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Biomedical subjects

G Stratton

Publications and source records attributed to G Stratton.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Biological risk indicators for recurrent non-specific low back pain in adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: A matched case-control study was carried out to evaluate biological risk indicators for recurrent non-specific low back pain in adolescents. METHODS: Adolescents with recurrent non-specific low back pain (symptomatic; n = 28; mean (SD) age 14.9 (0.7) years) and matched controls (asymptomatic; n = 28; age 14.9 (0.7) years) with no history of non-specific low back pain participated. Measures of stature, mass, sitting height, sexual maturity (Tanner self assessment), lateral flexion of the spine, lumbar sagittal plane mobility (modified Schober), hip range of motion (Leighton flexometer), back and hamstring flexibility (sit and reach), and trunk muscle endurance (number of sit ups) were performed using standardised procedures with established reliability. Backward stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed, with the presence/absence of recurrent low back pain as the dependent variable and the biological measures as the independent variables. RESULTS: Hip range of motion, trunk muscle endurance, lumbar sagittal plane mobility, and lateral flexion of the spine were identified as significant risk indicators of recurrent low back pain (p<0.05). Follow up analysis indicated that symptomatic subjects had significantly reduced lateral flexion of the spine, lumbar sagittal plane mobility, and trunk muscle endurance (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hip range of motion, abdominal muscle endurance, lumbar flexibility, and lateral flexion of the spine were risk indicators for recurrent non-specific low back pain in a group of adolescents. These risk indicators identify the potential for exercise as a primary or secondary prevention method.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Improving health-enhancing physical activity in girls' physical education.

This study examined the effectiveness of an intervention to increase levels of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) during girls' physical education lessons. Two Year 7 classes (age 11-12 years) were randomly appointed to control and experimental groups. Both followed the same six-lesson unit of gymnastics with identical lesson objectives. The experimental class teacher included the additional objective of increasing MVPA during each lesson. MVPA was assessed in all six lessons using heart rate (HR) monitoring and systematic observation. After each lesson, students' intrinsic motivation and perceived competence were assessed, and the teachers evaluated whether they had met planned objectives. The experimental group engaged in more MVPA [F(1, 21) = 8.49, P = 0.008 (HR), t8 = -2.35, P = 0.048 (observation)] than the control group and also had most opportunities for skill practice (t8 = -2.81, P = 0.023). Intrinsic motivation and perceived competence levels were similar between the groups for each lesson, and teachers reported that lesson objectives were satisfactorily achieved. This intervention succeeded in increasing MVPA without compromising intrinsic motivation, perceived competence or planned lesson objectives.

Aptitude↗
PubMed2004

'Physical education makes you fit and healthy'. Physical education's contribution to young people's physical activity levels.

The purpose of this study was to assess physical activity levels during high school physical education lessons. The data were considered in relation to recommended levels of physical activity to ascertain whether or not physical education can be effective in helping young people meet health-related goals. Sixty-two boys and 60 girls (aged 11-14 years) wore heart rate telemeters during physical education lessons. Percentages of lesson time spent in moderate-and-vigorous (MVPA) and vigorous intensity physical activity (VPA) were recorded for each student. Students engaged in MVPA and VPA for 34.3 +/- 21.8 and 8.3 +/- 11.1% of lesson time, respectively. This equated to 17.5 +/- 12.9 (MVPA) and 3.9 +/- 5.3 (VPA) min. Boys participated in MVPA for 39.4 +/- 19.1% of lesson time compared to the girls (29.1 +/- 23.4%; P < 0.01). High-ability students were more active than the average- and low-ability students. Students participated in most MVPA during team games (43.2 +/- 19.5%; P < 0.01), while the least MVPA was observed during movement activities (22.2 +/- 20.0%). Physical education may make a more significant contribution to young people's regular physical activity participation if lessons are planned and delivered with MVPA goals in mind.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

A school-based survey of recurrent non-specific low-back pain prevalence and consequences in children.

