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Biomedical subjects

H Saraste

Publications and source records attributed to H Saraste.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Clinical evaluation of seating in persons with complete thoracic spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Consecutive male patients studied with photographic measurement of a combination of clinical methods. OBJECTIVES: To describe seating in individuals with complete thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) by using a combination of clinical methods. SETTING: Spinalis SCI unit, Stockholm, Sweden. METHODS: Wheelchair specifications were documented. Measurements of posture from photographs in 30 male subjects with complete thoracic SCI, sitting in a relaxed and an upright position on a standardized surface and in a wheelchair were calculated. A comparison was made between positions and seating surfaces. An examiner's classification of lower trunk position in wheelchair was compared to subjects' evaluations. SCI subjects reported sitting support, satisfaction, and wishes for improvement. RESULTS: Most SCI subjects used similar wheelchair specifications. None of the backrests were custom designed. Relatively small differences were found between the relaxed and upright position in the wheelchair regarding measurements of posture and according to the examiner's classification of the lower trunk position. Only 13/30 SCI subjects were sitting with the lower trunk centered relative to the backrest in the upright position. The examiner's classification and the subjects' evaluation of asymmetric sitting were not always in agreement. Only 12/30 SCI subjects were satisfied with their way of sitting. CONCLUSION: Current wheelchair specifications and adjustments seem to inhibit a postural correction towards upright sitting and fail to provide sufficient lateral support. Findings indicate an inability for SCI subjects to vary their sitting position in a wheelchair to a large extent. Both an examiner's classification and subjects' evaluation of asymmetric sitting are necessary to obtain a sufficient knowledge base for subsequent adjustment. By using methods regarding different aspects of seating, a more comprehensive view of seating was achieved. The combination of clinical methods seems to be useful in order to describe seating in individuals with complete thoracic SCI.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Upper body movement during walking in children with lumbo-sacral myelomeningocele.

Eight children with lumbo-sacral myelomeningocele (MMC) underwent three-dimensional movement analysis to determine whether or not differing levels of lower extremity strength affected the extent of shoulder, trunk and pelvis movement during independent walking when wearing orthoses. Fourteen control children were also investigated. The patterns of upper body movements in all MMC children were well defined and consistent, showing small standard deviations from the mean. In the frontal and transverse planes, segment displacements of the MMC children assigned into Group II (hip extensor and abductor muscle strength grade 0-2) were almost twice that of the MMC children in Group I (hip extensor and abductor muscle strength grade 3-4). All segment displacements in the frontal, transverse and sagittal planes for Group I and Group II children were significantly greater than those for the controls. In the frontal plane these differences were approximately 4-10 times greater, with the Group II children having the largest peak-to-peak displacements. These results indicate that the motion amplitudes of the upper body segments are related to the degree of muscle weakness of the lower limbs. No significant differences were found when comparing segment motions during walking with either the Ferrari type knee-ankle-foot or ankle-foot orthoses.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed2002

Heart rate and walking velocity during independent walking in children with low and midlumbar myelomeningocele.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the heart rate and walking velocity of children with low and midlumbar myelomeningocele (MMC) using two types of orthoses. METHODS: Eight children with low and midlumbar myelomeningocele (mean age = 10.7 years) participated in the study. A clinical examination of muscle strength in the lower limbs was performed, and level of functional ambulation was defined. Weight and height were documented, and body mass index was calculated. Heart rate was recorded by a transmitter detecting heart beats, and walking time was registered as the children walked as far as possible along a straight corridor of 102 meters at a self-selected velocity. Two orthosis types were tested, each three times. RESULTS: All children showed higher heart rate than peers who were nondisabled. No steady-state heart rate level that could be used as a basis for calculating physiological cost index was achieved in any subject. In this study group, no difference was seen in heart rate trends with respect to the two tested orthoses. The children who were household ambulators, all with weaker hip abductors and hip extensors, walked with lower velocity than those who were community ambulators (all with stronger hip muscles). The children in the former group also walked significantly shorter distances, however, with similar heart rate. CONCLUSIONS: Pausing when the heart rate reaches a strenuous activity level is interpreted as a solution to maintain functional walking by keeping the heart rate and thus the energy expenditure at a comfortable level.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Factors influencing ambulation in myelomeningocele: a cross-sectional study.

