RESUMEN

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to calculate the dynamic air gap thickness between the human body and the turnout gear. Relationships between the air gap thickness and joint range of motion (ROM) were also explored. Methods. The air gap thickness and joint ROM of 12 male firefighters walking in a control condition with no self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and three varying-strapped SCBAs were measured using three-dimensional (3D) body scanning and 3D inertial motion capture. The interpolation technique was employed to predict the air gap thickness curve during walking. The dynamic air gap thickness was compared with the joint ROM to see how they relate to the location and percentage of movement restriction. Results. During the walking, the air gap fluctuated as a sine curve. Carrying SCBA reduced the air gap thickness at the trunk most (F = 11.17, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.63), and adjusting the shoulder strap length altered the air gap distribution at the trunk. The reduced air gap at the pelvis caused an incremental restriction on pelvis rotation. Conclusions. A compatibility design of the shoulder strap and hip belt in SCBA with the turnout jacket is suggested.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVES: Body surface area (BSA) is one of the major parameters used in several medical fields. However, there are concerns raised about its usefulness, mostly due to the ambiguity of its estimation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Authors have conducted a voluntary study to investigate BSA distribution and estimation in a group of 179 adult people of various sex, age, and physique. Here, there is provided an extended analysis of the majority of known BSA formulas. Furthermore, it was supplement with a comparison with the authors' propositions of enhanced formulas coefficients for known formulas models as well as with new power models based on an increased number of anthropometric data. RESULTS: Introduction of the enhanced formulas coefficients cause a reduction of at least 30.5% in mean absolute error and 21.1% in maximum error in comparison with their known counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: In the context of the analysis presented it can be stated that the development of a single universal body surface area formula, based on a small number of state variables, is not possible. Therefore, it is necessary and justified to search for new estimation models that allow for quick and accurate calculation of body surface area for the entire population, regardless of individual body variations. The new formulas presented are such an alternative, which achieves better results than the previously known methods. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(2):205-19.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Measuring human body dimensions is critical for many engineering and product design domains. Nonetheless, acquiring body dimension data for populations using typical anthropometric methods poses challenges due to the time-consuming nature of manual methods. The measurement process for three-dimensional (3D) whole-body scanning can be much faster, but 3D scanning typically requires subjects to change into tight-fitting clothing, which increases time and cost and introduces privacy concerns. To address these and other issues in current anthropometry techniques, a measurement system was developed based on portable, low-cost depth cameras. Point-cloud data from the sensors are fit using a model-based method, Inscribed Fitting, which finds the most likely body shape in the statistical body shape space and providing accurate estimates of body characteristics. To evaluate the system, 144 young adults were measured manually and with two levels of military ensembles using the system. The results showed that the prediction accuracy for the clothed scans remained at a similar level to the accuracy for the minimally clad scans. This approach will enable rapid measurement of clothed populations with reduced time compared to manual and typical scan-based methods.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential of whole-body digital 11C-methionine (MET) PET/CT imaging for simultaneous evaluation of thoracic cancer patients suspected of local recurrence (LR) after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastasis. METHODS: A total of 45 lung or breast cancer patients suspected of LR after SRS were investigated using brain and whole-body MET-PET/CT scans. We compared the tumor-to-normal ratio (TNR) and maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) between patients with LR and radiation necrosis (RN) and performed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. We also investigated associations among extracranial recurrence, intracranial recurrence, primary site, and initial treatment type. RESULTS: A total of 44 LR and 14 RN lesions were analyzed. In the ROC analyses for differentiating LR from RN, TNR showed higher area under the curve (AUC) (0.82) than SUVmax (0.79), and the cutoff TNR value (2.12) was higher than current cutoff values of conventional PET systems. The whole-body scans detected extracranial recurrences in 31.1% of the patients. Recurrence rates were not significantly correlated with existence of intracranial recurrence or primary site, but patients who underwent non-surgical treatment (consisting of stage III/ IV patients according to the Union for International Cancer Control TNM classification or small-cell lung cancer patients) showed significantly higher recurrence than the surgically treated patients (68.8% vs. 10.3%, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In digital MET-PET/CT imaging, TNR was a more useful parameter to differentiate LR from RN than SUVmax, and the cutoff value was higher than those with conventional PET systems. Additional whole-body scans could detect extracranial recurrence and would be especially useful for advanced thoracic cancer patients who underwent non-surgical treatment.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Three-dimensional (3D) body scanning technology has applications for obtaining anthropometric data in human-centered and product development fields. The reliability of 3D measurements gathered from 3D scans must be assessed to understand the degree to which this technology is appropriate for use in place of manual anthropometric methods. The intra- and inter-rater reliabilities of 3D facial measurements were assessed among four novice raters using 3D landmarking. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) statistics were calculated for the 3D measurement data collected in three phases to assess baseline reliabilities and improvements in reliabilities as the result of additional training and experience. Based on the results of this study, the researchers found that the collection of 3D measurement data, by multiple raters and using 3D landmarking methods, yielded a high percentage of ICC statistics in the good to excellent (>0.75 ICC) reliability range. Rater training and experience were important considerations in improving intra- and inter-rater reliabilities.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