The aim of this investigation was to provide evidence of the prevalence and consequences of recurrent low-back pain in children from Northwest England. A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving a standardized questionnaire with established reliability and validity. A cross-sectional sample of 500 boys (n = 249) and girls (n = 251) aged between 10 and 16 years participated in the study. Average lifetime prevalence of low-back pain was 40.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 38.7-41.6]. Most cases of low-back pain were acute episodes that did not lead to disabling consequences. In contrast, 13.1% (95% CI = 12.5-13.7) experienced recurrent low-back pain that led to disabling consequences; 23.1% visited a medical practitioner, 30.8% experienced loss of physical activity/sports and 26.2% had been absent from school because of low-back pain. Recurrent low-back pain was particularly evident during late adolescence where one in five children were cases. The health education implications of low-back pain in children are discussed. It was concluded that low-back pain is a common complaint during childhood, although most cases are acute episodes that represent little health consequence. In contrast, some children experience recurrent low-back pain that can lead to disabling consequences. Future research should focus on recurrent low-back pain cases since they often led to disabling consequences.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Effect of changing to a self-selected vegetarian diet on anthropometric measurements in UK adults.

BACKGROUND: Vegetarians are often a little leaner compared with nonvegetarians and suffer less from obesity and its associated complications than nonvegetarians. Whether this is because of not eating meat specifically is unclear. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether changing to a self-selected vegetarian diet resulted in changes to anthropometric measurements. Design Subjects (n = 33; seven males and 26 females) who were in the earliest stages of becoming vegetarian were observed for 6 months. Data on dietary intake, using a 3-day estimated dietary diary, and body composition were obtained at baseline and after 6 months of following a self-selected vegetarian diet. RESULTS: Dietary calculations showed that on changing to a self-selected vegetarian diet, there was a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in energy intake (8.9 MJ day(-1) versus 8.1 MJ day(-1)), and in the proportion of energy from saturated fatty acids (12.9% versus 11.3%) and a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the proportion of energy from carbohydrates (44.9% versus 47.5%) and in intake of nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) (1.6 g MJ(-1) versus 2.0 g MJ(-1)). Significant reductions in mid-upper arm circumference, calculated body fat, biceps and triceps skinfolds and waist and hip circumferences were observed. No reduction in body weight was observed. CONCLUSION: The findings of our study suggest that significant dietary changes, helping people to conform more closely to current dietary recommendations, occurred when people became vegetarian. In this study we did not find any significant change in body weight, but significant reductions were observed in skinfold thickness and waist : height ratio which imply that on changing to a self-selected vegetarian diet, the subjects became leaner.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2002

Changing from a mixed to self-selected vegetarian diet--influence on blood lipids.

OBJECTIVE: To observe any changes in serum concentrations of lipids, when UK meat-eaters switch to a self selected vegetarian diet for 6 months. DESIGN: Observational study using capillary blood samples and 3-day estimated dietary diary. SETTING: Free-living subjects in the North-West of England. SUBJECTS: Twelve male and 31 female adult volunteers aged between 18 and 42 years. OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum lipids; nutrient intake and anthropometric measurements at baseline and 6 months after switching to a self-selected vegetarian diet. RESULTS: Total energy intake and amount of energy derived from saturated fatty acids decreased significantly after changing to a vegetarian diet (P < 0.05) whereas energy derived from carbohydrate, and intakes of nonstarch polysaccharide intake increased. On switching to a vegetarian diet, total cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations were not significantly changed, but HDL-C was 21% higher than at baseline (1.21 mmol L(-1) vs. 1.47 mmol L(-1); P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that beneficial changes to diet occurred on changing to a self-selected vegetarian diet. Changing to a self-selected vegetarian diet appears to be one way of achieving a better blood lipid profile.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Measurement error associated with spinal mobility measures in children with and without low-back pain.

AIM: Evidence of the reliability of measurements in children is scarce, particularly in children with low-back pain. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the measurement error associated with repeated measures of spinal mobility measures in children with and without low-back pain by establishing 95% limits of agreement. METHODS: A repeated measures study was performed involving 119 children aged 11-16 y. Of this sample 30 subjects reported recurrent low-back pain and were classified as symptomatic, the remaining 89 subjects were asymptomatic. Standardized measures were taken, including the sit-and-reach test, hip range of motion (Leighton flexometer), lumbar flexibility (modified Schöber test) and lateral flexion of the spine. The same experimenter performed all testing, with 1 wk between the repeated measures. RESULTS: Correlation coefficients suggested that all measures exhibited good reliability in both the symptomatic (r = 0.80-0.95) and asymptomatic groups (r = 0.88-0.99). In contrast, the limits of agreement showed that all measures exhibited random error. The magnitude of random error was typically greater in the symptomatic subjects, suggesting that low-back pain may influence the reliability of typical measures used in this population. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of error must be interpreted in relation to analytical goals and the expected magnitude of change. In the authors' opinion the error presented appears acceptable for the serial monitoring of patients, although this will depend on the differences in mobility typically found.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Promoting children's physical activity in primary school: an intervention study using playground markings.

