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Biomedical subjects

C Almström

Publications and source records attributed to C Almström.

16 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

A carbohydrate-rich drink reduces preoperative discomfort in elective surgery patients.

UNLABELLED: We studied the effects of different preoperative oral fluid protocols on preoperative discomfort, residual gastric fluid volumes, and gastric acidity. Two-hundred-fifty-two elective abdominal surgery patients (ASA physical status I-II) were randomized to preparation with a 12.5% carbohydrate drink (CHO), placebo (flavored water), or overnight fasting. The CHO and Placebo groups were double-blinded and were given 800 mL to drink on the evening before and 400 mL on the morning of surgery. Visual analog scales were used to score 11 different discomfort variables. CHO did not increase gastric fluid volumes or affect acidity, and there were no adverse events. The visual analog scale scores in a control situation were not different between groups. During the waiting period before surgery, the CHO-treated group was less hungry and less anxious than both the other groups (P < or = 0.05). CHO reduced thirst as effectively as placebo (P < 0.0001 versus Fasted). Trend analysis showed consistently decreasing thirst, hunger, anxiety, malaise, and unfitness in the CHO group (P < 0.05). The Placebo group experienced decreasing unfitness and malaise, whereas nausea, tiredness, and inability to concentrate increased (P < 0.05). In the Fasted group, hunger, thirst, tiredness, weakness, and inability to concentrate increased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CHO significantly reduces preoperative discomfort without adversely affecting gastric contents. IMPLICATIONS: Discomfort during the period of waiting before elective surgery can be reduced if patients are prepared with a carbohydrate-rich drink, compared with preoperative oral intake of water or overnight fasting. Visual analog scales can provide useful information about preoperative discomfort in elective surgery patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Working on a moving surface--a biomechanical analysis of musculo-skeletal load due to ship motions in combination with work.

Ship motions are recognized by fishermen as a cause of high musculo-skeletal load. In the present study, the motions of a Swedish trawler at sea were registered over three degrees of freedom. Simultaneously, the working postures of a fisherman on board were registered in the sagittal plane during five different working situations: (1) standing erect in still conditions; (2) holding a load of 21 kg in still conditions; (3) standing erect during motion of the ship; (4) standing during motion of the ship, holding a load of 21 kg; and (5) repeatedly lifting and lowering a 21 kg load during motion of the ship. All registrations were sampled using a computer where data were processed in a two-dimensional, dynamic biomechanics model, developed for this particular purpose. Vertical and horizontal forces as well as moments were calculated for seven major joint systems of the body, as was compression at the L4/L5 vertebral level. In situation (3), ship motions were mainly counteracted by motions in the lower extremity and lumbar back, thus inducing increased strain in these parts of the body; other parts of the body were little affected. Holding a load considerably increased the load on most joints. Lifting the load further increased the musculo-skeletal strain and also increased the range of moments in each joint as well as the range of lumbar compression. Moment at the C7 vertebral level was relatively unaffected by ship motions and by handling external loads.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1987

Enprostil and cimetidine: comparative efficacy and safety in patients with duodenal ulcer.

The safety and efficacy of enprostil, 35 micrograms twice daily, and of cimetidine, 400 mg twice daily, in the treatment of duodenal ulcers were compared in a randomized, double-blind, parallel, multiclinic study. Endoscopy was performed before treatment and at 2-week intervals for 6 weeks or until the ulcer healed. Patients recorded their drug compliance, antacid use, ulcer symptoms, and adverse experiences daily. One hundred and six patients entered the trial, of which 104 were eligible for the initial endoscopy analysis. Base-line characteristics were similar in the two treatment groups. The cumulative healing rates in the enprostil group were 56%, 86%, and 92% at 2, 4, and 6 weeks, respectively, and those in the cimetidine group were 53%, 84%, and 90% (NS). The healing rates for nonsmokers at 6 weeks were 96% in the enprostil group and 97% in the cimetidine group, which were significantly greater than those for smokers--88% and 81%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the duration, severity, or frequency of daytime or nighttime pain between the groups. Seventeen of the enprostil patients (32%) reported 21 adverse experiences during the trial, and 20 of the cimetidine patients (39%) reported 23 adverse experiences. No patients withdrew because of adverse experiences. The two drugs were similarly safe and effective in the treatment of duodenal ulcer.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Electromyographic analysis of shoulder muscle load.

