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Biomedical subjects

B E Kent

Publications and source records attributed to B E Kent.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Relationship between verbal command volume and magnitude of muscle contraction.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesized correlation between volume of a verbal command and magnitude of a resulting voluntary isometric muscular contraction, using a withdrawal-reinstatement (ABAB) research design. Nineteen volunteer male subjects between the ages of 18 and 30 years performed isometric contractions of the triceps brachii muscles in response to prerecorded verbal commands. With a volume increase of 22 decibels A scale, subjects averaged an 8 percent increase in muscle contraction strength, a difference that was significant at the .05 level. Through an awareness and use of the effects of voice volume on muscular contraction, the therapist may be able to improve the accuracy and consistency of examination methods, and increase the efficacy and efficiency of therapeutic procedures.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Non-operative treatment of the torn anterior cruciate ligament.

The purpose of this study was to assess and describe the status of twenty-four patients with a diagnosed tear of the anterior cruciate ligament who participated in a non-operative program of rehabilitation emphasizing strengthening of the hamstrings. The knees were evaluated by testing stability, strength, and range of motion; by roentgenographic examination; and by the patient's level of participation in sports. The patient's uninjured knee was used for comparison. The results showed a high incidence of anterior instability, but no significant differences in degenerative changes or range of motion. All patients returned to some sports participation, with fourteen (59 per cent) returning to their full preinjury level of participation. Higher levels of sports participation were found in the patients whose hamstrings strength was equal to or more than their quadriceps strength.

Adolescent↗

Orthopedic manual therapy--an overview. Part I: the extremities.

Part 1 of an introductory overview of orthopedic manual therapy is presented, covering evaluation and treatment of the extremities. The first section defines introductory concepts about passive movement, including types of movement, limitations of movement, and types of treatment movements. The remaining four sections cover general concepts, evaluation schemes, and treatment procedures of four practitioners belonging to different schools of thought in orthopedic manual therapy: James Cyriax, MD, MRCP; Freddy Kaltenborn, DO, RPT; Geoffrey Maitland, MAPA, FCSP; and John McM Mennell, MD. The conclusion stresses the importance of developing skills in evaluation, as well as treatment, prior to practicing orthopedic manual therapy.

Extremities↗

Computer-assisted diagnosis of orthopedic gait disorders.

A computer program was developed to help diagnose orthopedic gait disorders. Designing and implementing the program, as well as the program's method of operation are described. The main features of the program include: a knowledge base of facts about orthopedic gait, organized into premise-conclusion pairs; a goal-directed reasoning chain that causally relates the facts; and a symbolic structure that allows limited English discourse between the user and the computer. Results of the project indicate that the complex area of gait analysis does lend itself to diagnosis by computer and that this prototype has potential as an aid to physical therapists in the classroom and in the clinic.

Audiovisual Aids↗