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During vertical jump evaluations in which jump height is estimated from flight time (FT), the jumper must maintain the same body posture between vertical takeoff and landing. As maintaining identical posture is rare during takeoff and landing between different jump attempts and in different individuals, we simulated the effect of changes in ankle position from takeoff to landing in vertical jumping to determine the range of errors that might occur in real-life scenarios. Our simulations account for changes in center of mass position during takeoff and landing, changes in ankle position, different subject statures (1.44-1.98 m), and poor to above-average jump heights. Our results show that using FT to estimate jump height without controlling for ankle position (allowing dorsiflexion) during the landing phase of the vertical jump can overestimate jump height by 18% in individuals of average stature and performing an average 30 cm jump or may overestimate by ≤60% for tall individuals performing a poor 10 cm jump, which is common for individuals jumping with added load. Nevertheless, as assessing jump heights based on FT is common practice, we offer a correction equation that can be used to reduce error, improving jump height measurement validity using the FT method allowing between-subject fair comparisons.

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BACKGROUND: Adjusting trunk inclination from a semi-recumbent position to a supine-flat position or vice versa in patients with respiratory failure significantly affects numerous aspects of respiratory physiology including respiratory mechanics, oxygenation, end-expiratory lung volume, and ventilatory efficiency. Despite these observed effects, the current clinical evidence regarding this positioning manoeuvre is limited. This study undertakes a scoping review of patients with respiratory failure undergoing mechanical ventilation to assess the effect of trunk inclination on physiological lung parameters. METHODS: The PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus databases were systematically searched from 2003 to 2023. INTERVENTIONS: Changes in trunk inclination. MEASUREMENTS: Four domains were evaluated in this study: 1) respiratory mechanics, 2) ventilation distribution, 3) oxygenation, and 4) ventilatory efficiency. RESULTS: After searching the three databases and removing duplicates, 220 studies were screened. Of these, 37 were assessed in detail, and 13 were included in the final analysis, comprising 274 patients. All selected studies were experimental, and assessed respiratory mechanics, ventilation distribution, oxygenation, and ventilatory efficiency, primarily within 60 min post postural change. CONCLUSION: In patients with acute respiratory failure, transitioning from a supine to a semi-recumbent position leads to decreased respiratory system compliance and increased airway driving pressure. Additionally, C-ARDS patients experienced an improvement in ventilatory efficiency, which resulted in lower PaCO2 levels. Improvements in oxygenation were observed in a few patients and only in those who exhibited an increase in EELV upon moving to a semi-recumbent position. Therefore, the trunk inclination angle must be accurately reported in patients with respiratory failure under mechanical ventilation.

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This document presents the ergonomic assessments carried out by Spanish surgeons on the materials used within an operating room. With the objective of disseminating and raising awareness of the importance of ergonomics, this working group has compiled information from a previously conducted survey on musculoskeletal disorders associated with surgical work from the year 2022, obtaining feedback from 131 surgeons from 17 distinct specialties. A noteworthy 80.2 % of surveyed surgeons reported having experienced forced postures during surgery, and 96.9 % believe that their physical discomfort is a result of the posture adopted during operations. Such postures can result in the development of pathologies and may have a direct impact on work performance and even in extreme cases, it can lead to sick leave or early retirement. By providing their insights on electronic devices, surgical furniture, and instrumentation, surgeons can help identify areas for improvement in the practice of their profession.

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En la literatura es posible encontrar numerosos estudios que han demostrado una estrecha relación anatómica, funcional, neurológica y fisiológica entre la oclusión, la mandíbula y las regiones del cuello.1,2,3,4 Se ha observado una coactivación entre los músculos mandibulares y el complejo cuello-hombros durante los movimientos mandibulares y al masticar. Un enfoque corporal más integral ha permitido demostrar que existen conexiones neuronales entre los sistemas sensoriales-motores de las aferencias trigeminales que provienen de las estructuras orales (oclusión, músculos, articulación temporomandibular, posición de la mandíbula) de la cara y de los músculos oculomotores, con el cuello,5,6 el sistema vestibular y el apoyo plantar, teniendo injerencia en la alineación corporal, estabilidad y control postural del cuerpo.7,8,9,10 A su vez, el sistema vestibular contribuye a la regulación de la actividad de los músculos maseteros.11,12,13,14,15 Cualquier alteración en el sistema de control postural puede influir sobre el sistema estomatognático.16,17 Desde este enfoque global neurofisiológico se analizará en este artículo la relación entre la mordida cruzada unilateral posterior y la laterodesviación mandibular con el sistema de control postural. La comprensión de la relación entre las disfunciones orales con las asimetrías y la función del control postural permite a la Odontología tener una mirada global del ser humano, poder establecer abordajes terapéuticos integrales y trabajar en interdisciplina con otros profesionales de la salud, alcanzando una mayor estabilidad, ergonomía postural y mayor eficiencia de gasto energético.18,19