In this study, protective clothing for firefighters is analyzed using 4D body scanning and 3D hand scanning, with a focus on the experimental analysis of ergonomic comfort. In particular, German firefighting clothing is examined to discuss the possibilities and limitations of current scanning technologies for capturing firefighting clothing. For this purpose, various movements are recorded in the 4D scanner. In addition, a method for determining position changes of protective clothing at identified limits is presented. The initial results illustrated that the analysis of protective clothing for firefighters using 4D scanning is problematic due to specific materials, reflections, and surface properties. Improvements in the scanning process and optimization of algorithms are required to achieve more detailed and precise results. Concerning the ergonomic comfort related to the mobility under firefighting clothing use conditions, this methodical case study highlights the limits of current approaches, with a focus on the limitations of 4D scanning and potential improvements.

RESUMEN

Three-dimensional body scanners are attracting increasing interest in various application areas. To evaluate their accuracy, their 3D point clouds must be compared to a reference system by using a reference object. Since different scanning systems use different coordinate systems, an alignment is required for their evaluation. However, this process can result in translational and rotational misalignment. To understand the effects of alignment errors on the accuracy of measured circumferences of the human lower body, such misalignment is simulated in this paper and the resulting characteristic error patterns are analyzed. The results show that the total error consists of two components, namely translational and tilt. Linear correlations were found between the translational error (R2 = 0.90, … 0.97) and the change in circumferences as well as between the tilt error (R2 = 0.55, … 0.78) and the change in the body's mean outline. Finally, by systematic analysis of the error patterns, recommendations were derived and applied to 3D body scans of human subjects resulting in a reduction of error by 67% and 84%.

RESUMEN

Digital anthropometry (DA) has been recently developed for body composition evaluation and for postural analysis. The aims of this review are to examine the current state of DA technology, as well as to verify the methods for identifying the best technology to be used in the field of DA by evaluating the reliability and accuracy of the available technologies on the market, and lay the groundwork for future technological developments. A literature search was performed and 28 studies met the inclusion criteria. The reliability and accuracy of DA was high in most studies, especially in the assessment of patients with obesity, although they varied according to the technology used; a good correlation was found between DA and conventional anthropometry (CA) and body composition estimates. DA is less time-consuming and less expensive and could be used as a screening tool before more expensive imaging techniques or as an alternative to other less affordable techniques. At present, DA could be useful in clinical practice, but the heterogeneity of the available studies (different devices used, laser technologies, population examined, etc.) necessitates caution in the interpretation of the obtained results. Furthermore, the need to develop integrated technologies for analyzing body composition according to multi-compartmental models is increasingly evident.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