The influence of hand tool weight and arm position on shoulder muscle load was studied by electromyography. The investigation was made to facilitate recommendations on work place design. The aim is to reduce the occurrence of occupational shoulder disorders in industry. Nine volunteers held 21 different arm positions with the hand over waist level. In each position, the hand was loaded with 0, 1, and 2 kg. Each load was maintained for 15 s. The myoelectric activity in six shoulder muscles was recorded and analyzed automatically with respect to the amplitude. The results indicate that the degree of upper arm elevation is the most important parameter influencing shoulder muscle load. Short rotator muscles stabilizing the shoulder joint were found to be more hand-load dependent than the deltoid muscle. The ergonomic implications of this study are that work situations should be designed so that the arm can be kept close to the body and the hand load minimized.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Relation of intramuscular pressure to the force output and myoelectric signal of skeletal muscle.

The force output of the biceps brachii muscle during static isometric contractions was studied in 26 arms of 23 subjects in relation to the simultaneously recorded level of the electromyogram (EMG) and the intra-muscular pressure (IMP). The EMG was picked up with wire electrodes and the IMP recorded through wick catheters or by infusion technique. The load at the wrist was monitored using a force transducer. A near linear relationship with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.96 was shown between the load on the wrist on the one hand and IMP and EMG on the other. The regression coefficients of the relation between the load and IMP or EMG varied considerably between individuals and between different measuring points in the same individual. In cases where the correlation between the wrist load on one hand and the IMP and EMG on the other was poor because of varying synergistic interaction between the flexor muscles, the EMG and IMP were always well correlated. This means that they change in the same way when the mechanical output of the muscle varies. This was also the case in three experiments where the IMP and EMG from all three elbow flexors were recorded while the subjects changed from a supinated to a pronated position supporting a constant load on the wrist. Considering these observations we present indirect evidence that IMP and the level of the EMG signal both are good estimators of isolated muscular force under isometric static conditions and over limited time.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

The relation between spectral changes of the myoelectric signal and the intramuscular pressure of human skeletal muscle.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate if the intramuscular pressure generated during an isometric muscle contraction is important for the appearance of EMG spectral changes accompanying localized muscular fatigue. The EMG and intramuscular pressure of the left biceps brachii in eight volunteers were recorded during standardized isometric contractions by means of intramuscular wire electrodes and infusion catheters, respectively. Spectral changes were elicited by a submaximal contraction and the intramuscular pressure at which the induced spectral changes were able to recover was determined. It was found that significant recovery was possible only if the intramuscular pressure dropped below a level of about 2.7 kPa (20 mm Hg). It is concluded that the intramuscular pressure during a sustained isometric contraction is relevant for the generation of fatigue induced spectral changes, and that measurement of the intramuscular pressure makes possible predetermination of whether or not an isometric muscle contraction is liable to result in localized muscular fatigue.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Experience with Swedish multifunctional prosthetic hands controlled by pattern recognition of multiple myoelectric signals.

Clinical experience with two types of multifunctional prosthetic hand, controlled by pattern recognition of multiple myoelectric signals is reported. The prostheses have been used for between one and five years by five patients. The pattern recognition control system enabled the patients to control six separate movements accurately after a short period of training. One of the tested prostheses, the SVEN-hand, was not reliable enough to allow clinical use outside the laboratory. The ES-hand, a second generation multifunctional prosthesis, has promising features, being self-contained and fast moving. It is concluded that multi-functional prosthetic hands help amputees to avoid tiresome and awkward compensatory movements. Their scope, however, does not extend beyond that of conventional myoelectric prostheses. Their combined movements are cosmetically more appealing than a single three-point grip. In order to gain wider acceptance, multifunctional prosthetic hands must reach a state of development comparable to conventional myoelectric devices particularly with regard to weight and compactness. A pattern recognition control system is essential to the design.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Clinical application study of multifunctional prosthetic hands.

A control system for a multifunctional hand prosthesis, which requires a minimum of training for the amputee, has been developed. The great advantage of the pattern recognition technique in making it possible to control as many as six prosthetic movements has prompted this study. The development of a complete miniaturised system has allowed a clinical trial on four patients. Two different tests have been employed to evaluate this system: an objective computer test and a test representing activities of daily living (ADL test). The computer test shows that a high rate of correct recognition is obtained immediately after the prosthesis is applied to the amputee. The ADL test shows that forearm rotation, and flexion and extension of the wrist are used in most activities, indicating that few compensatory movements are performed. It is suggested that this control system is feasible and that long periods of training are unnecessary.

Activities of Daily Living↗