In the literature it is possible to find numerous studies that have demonstrated a close anatomical, functional, neurological and physiological relationship between occlusion, jaw and neck regions.1,2,3,4 Coactivation between the mandibular muscles and the neck-shoulder complex has been observed during mandibular movements and chewing. A more global body approach has allowed to demonstrate that there are neural connections between the sensory-motor systems of the trigeminal afference that come from the oral structures (occlusion, muscles, temporomandibular joint, jaw position), the face,the oculomotor muscles, the neck,5,6 the vestibular system, and plantar support, having an influence on body alignment, stability and postural control of the body.7,8,9,10 In turn, the vestibular system contributes to the regulation of the activity of the masseter muscles.11,12,13,14,15 Any alteration in the postural control system can influence the Stomatognathic System.16,17 From this global neurophysiological approach, the relationship between posterior unilateral crossbite and mandibular lateral deviation will be analyzed in this article in connection with the postural control System. Understanding the relationship between oral dysfunctions with asymmetries and the function of postural control allows Dentistry to have a global view of the human being, being able to establish integral therapeutic approaches ininterdisciplinary work with other health professionals, achieving better stability, postural ergonomics and greater energy expenditure efficiency.

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INTRODUCTION: Helicopter pilots may present chronic low back pain due to vibration exposure and asymmetric posture during flight. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effects of a Pilates-based exercise program on low back pain of helicopter pilots of the Brazilian Air Force. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled trial with fifteen helicopter pilots of the Brazilian Air Force, who were assessed for pain intensity (Numerical Pain Rating Scale), disability associated with low back pain, and spine muscle endurance in three positions: trunk extension (Ito test) and left and right lateral bridge. Individuals were randomly distributed into the regular exercises group (REG) (n = 7), oriented to maintain their exercise routine, and Pilates group (PG) (n = 8), which performed an exercise program based on Pilates method twice a week for 12 weeks. Reassessments occurred after 6 and 12 weeks. Data were analyzed on SPSS 20.0 software using a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: PG showed a significant reduction in low back pain after 12 weeks of training compared with REG (mean difference of 3.5 points, p < 0.0001). We also observed increased endurance of trunk extensors (p = 0.002) and right (p = 0.001) and left lateral muscles (p = 0.001) in the PG compared with REG. However, the indexes of disability did not change between groups. CONCLUSION: Pain intensity was significantly reduced while spine muscle endurance increased in PG compared with REG after intervention; thus, Pilates-based exercises should be considered in physical conditioning programs for helicopter pilots.

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Nonlinear analyses have emerged as an approach to unraveling the intricate dynamics and underlying mechanisms of postural control, offering insights into the complex interplay of physiological and biomechanical factors. However, achieving a comprehensive understanding of the application of nonlinear analysis in postural control studies remains a challenge due to the various nonlinear measurement methods currently available. Thus, this scoping review aimed to identify existing nonlinear analyses used to study postural control in both dynamic and quiet tasks, and to summarize and disseminate the available literature on the use of nonlinear analysis in postural control. For this purpose, a scoping review was conducted and reported following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Checklist and Explanation. Searches were conducted up to July 2023 on PubMed/Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases, resulting in the inclusion of 397 unique studies. The main classes employed among the studies were entropy-based, fractal-based, quantification of recurrence plots, and quantification of stability, with a total of 91 different algorithms distributed among these classes. The most common condition used to study postural control was quiet standing, followed by dynamic standing and gait tasks. Although various algorithms were utilized for this purpose, sample entropy was employed in 43% of studies to explore mechanisms related to postural control. Among them, 28% were in quiet standing, 3.27% were in dynamic standing, and 4.78% to study postural control during the gait. The results also provide insights into nonlinear analysis for future studies, concerning the complexity and interactions within the postural control system across various task demands.