CONTEXT: Using response to surgery when tailoring radioiodine (RAI) therapy for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is valued but lacks prospective validation. OBJECTIVE: To spare RAI thyroid remnant ablation among patients with intermediate-risk PTCs using 3-tiered assessments with response to surgery highlighted, in addition to the risk of the recurrence stratification and TNM staging. METHODS: Patients with no evidence of disease (NED) identified as excellent response (ER) or indeterminate response (IDR) to surgery were spared from RAI thyroid remnant ablation after informed consent and prospectively enrolled under active surveillance. Those involved in other trials or without sufficient follow-up data were excluded. Dynamic responses were followed and compared longitudinally. The main outcome measures were NED presenting as durable ER or IDR for over 12 months. RESULTS: Of the enrolled 215 patients, 47.4% (102/215) ER and 52.6% (113/215) IDR were identified regarding RAI decision-making. After a median of 23.6 (interquartile range 13.8-31.6) months, the share of ER increased to 82.8% (178/215) and IDR decreased to 16.3% (35/215), with 85 patients shifting from IDR to ER over time, only 0.5% (1/215) structural incomplete response and 0.5% (1/215) biochemical incomplete response observed. Successful remnant ablation was observed in 27.7% (26/94) of the patients completing 2 diagnostic whole-body scans after a median interval of 13.0 months, indicating a theranostic effect. In the 173 patients followed for over 12 months, the NED rate did not differ between ER and IDR subgroups (100% vs 97.9%, P = .20). CONCLUSION: Through the 3-tiered assessments with response to surgery highlighted, postoperative ER and IDR spared from RAI remnant ablation may indicate similar favorable responses in intermediate-risk patients with PTC during 23.6 months of follow-up.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVES: To describe injury patterns in children with multiple trauma (MT), evaluate the yield of dual-phase whole-body CT (WBCT), and quantify missed injuries detected on second reading. METHODS: Remotely analyzed WBCT performed between 2011 and 2020 in 63 emergency departments on children admitted for MT were included. Second reading occurred within 24 h. Collected data included age, sex, mechanism, Injury Severity Score (ISS), radiologists' experience, time and duration of first reading, conclusion of both readings, and dosimetry. Melvin score assessed the clinical impact of missed injuries. RESULTS: Overall, 1114 patients were included, 1982 injuries were described in 662 patients (59.4%), 452/1114 (40.6%) WBCT were negative, and 314 (28.2%) patients had MT (≥ 2 body parts injured). The most frequent injuries were pulmonary contusions (8.3%), costal fractures (6.2%), and Magerl A1 vertebral fractures (4.9%). Overall, 151 injuries were missed in 92 (8.3%) patients. Independent predictors for missed injuries were age ≤ 4 years (p = 0.03), number of injured body parts ≥ 2 (p = 0.01), and number of injuries ≥ 3 (p < 0.001). Melvin score grade 3 lesions were found in 16/92 (17.4%) patients with missed injuries (1.4% of all WBCT), where only prolonged follow-up was necessary. Thirteen active bleeding or pseudoaneurysms were detected (0.7% of injuries). CONCLUSION: Injuries were diagnosed in 59.4% of patients. Double-reading depicted additional injuries in 8.3% of patients, significantly more in children ≤ 4 years, with ≥ 3 injuries or ≥ 2 injured body parts. As 28 % of patients had MT and 1.1% had active extravasation or pseudoaneurysm, indication for WBCT should be carefully weighted. KEY POINTS: • When performed as a first-line imaging evaluation, approximately 41% of WBCT for MT children were considered normal. • The three most common injuries were pulmonary contusions, costal fractures, and Magerl A1 vertebral fractures, but the patterns of traumatic injuries on WBCT depended on the children's age and the trauma mechanism. • The independent predictors of missed injuries were age ≤ 4 years, number of body parts involved ≥ 2, and total number of injuries ≥ 3.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Artifacts originated from imaging hardware or instrumentation may be, on some occasions, confusing and peculiar to both physicians and technicians. Various artifacts from a variety of sources have been reported. In this note, we intend to describe a new one with an interesting pattern in whole-body scanning, which is strikingly different from its pattern in static spot view, in a patient presented for post-therapeutic 131I survey after total thyroidectomy.

