ABSTRACT
@#The ground reaction force (GRF) is the equal opposing load transfer from the body to the ground, also called vertical load transfer. The GRF would produce stress waves transmitted toward the lower extremities during the heel strike of a gait cycle. Too much force imposed on the lower extremities for an extended period will cause harmful effects such as injuries or alterations in gait. This article presents a review of the literature on GRF analysis among adults with lower limb problems where comparisons between healthy and unhealthy subjects were analyzed, focusing on the compensation in each lower limb. A literature search of published articles in Science Direct and PubMed databases from August 2015 to March 2021 was analyzed. The keywords used for the search were (plantar force OR vertical load transfer OR ground reaction force) AND (lower limb OR lower extremities OR leg OR foot) AND (impairment OR problem OR injury). The literature search identified 22 relevant studies which were screened independently by two reviewers. Lower limb problems such as unilateral transfemoral amputation, unilateral transtibial amputation, patellofemoral pain, anterior cruciate ligament injury, knee arthroplasty, knee osteoarthritis, diabetic foot, total hip replacement, pronated foot proved to alter the GRF significantly. Patients used to shift their weight on the opposite leg as compensation, which acts as a pain-free mechanism. This paper has provided sufficient understanding regarding GRF among adults with lower limb problems. The knowledge concerning compensation may help physical therapists implement the appropriate intervention for patients with lower limb problems.
ABSTRACT
@#The spoken language development strongly depends on the normally functioning auditory system. For children with severe or profound hearing loss, cochlear implant has become the best solution in improving and promoting spoken language, quality of life, self-esteem and social well-being. Standardized self-report questionnaires are considered as the most widely used and low-cost approach to measure spoken language development among children. We aimed to provide an overview of the questionnaires available for assessing the spoken language development among children with cochlear implant. In addition, factors that may influence the development of good spoken language were also reviewed. A literature search from January 2010 to December 2020 making use of the Science Direct and PubMed databases was conducted. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and other key words for the search were (communication OR language) AND cochlear implant AND (children OR pediatric) AND (questionnaire OR survey). Research articles that were identified in the database using the keywords were refined by year. Only original articles were selected. Articles that quoted all the selected key words in the title and abstract; and written in English with full text were included in the review. Twelve instruments were utilized in the methodology of the 10 articles. Only one instrument was specific for spoken language assessment of children with cochlear implant. The age at which a child received an implant, good rehabilitation program and active involvement of parents was found to influence development of good spoken language skills among the cochlear implanted children. Cochlear implants provide deaf children with the opportunity to develop spoken language skills. Longer use of a cochlear implant dramatically affects the amount of spoken language. Rather, it was cochlear implantation at a younger age that served to assists spoken language competence.
ABSTRACT
There is limited information regarding gender differences in spinal morphological attributes among healthy young adultsalthough alterations have been reported to influence postural changes, mainly with forward-bending and extensionpostures. The aim of this preliminary study was to examine gender differences in spinal morphological attributes oflumbar extensor muscles that includes its muscle fibre angles, thickness, endurance and thoracolumbar curvature amongyoung adults. Nineteen male and 26 female healthy young adults (aged 21-24 years) matched for age, body mass indexand physical activity levels participated in this preliminary study. Fibre angles and thickness of lumbar extensor muscleswere examined using ultrasonography. Lumbar extensor muscle endurance and thoracolumbar curvatures were assessedusing Sorenson’s test and a flexible ruler respectively. Paired t-test showed a significant mean difference (p < 0.01)between the right and left fibre angles. However, no significant mean difference (p = 0.50) was found between the rightand left muscle thickness. Results of independent t-test showed a significant difference (p < 0.01) in muscle thicknessbetween males and females. No significant differences were shown in right fibre angle (p = 0.12), left fibre angle (p =0.89), muscle endurance (p = 0.46), thoracic curvature (p = 0.76) and lumbar curvature (p = 0.06) between genders.There were no gender differences in spinal morphological attributes except for lumbar extensor muscle thickness inyoung adults age between 21 to 24. This study data may be useful as an initial reference norm of spinal morphologicalattributes among young adults. Further studies may be required to examine the factors that may influence changes inspinal morphological attributes among healthy adults.