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Different forearm postures can modulate corticospinal excitability. However, there is no consensus on whether handedness plays a role in such a mechanism. This study investigated the effects of 3 forearm postures (pronation, neutral, and supination) on the corticospinal excitability of muscles from the dominant and nondominant upper limbs. Surface electromyography was recorded from the abductor digiti minimi, flexor pollicis brevis, and flexor carpi radialis from both sides of 12 right-handed volunteers. Transcranial magnetic stimulation pulses were applied to each muscle's hotspot in both cerebral hemispheres. Motor-evoked potential peak-to-peak amplitude and latency and resting motor threshold were measured. The data were evaluated by analysis of variance. The level of significance was set at 5%. The resting motor threshold was similar for the 3 muscles and both sides. Motor-evoked potential peak-to-peak amplitude from flexor pollicis brevis was lower during supination, and the dominant upper limb latency was longer. The flexor carpi radialis presented lower motor-evoked potential peak-to-peak amplitudes for neutral and shorter latencies during supination. Abductor digiti minimi seemed not to be affected by posture or side. Different muscles from dominant and nondominant sides may undergo corticospinal modulation, even distally localized from a particular joint and under rest.

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(1) Background: Home sleep apnea testing, known as polysomnography type 3 (PSG3), underestimates respiratory events in comparison with in-laboratory polysomnography type 1 (PSG1). Without head electrodes for scoring sleep and arousal, in a home environment, patients feel unfettered and move their bodies more naturally. Adopting a natural position may decrease obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity in PSG3, independently of missing hypopneas associated with arousals. (2) Methods: Patients with suspected OSA performed PSG1 and PSG3 in a randomized sequence. We performed an additional analysis, called reduced polysomnography, in which we blindly reassessed all PSG1 tests to remove electroencephalographic electrodes, electrooculogram, and surface electromyography data to estimate the impact of not scoring sleep and arousal-based hypopneas on the test results. A difference of 15 or more in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) between tests was deemed clinically relevant. We compared the group of patients with and without clinically relevant differences between lab and home tests (3) Results: As expected, by not scoring sleep, there was a decrease in OSA severity in the lab test, similar to the home test results. The group of patients with clinically relevant differences between lab and home tests presented more severe OSA in the lab compared to the other group (mean AHI, 42.5 vs. 20.2 events/h, p = 0.002), and this difference disappeared in the home test. There was no difference between groups in the shift of OSA severity by abolishing sleep scoring in the lab. However, by comparing lab and home tests, there were greater variations in supine AHI and time spent in the supine position in the group with a clinically relevant difference, either with or without scoring sleep, showing an impact of the site of the test on body position during sleep. These variations presented as a marked increase or decrease in supine outcomes according to the site of the test, with no particular trend. (4) Conclusions: In-lab polysomnography may artificially increase OSA severity in a subset of patients by inducing marked changes in body position compared to home tests. The location of the sleep test seems to interfere with the evaluation of patients with more severe OSA.

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BACKGROUND: Multifidus is an important lumbar muscle with distinct superficial and deep fibers responsible for torque production and stabilization, respectively. Its mechanical properties change when transitioning from lying to sitting positions, necessitating enhanced stability. It holds crucial clinical relevance to assess these layers separately, especially in the sitting posture, which demands increased neuromuscular control compared to the prone position. OBJECTIVE: To compare lumbar multifidus stiffness in lying versus sitting postures, analyzing both superficial and deep layers. METHODS: Supersonic Shear Imaging captured elastographic images from 26 asymptomatic volunteers in prone and seated positions. RESULTS: Left multifidus shear modulus in lying: 5.98 ± 1.80/7.96 ± 1.59 kPa (deep/superficial) and sitting: 12.58 ± 4.22/16.04 ± 6.65 kPa. Right side lying: 6.08 ± 1.97/7.80 ± 1.76 kPa and sitting: 13.25 ± 4.61/17.95 ± 7.12 kPa. No side differences (lying p= 0.99, sitting p= 0.43). However, significant inter-postural differences occurred. CONCLUSION: Lumbar multifidus exhibits increased stiffness in sitting, both layers affected, with superior stiffness in superficial versus deep fibers. Applying these findings could enhance assessing multifidus stiffness changes, for classifying tension-induced low back pain stages.