RESUMEN

The fashion industry cannot use 3 D Body Scanning to create custom garment patterns because its measurements fail to meet ISO 20685:2010's tolerances. To advance 3 D Body Scanning's precision, we present Gryphon: an algorithm that removes the two most extreme measurements from five body scans; removing potentially erroneous data. We assess Gryphon's precision against current industry practice, determine if consecutive and non-consecutive data capture influences precision, and determine 3 D Body Scanning's inherent imprecision inherent. We analyse 97 participants over 121 industry-standard measurements for consecutive and non-consecutive data-capture through MANOVA statistical analysis. Under current industry practice, only one measurement meets ISO 20685. However, under Gryphon and consecutive scanning, 97.5% of measurements meet ISO 20685. We also prove that the body's in-scan movement does not affect reliability. Ultimately, we offer the fashion industry, ergonomists, and practitioners an accessible method to increase 3 D Body Scanning's precision at a level unavailable under previous methods. Practitioner Summary: Ergonomists need precise data, yet we prove 0% of 3 D Body Scanning's measurements meet ISO 20685's tolerances. Our analysis of 97 participants scans, shows consecutive scanning is necessary to achieve data suitable for anthropometric applications. We develop the Gryphon process with consecutive scanning, making 97.3% of measurements meet ISO 20685. Abbreviations: ISO: International Organisation for Standards; Three Dimensional: 3D; MANOVA: Multivariate analysis of variance.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Currently, various protocols regarding the site of waist circumference (WC) measurement are in place. This study aimed to analyse the effect of the site of WC measurement on visceral adipose tissue (VAT) estimation. WC was obtained at 7 anatomical sites in 211 German volunteers (103 males) aged 23-81 years using three-dimensional photonic body scanning (PBS). At one site, WC was additionally measured by tape. The quantity of VAT was assessed by MRI. Models to estimate VAT based on WC were developed; the precision of the estimation is represented by R2. The influence of the applied method of WC assessment (tape v. PBS) on the estimations is reported. Results show that the amount of estimated VAT and the precision of VAT estimation were dependent on the site of measurement. VAT was estimated most precisely by WC taken at the level of the lowest rib (WCrib: R2 = 0·75 females; 0·79 males), the minimum circumference (WCmin: R2 = 0·75 females; 0·77 males) and at the narrowest part of the torso (WCnar: R2 = 0·76 females; 0·77 males), and least precisely by WC assessed at the top of iliac crest (WCiliac: R2 = 0·61 females; 0·60 males). VAT estimates based on WC obtained by PBS were smaller and estimations were slightly less precise compared to estimates based on tape measures. Our results indicate that the method and the site of waist measurement should be considered when estimating VAT based on WC. The implementation of a standardised protocol using either WCrib, WCmin or WCnar could improve the precision of VAT estimation.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Among all the groups and occupations that have been affected by the global pandemic, nursing professionals stand out as having been particularly hard-pressed due to the dramatic increase in the need for their services. Given the rising tide of coronavirus disease 2019 patients who require specialized medical treatment as well as the millions of others that are lining up for vaccinations, it can be assumed that many nursing professionals have had to endure such things as longer working hours, tighter schedules, and the intensity of a work environment in which failure of care and multiple deaths are the daily fare. This article proposes that nurses can avoid such severe consequences by taking up a regime of enhanced self-care management that enables them to achieve psychophysical balance and wellness. Three practices are highlighted in this regard: prayer, meditative walking, and the mindfulness practice of body scanning. Our suggestion is that these coping strategies will be both beneficial and healthful for nursing professionals in terms of enhancing their spiritual/existential resilience and meeting their own need for consolation as they navigate in an extremely difficult and demanding work environment.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The aims of this study are: (1) to identify morphological asymmetries in road cycling by using a novel 3D scanning method and electrical bioimpedance, (2) to investigate possible asymmetries in road cyclists of low (LPG) and high (HPG) performance group, (3) to compare the number of morphological asymmetries between HPG and LPG of cyclists, and (4) to explore correlations between asymmetry scores and competition performance. Body composition and 3D anthropometric measurements were conducted on 48 top-level male road cyclists (178.98 ± 5.39 cm; 68.37 ± 5.31 kg) divided into high (n = 22) and low (n = 26) performance groups. Competition performance (CP) is represented through racing points gathered at the end of the competition season. The latter was used to divide road cyclists into low- and high-performing groups. One-way ANOVA was used to determine differences between groups, while paired-samples T-test and Absolute Asymmetry index (AA) were calculated (p ≤ 0.05) for paired variables inside the groups, and the Spearman correlation coefficient was used to explore correlations between AA and CP. Results showed statistically significant differences between the left and right side of different body segments (16 paired variables) among low-performing road cyclists in five paired variables of the upper body: elbow girth (4.35, p = 0.000), forearm girth (6.31, p = 0.000), arm surface area (2.54, p = 0.018), and arm volume (2.71, p = 0.012); and six paired variables of the lower body: leg lean mass (5.85, p = 0.000), leg length (3.04, p = 0.005), knee girth (4.93, p = 0.000), calf girth (5.25, p = 0.000), leg surface area (4.03, p = 0.000), and leg volume (5.3, p = 0.000). Altogether, the high-performing group of road cyclists statistically differed only in 2 out of 16 paired variables of the upper body: elbow girth (4.93, p = 0.000) and in forearm girth (5.12, p = 0.000). Low- and high-performing groups were statistically significantly different in the asymmetry of leg lean mass F(1,46) = 6.25, p = 0.016 and asymmetry of the calf girth F(1,46) = 7.44, p = 0.009. AA of calf girth on the total sample (n = 48) showed a significant correlation with CP (r = -0.461; p = 0.001). In conclusion, the study's main finding was that high-performance road cyclists are more symmetrical than the low-performance group, for which it is significant to have a higher amount of morphological asymmetries.