The physical activity levels of 47, 5- to 7-year-old children were assessed before and after a school playground was painted with fluorescent markings. Children's physical activity was measured using heart rate telemetry during three playtimes before and after the markings were laid down. Children in the experimental and control groups spent 27 and 29 min, respectively, in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) before the intervention, increasing to 45 and 36 min, respectively, during the intervention period. MVPA, vigorous physical activity (VPA) and mean heart rate remained relatively stable in the control group compared to respective increases of 10 and 5% of playtime and 6 beats min(-1) in the experimental group during the intervention period. The ANCOVA analysis revealed significant interactions and main effects for the intervention for MVPA, VPA and mean heart rate. Conversely there were no main effect differences between groups. These results suggest that while playground markings had a significant and positive influence on children's physical activity, factors other than playground markings may also influence children's physically active play.

Child↗
PubMed2000

Muscle function assessment in children.

Assessment of muscle function has a range of applications, including appraisal of the presence and severity of muscle weakness and fatigability, examination of the effectiveness of intervention programmes and development and monitoring of training programmes. Muscle function assessment is routinely performed in rehabilitation, physical education, coaching and research. Procedures have been extensively examined in adults, but not in children. The aim of this review is to bring to the forefront the issue of paediatric muscle function assessment. Objective methods of muscle function assessment are critically analysed with specific attention to the issues of applicability, validity and reliability. Each of the methods reviewed (isokinetic dynamometry, hand-held dynamometry, field tests, and standard weights equipment) has its limitations. All procedures have been occasionally studied for validity and reliability and optimal procedures have yet to be identified. Methodological limits can be generalized to the type and speed of activation, standardization of procedures, subject familiarization, gravity and size and psychological influences. It is important for administrators of muscle function tests to be aware of the various factors that can both influence and confound interpretation. It was concluded that muscle function assessment in children requires significant further investigation. Although there is a wide range of procedures available, there is limited and equivocal research proving validity and reliability. Widespread use of the most valid and reliable methods is encouraged. Future research directions are also considered.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Hate crime violence and its emergency department management.

As the 21st century approaches, the United States is moving, toward a more pluralistic society with regard to race, ethnicity, and national origin. With this increase in diversity has come a resurgence of hate crime violence. Scant information is available in the medical literature about hate crime violence, hate groups, hate crime violence legislation, or the physical and psychologic sequelae of hate crime violence on the individual and its effects on the community. Guidelines for the treatment of victims of hate crime violence in the prehospital care setting, ED, and inpatient setting are proposed.

Clinical Protocols↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The importance of considering biological maturity when assessing physical fitness measures in girls and boys aged 10 to 16 years.

It is widely considered that biological maturity influences physical fitness test performance, children can be advantaged/disadvantaged in physical fitness tests by being more or less mature than counterparts of the same chronological age. The current study sought to investigate the effect sexual maturity had upon performance in physical fitness tests. A cross-sectional study involving 161 girls and 152 boys was carried out. Each subject was assessed for stature, mass, self-assessment of sexual maturity, vertical jump, hand grip strength and the 20 m shuttle run test, all procedures were standardized. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were developed to assess the relationship between maturity and physical fitness measures. ANCOVA inferential statistics were performed to investigate if performance in physical fitness tests differed between children of different sexual maturity stages irrespective of mass and stature. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Stage of sexual maturity was significantly correlated with all physical fitness measures (boys: r=0.56 to 0.73; girls: r=0.24 to 0.46). ANCOVA revealed that when stature and mass were taken into account significant differences were evident between sexual maturity stages in boys but not girls. This suggests that increases in mass and stature are primarily responsible for variation in girls' physical performance throughout maturation, whereas in boys there are some qualitative differences in performance due to other factors. It was concluded that sexual maturity has a large influence on physical fitness measures in boys but less effect in girls. Rating of physical fitness, particularly for boys should take into account biological maturity.

Adolescent↗