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BACKGROUND: The sculpting craft must adopt awkward postures that lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort (MD) and its associations with postural risk factors, demographics, and work characteristics among sculptors. They were determined the differences between MDs during the weeks of the study. METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted; MD was investigated using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). Posture was assessed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment method (RULA). Multivariate logistic regression (MLR) models analyzed associations with different factors. ANOVA was used to test for differences in MD prevalence. RESULTS: The analysis included 585 responses by body region. The prevalence of MD was high in the lower and upper limbs among sculptors (67.6%), with the lower back, upper arm, neck, and knees being the four most affected regions. Gender (female) (OR = 2.15), marital status (married) (OR = 1.80), health risk (obesity), the dual of a secondary job (OR = 1.94), job stress (OR = 2.10), duration of work (OR = 2.01), and difficulty keeping up with work (OR = 2.00) were significant predictors contributing to the occurrence of MD in different body regions. Only shoulder MD prevalence showed significant differences between study weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Sculptors suffer from MD. Demographic and work characteristic factors influence MD prevalence. Postural training, improved adaptation of work organization, and intervention guidance on ergonomic risks may reduce the prevalence of MD and the risk of MSDs in this population.

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BACKGROUND: The static sitting position contributes to increased pressure on the lumbar intervertebral disc, which can lead to dehydration and decreased disc height. OBJECTIVE: To systematically investigate the of sitting posture on degeneration of the lumbar intervertebral disc. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One researcher carried out a systematic literature search of articles with no language or time limits. Studies from 2006 to 2018 were found. The searches in all databases were carried out on January 28, 2022, using the following databases: Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) databases, and for the grey literature: Google scholar, CAPES Thesis and Dissertation Bank, and Open Grey. The acronym PECOS was used to formulate the question focus of this study: P (population) - male and female subjects; E (exposure) - sitting posture; C (comparison) - other posture or sitting posture in different periods; O (outcomes) - height and degeneration of the lumbar intervertebral disc(s), imaging exam; and S (study) - cross-sectional and case control. RESULTS: The risk of bias was in its moderate totality in its outcome: height and degeneration of the lumbar intervertebral disc(s) - imaging. Of the four selected studies, three found a decrease in the height of the disc(s) in sitting posture. CONCLUSION: The individual data from the manuscripts suggest that the sitting posture causes a reduction in the height of the lumbar intervertebral disc. It was also concluded that there is a need for new primary studies with a more in-depth design and sample size.

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BACKGROUND: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a rare inherited neuromuscular disease. At first, cardiac involvement may be asymptomatic. Therefore, assessing patients using non-invasive methods can help detect any changes. OBJECTIVES: Analyze the electrocardiogram (ECG) test and heart rate variability (HRV) of the DMD group and compare the information with that of the age-matched control group. METHODS: A prospective study with 27 male patients with DMD (11.9 years old), who underwent clinical evaluation, ECG, echocardiogram, and Holter monitoring. ECG (200% increase) was assessed by two independent observers. HRV was measured over time (24 h) and in the frequency domain, in the supine and sitting positions. The healthy group consisted of nine patients (11.0 years old). A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean ejection fraction (EF) was 60% (34 to 71%). The Kappa coefficient for ECG measurements ranged from 0.64 to 1.00. An increase in the R/S ratio in V1 was observed in 25.9% of the subjects, pathological Q wave in 29.6%, and fragmented QRS in 22.2% in inferior/high lateral regions, with a negative correlation with EF (p = 0.006). There was low HRV, without the influence of any variable, including treatment. With the change in position, there was an increase in HR (p = 0.004), but there was no change in HRV. The LF/HF ratio was 2.7 in the DMD group and 0.7 in the control group (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In DMD subjects, prominent R waves in V1 and changes in the inferior/high lateral regions occurred in almost 30% of the cases. Lower vagal tone was observed without the influence of the variables age, ejection fraction, QT dispersion, and treatment. Despite the increase in HR, there was no adequate HRV response to the change in position.