RESUMEN

AIM: To determine how well decision tree models can predict tailor-assigned uniform sizes using anthropometry data from the New Zealand Defence Force Anthropometry Survey (NZDFAS). This information may inform automatic sizing systems for military personnel. METHODS: Anthropometric data from two separate samples of the New Zealand Defence Force military were used. Data on Army personnel from the NZDFAS (n = 583) were used to develop a series of shirt- and trouser-size prediction models based on decision trees. Different combinations of physical, automatic, and post-processed measurements (the latter two derived from a 3D body scan) were trialled, and the models with the highest cross-validation accuracy were retained. The accuracy of these models were then tested on an independent sample of Army recruits (n = 154). RESULTS: The automated measurement method (measurements derived automatically by the body scanner software) were the best predictors of shirt size (58.1% accuracy) and trouser size (61.7%), with body weight and waist girth being the strongest predictors. Clothing sizes that were incorrectly predicted by the model where generally one size above or below the tailor-predicted size. CONCLUSIONS: Anthropometry measurements, when used with decision tree models, show promise for classifying clothing size. Methodological changes such as fitting gender-specific models, using additional anthropometry variables, and testing other data mining techniques are avenues for future work. More research is required before fully automated body scanning is a viable option for obtaining fast and accurate clothing sizes for military clothing and logistics departments.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: For the evaluation of the chest wall deformity, we adopted a non-invasive 3D body scanning system. The objective of this study is to evaluate surgical effect on the whole thorax using 3D scanning technique before and after Nuss procedure. METHODS: We performed 3D body scanning using Structure Sensor (Occipital Inc, USA) in 11 symmetric patients (average age 13 ± 3.2) under general anesthesia before and after Nuss procedure. Using the scanned data, the improved chest wall was analyzed using 3D-Rugle (Medic Engineering, Japan) imaging software. Preoperative and postoperative 3D data were super-imposed and a thoracic elevating distance in the line of the axial and sagittal section through the deepest point was calculated. Pre- and postoperative external sternal angle (ESA) were calculated from the scanned data. RESULTS: Mean thoracic elevation distance at the deepest point was 38.6 ± 6.1 mm and it was 28.4 ± 5.1 mm and 19.4 ± 4.9 mm at 4 cm and 8 cm cranial side, respectively. Average ESA improved from 3.9 ± 1.6 degrees to 15.0 ± 1.1 degrees after the operation. CONCLUSION: Chest depression was effectively elevated 39 mm at the deepest point after Nuss procedure. An indirect elevation effect by pectus bars was found on the wide area of the anterior chest.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

