RESUMO
Conventional footplates place physical burden on helpers due to various incidents with the footplates and the need to bend over to operate the footplate. Therefore, we examined the introduction of a semi-automated retractable footplate with a ratchet mechanism (hereafter, semi-automated retractable footrest) and investigated its safety and convenience. Both patients and staff reported that the semi-automated retractable footrest was useful. We also found that the semi-automated retractable footrest was free of incidents, reduced physical burden, and enabled helpers to avoid contamination of their hands. However, we also found aspects of the semi-automated retractable footrest that need to be improved.
RESUMO
We investigated the actual condition of patients treated by acupuncture and moxibution in Ibaragi Prefecture.<br>Subjects were 1823 patients (846 men, 977 women) under the treatment of 14 acupuncture clinics in September to November, 1985.<br>We prepared the evaluated list that consisted of 11 levels of activities of daily life and 8 degrees of pain.<br>In every treatment, we wrote down the patient's clinical progress in relation with the list.<br>The following results were obtained<br>1. There were many patients in thier forties and fifties.<br>2. There were many patients who received only one treatment.<br>3. The chief complaints were low back pains (509 patients), shoulder discomfort (273) knee joint pain (132), etc.<br>4. Most of the patients could still go on with thier daily lives in spite of the pains.<br>5. The effects of treatment were rated as follows; better 69.5%, no change 23.9%, worse 5.9%.