FUNDAMENTO: Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne (DMD) é uma doença neuromuscular hereditária rara. O acometimento cardíaco inicial pode ser assintomático. Portanto, a avaliação por métodos não invasivos pode auxiliar sua abordagem. OBJETIVOS: Analisar o eletrocardiograma (ECG) e a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) do grupo com DMD, e comparar com a do grupo controle pareado por idade. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo com 27 pacientes masculinos com DMD (idade de 11,9 anos) que foram submetidos à avaliação clínica, ECG, ecocardiograma e Holter. ECG (aumento de 200%) foi avaliado por dois observadores independentes. VFC foi feita no domínio do tempo (24 h) e da frequência na posição supina e sentada. O grupo saudável foi de nove pacientes (11,0 anos). Um valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significante. RESULTADOS: A média da fração de ejeção (FE) foi de 60% (34 a 71%). O coeficiente de Kappa para as medidas do ECG variou de 0,64 a 1,00. Foram verificados aumento da relação R/S em V1 em 25,9%, onda Q patológica em 29,6% e QRS fragmentado em 22,2% em regiões inferior/lateral alta, este com correlação negativa com FE (p = 0,006). Houve baixa VFC, sem influência de nenhuma variável, inclusive tratamento. Com a mudança da posição, houve aumento da FC (p = 0,004), porém não houve alteração da VFC. A relação LF/HF foi de 2,7 na DMD e de 0,7 no controle (p = 0,002). CONCLUSÕES: Nos participantes com DMD, as ondas R proeminentes em V1 e alterações nas regiões inferior/lateral alta ocorreram em quase 30% dos casos. Houve menor tônus vagal sem influência das variáveis idade, fração de ejeção, dispersão do QT e tratamento. Apesar do aumento da FC, não houve resposta adequada da VFC com a mudança de posição.

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Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effects of different magnification systems on the angular deviations of the neck and trunk and the muscle activities of the upper back and neck during preclinical cavity preparation. Methods: This was an experimental laboratory study, with the angular deviations from the neutral positions of the neck and trunk and the activities of the bilateral upper back (the descending and ascending trapezius) and neck (sternocleidomastoid) muscles as the dependent variables. The independent variables were the different magnification systems used (Simple, Galilean, and Keplerian loupes, with direct vision as the control) and prepared teeth (teeth 16, 26, 36, and 46). A dental mannequin phantom head with artificial resin teeth was used, and Class I cavity preparations for composite resin were performed on teeth 16, 26, 36, and 46 using a 1012 round diamond bur at low speed. To analyze the angular deviations, the postures adopted during the procedure were recorded using a tripod-mounted camera positioned to provide a lateral view of the operator. A trained researcher measured the angular deviations using the software entitled "Software for Postural Assessment"-SAPO (version 0.69). Bilateral muscle activity was assessed using surface electromyography. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and after verifying the assumptions of normality and homoscedasticity, two-way analysis of variance and the Tukey and Games-Howell post-hoc tests were used to compare the data (α=0.05). Results: The angular deviation from the neutral position of the neck was found to be significantly higher during cavity preparations performed with the naked eye and the Simple loupe, irrespective of the prepared tooth. With regard to tooth location, the angular deviation of the neck was significantly greater during cavity preparation on teeth 16 and 26, and the angular deviation of the trunk was significantly greater during cavity preparation on tooth 26, regardless of the magnification system used. There were significant differences in right sternocleidomastoid muscle activity between the Simple, Galilean, and Keplerian loupes, with activity being the lowest for the Galilean loupe (p = 0.008). There were no significant differences in left sternocleidomastoid muscle activity between the loupes, regardless of the prepared tooth (p = 0.077). The activities of the bilateral descending trapezius and the right ascending trapezius muscles were significantly lower when the Galilean loupe was used (p < 0.010). Conclusion: These results suggest that the Galilean loupe resulted in lower muscle activity in the neck and back regions and that the Galilean and Keplerian loupes resulted in less angular deviations of the neck and trunk during cavity preparation.

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This research aimed to determine whether triceps surae delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) affects stability while performing different postural control tasks requiring upright and landing stabilization. Twenty-four participants who self-reported as healthy were recruited. Pre and 48 h after a protocol to induce DOMS in the triceps surae, participants were evaluated for DOMS perception, pressure pain threshold, and postural control (assessed by the center of pressure, CoP) during different standing and landing stabilization tasks. We found higher DOMS perception and lower pressure pain threshold 48 h after the exercise. Mediolateral CoP displacement was more sensitive to DOMS across different postural tasks, but no effects were found for bilateral standing. The landing time to stabilization elicited high individual variability in the presence of DOMS. Effects of DOMS in the performance of less challenging tasks, such as bipedal standing, were not found. We conclude that DOMS in the triceps surae impairs mediolateral postural control during challenging tasks such as unilateral standing and body forward lean. It highlights the need for caution and individualized approaches when incorporating movements requiring frontal plane control in training and rehabilitation sessions under the presence of DOMS.

