed for the squat with the established model of knee joint involving the obtained quadriceps forces from finite element analysis.And it showed that in the 0-90 degree squat process,the peak value of contact pressure of articular cartilages and menisci is increased with the increased squat angle.This study can be referenced for further un-derstanding of the biomechanical behaviors of knee,contact pressure effects of daily activities on knee,and is significantly instructive for sports rehabilitation.