This paper demonstrates the effects of slight differences in measurement definitions on resultant body shape classification. Ergonomic researchers consider the Female Figure Identification Technique (FFIT) a 'gold standard' body shape classification system to describe variation in a population's 3 D profile. Nevertheless, researchers use FFIT without a scientific basis or considering their ergonomic suitability. This paper rigorously evaluates FFIT, focussing on ergonomics, garment construction, and scientific research applications. Through analysing 1,679 3 D Body Scans, we assess the level of agreement between the FFIT's body shape classification when measurements placed following FFIT's or SizeUK's guidance. We establish how different interpretations of FFIT's measurement placement cause the same body to be categorised into different shapes - in up to 40% of cases. FFIT omits shoulder measurements that have little relationship to body shape yet are vital in garment construction. Using FFIT with different datasets and definitions, therefore, leads to inconsistent conclusions about shape differences.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to clarify the occurrence of sites of edematous changes using the measured circumferences of the thigh and lower leg via three-dimensional (3D) body scanning. The secondary purpose was to determine the relationship between the volume changes using 3D body scanning and the resistance changes as indicator of extracellular water (ECW) via segmental-bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (S-BIS). Methods and Results: Fifteen healthy women participated. Limb circumferences were measured using 3D body scanning at 10% intervals between 50% and 80% in the thigh circumference and between 0% and 80% in the lower leg circumference. The resistance of the ECW component (RECW) and total body water (RTBW) was measured using S-BIS in the thigh and lower leg segments. These measurements were conducted at baseline and 6 hours postobservation. A paired t-test was conducted for the differences in these parameters, and the effect sizes (ESs) were calculated using Cohen's d. Correlations between changes in segmental volume and RECW were analyzed. Measurement-site circumferences and segmental volume significantly increased in the lower leg at postobservation but not in the thigh. The ES of circumference changes in the lower leg's central region were larger (ESs were 0.40-0.71 at 30%-50%) than in other regions. A significant correlation was observed between changes in segmental volume and RECW of the lower leg (ρ = -0.79, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Assessing the circumference using 3D body scanning, we found the edematous changes to be significant in the lower leg's central regions. Moreover, volumetry using 3D body scanning can detect edematous change in the lower leg.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The knowledge of human body proportions and segmental properties of limbs, head and trunk is of fundamental importance in biomechanical research. Given that many methods are employed, it is important to know which ones are currently available, which data on human body masses, lengths, center of mass (COM) location, weights and moment of inertia (MOI) are available and which methods are most suitable for specific research purposes. Graphical, optical, x-ray and derived techniques, MRI, laser, thermography, has been employed for in-vivo measurement, while direct measurements involve cadaveric studies with dissection and various methods of acquiring shape and size of body segments. The present review examines the literature concerning human body segments' properties for biomechanical purposes starting with a historical examination. It emerges that data obtained in studies on cadaveric specimens are still accurate in comparison to more recent technologies, whilst technological tools currently available are manifolds, each one with proper advantages and disadvantages. Classical studies were focused mainly on white men, while in recent years, the available data on body segments have been extended to children, women, and other races. Additionally, data on special populations (obese, pregnant women) are starting to appear in the scientific literature.