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OBJECTIVES: To analyze the association between occupational ergonomic risk, personal characteristics, and working conditions with the biomechanical properties of stiffness and muscular tone in the paravertebral muscles of electric pallet jack and forklift operators in the industrial sector. METHODS: A total of 75 industrial sector machine operators were evaluated in 2021. Personal characteristics and working conditions were assessed through a questionnaire. Ergonomic risk was assessed using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method, and biomechanical properties of stiffness and muscular tone were obtained using the Myoton Pro device. Stiffness in paravertebral muscles was compared based on the operated machine and observed ergonomic risk. A multilevel linear regression model was employed to quantify the relationship, with mean differences and 95% CI calculated. RESULTS: Very high ergonomic risk was found in 75% of the electric pallet truck drivers. In this group with the highest ergonomic risk, an association between biomechanical properties and older workers was observed. Additionally, among electric pallet truck drivers, stiffness (mean difference 335.9 N/m, 95% CI: 46.4 (3.4 to 110.0), P < 0.05) and paravertebral muscle tone (mean difference 17.5 Hz, 95% CI: 1.4 (0.1 to 3.4), P < 0.05) showed statistically significant differences in the very high ergonomic risk category compared to the high-risk category. No significant differences were observed in any of the analyzed variables among forklift drivers. CONCLUSIONS: Workers operating electric pallet trucks with very high ergonomic risk according to the REBA method and aged over 40 yr are associated with increased muscle stiffness and tone.

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Incorrect limb position while lifting heavy weights might compromise athlete success during weightlifting performance, similar to the way that it increases the risk of muscle injuries during resistance exercises, regardless of the individual's level of experience. However, practitioners might not have the necessary background knowledge for self-supervision of limb position and adjustment of the lifting position when improper movement occurs. Therefore, the computerized analysis of movement patterns might assist people in detecting changes in limb position during exercises with different loads or enhance the analysis of an observer with expertise in weightlifting exercises. In this study, hidden Markov models (HMMs) were employed to automate the detection of joint position and barbell trajectory during back squat exercises. Ten volunteers performed three lift movements each with a 0, 50, and 75% load based on body weight. A smartphone was used to record the movements in the sagittal plane, providing information for the analysis of variance and identifying significant position changes by video analysis (p < 0.05). Data from individuals performing the same movements with no added weight load were used to train the HMMs to identify changes in the pattern. A comparison of HMMs and human experts revealed between 40% and 90% agreement, indicating the reliability of HMMs for identifying changes in the control of movements with added weight load. In addition, the results highlighted that HMMs can detect changes imperceptible to the human visual analysis.

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With the enforcement of social distancing due to the pandemic, a need to conduct postural assessments through remote care arose. So, this study aimed to assess the intra- and inter-rater reproducibility of the Remote Static Posture Assessment (ARPE) protocol's Postural Checklist. The study involved 51 participants, with the postural assessment conducted by two researchers. For intra-rater reproducibility assessment, one rater administered the ARPE protocol twice, with an interval of 7-days between assessments (test-retest). A second independent rater assessed inter-rater reproducibility. Kappa statistics (k) and percentage agreement (%C) were used, with a significance level of 0.05. The intra-rater reproducibility analysis indicated high reliability, k values varied from 0.921 to 1.0, with %C ranging from 94% to 100% for all items on the ARPE protocol's Postural Checklist. Inter-rater reproducibility indicates reliability ranging from slight to good, k values exceeded 0.4 for the entire checklist, except for four items: waists in the frontal photograph (k = 0.353), scapulae in the rear photograph (k = 0.310), popliteal line of the knees in the rear photograph (k = 0.270), and foot posture in the rear photograph (k = 0.271). Nonetheless, %C surpassed 50% for all but the scapulae item (%C = 47%). The ARPE protocol's Postural Checklist is reproducible and can be administered by the same or different raters for static posture assessment. However, when used by distinct raters, the items waists (front of the frontal plane), scapulae, popliteal line of the knees, and feet (rear of the frontal plane) should not be considered.

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Lagerpeton chanarensis is an early avemetatarsalian from the lower Carnian (lowermost Upper Triassic) levels of the Chañares Formation, La Rioja Province, Argentina. Lagerpeton and its kin were traditionally interpreted as dinosaur precursors of cursorial habits, with a bipedal posture and parasagittal gait. Some authors also speculated saltatorial capabilities for this genus. Recent analyses indicate that lagerpetids are early-diverging pterosauromorphs, a hypothesis that invites a review of most aspects of their anatomy and function. A revision of available specimens and additional preparation of previously known individuals indicate that Lagerpeton lacked a parasagittal gait and was probably a sprawling archosaur. This latter inference is based on the femoral head articulation with the acetabulum. The acetabular rim has a strongly laterally projected posteroventral antitrochanteric corner, which results in a position of the legs that recalls that of sprawling living reptiles, such as lizards, and departs from the parasagittally positioned limbs of dinosaurs. This may indicate that early pterosauromorphs had a sprawling posture of their hindlegs, casting doubts on the significance of bipedal posture and parasagittal gait for the radiation of early ornithodirans, given that both traits have been regarded as key features that triggered the ecological and evolutionary success of the clade. Our results bolster recent claims of a high ecomorphological diversity among early avemetatarsalians.

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PURPOSE: In the natural environment, humans must continuously negotiate irregular and unpredictable terrain. Recently, the poles have been extensively used during trial running events. However, we know little about how humans adjust posture and bilateral coordination to use poles in irregular terrain. Here, we compared kinematics, bilateral coordination and perceptual responses between regular (compact dust) and irregular terrain (medium-length grass) during running at preferred speed with and without poles. METHODS: In this transversal observational study, thirteen young healthy adults (8 men; mean ± SD; age 29.1 ± 8.0 years, body mass 76.8 ± 11.4 kg; height 1.75 ± 0.08 m) were evaluated during running at a self-selected comfortable speed with and without poles on regular and irregular terrains. RESULTS: Our results show that, despite more flexed pattern on lower-limb joints at irregular terrain, the usage of poles was not enough to re-stabilize the bilateral coordination. Also, the perceived exertion was impaired adding poles to running, probably due to more complex movement pattern using poles in comparison to free running, and the invariance in the bilateral coordination. CONCLUSION: Besides the invariability of usage poles on bilateral coordination and lower-limb kinematics, the runners seem to prioritize postural stability over lower limb stiffness when running in medium-length grass given the larger range of ankle and knee motion observed in irregular terrain. Further investigations at rougher/hilly terrains will likely provide additional insights into the neuromotor control strategies used to maintain the stability and on perceptual responses using poles during running.

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A chain formation strategy based on mobile frames for a set of n differential drive mobile robots is presented. Considering two consecutive robots in the formation, robots Ri and Ri+1. It is intended that robot Ri+1 follows the delayed trajectory, τ units of time, of the leader robot Ri. In this way, the follower robot Ri+1 becomes the leader robot for robot Ri+ 2 in the formation and so on. With this formation policy, the trailing distance between two consecutive robots varies accordingly to the velocity of the Ri leader robot. Mobile frames are located on the body of the vehicles, in such a way that the position of robot Ri is determined with respect to the frame located on Ri+1 robot. The strategy relies on the fact that the general leader robot R1 describes any trajectory generated by bounded linear v1(t) and angular ω1(t) velocities. For the remaining vehicles in the string, the strategy considers a desired trajectory for the follower robot Ri+1 obtained by an estimation of the delayed trajectory of the leader robot Ri. This desired estimated trajectory is obtained under the knowledge of the actual and past input velocities of the Ri robot. To formally prove the convergence of the formation strategy, the equations describing the time variation of the relative posture between any pair of consecutive vehicles in the formation are obtained, and a feedback law based on local measurements is proposed to get the convergence of robot Ri+1 to the delayed trajectory, τ units of time, of the trajectory previously described by robot Ri. Lyapunov techniques are considered for this fact. The effectiveness of the chain formation solution is evaluated by means of numerical simulations and real time experiments showing an adequate convergence.

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