A consecutive series of 53 children with myelomeningocele (mean age 7.6, range 3.2 to 11.4 years) was assessed in order to see if the children with motor paresis of the lower limbs achieved the expected level of ambulation, and if not, to identify possible causative factors. Methods used were clinical examination of orthopaedic and neurological status, information from medical reports, and documentation of orthoses use. Functional skills were documented and energy expenditure was examined. Thirty-one of 53 children had reached the expected ambulation considered possible according to their motor paresis, whereas 22 of the 53 performed worse than expected. Balance disturbances, occurrence of spasticity in knee and hip joints, and number of shunt revisions made differed significantly between the groups that achieved and did not achieve expected ambulation. Functional skills of mobility differed significantly between two muscle-function levels in children who had walking ability. Energy expenditure was higher in the non-achieving group than in the group who achieved expected ambulation in each of the muscle-function levels. Results show that children with similar muscle paresis exhibit different ambulatory function. This indicates the importance of a close analysis of other factors which may cause ambulation to deteriorate in order to predict future ambulation in children with myelomeningocele.

Child↗
PubMed1999

Does bracing affect self-image? A prospective study on 54 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

To evaluate the effect of brace treatment on self-image in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, 54 consecutive patients admitted for brace treatment were interviewed before bracing. A prevalidated questionnaire including the following five aspects of self-image was used: (1) body-image, (2) self-perception of skills and talents, (3) emotional well-being, (4) relations with family, and (5) relations with others. As a control group, the answers of 3465 normal school children were used. Forty-six patients participated in a follow-up interview 1.7 (range 0.8-3.0) years later. In addition, during the first interview, the scoliosis patients answered selected questions about their social circumstances and attitudes towards their forthcoming brace treatment. Grossly, the patient group lived in stable family conditions with a high percentage (40%) of fathers and/or mothers with an academic education or with a high employee status. The patients' relations with families were generally good. Nearly all believed that the brace would affect their posture, but only a few thought that wearing the brace would influence their growth. Two-thirds believed that it would be difficult to wear the brace, and often reflected on the use of it. There were no statistically significant differences between the scoliosis patients and the age-matched controls at the pre-bracing nor at the follow-up interviews. Neither were there any statistically significant differences between the answers of the scoliosis patients in the pre-bracing and follow-up interviews. This was valid for the total score as well as for each subscale item score. It is concluded that wearing the brace does not affect the self-image of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis negatively.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Comparison of different systems to classify the neurological level of lesion in patients with myelomeningocele.

In 73 patients with myelomeningocele (mean 17.2 years, range 5 to 40 years) the classification of level of lesion was studied according to six commonly used classification systems and to the ambulation groups of Hoffer. The distribution of the patients into classes of thoracic-level lesions was the same for four classification systems in 10 patients and for two classification systems into categories of level L3 in 14 patients. For the other patients discrepancies occurred between systems for lesions of level L3 and downward. None of the patients was consistently categorized in the functional ambulation groups of Hoffer using all classification systems. The results show that it is not possible to compare neurological lesion levels classified according to the different systems described in this study and consequently that the distribution into the functional ambulation groups of Hoffer varies. To enhance communication and facilitate comparing the results of treatment we suggest using some basic criteria for patient documentation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Physical and psychological workload in men with and without low back pain.

Current and retrospective physical and psychological workload was studied in 148 mean, 45-55 years old. The men represented three groups with respect to low back health status: Healthy low back (Group 1, n = 36), intermittent low back pain (LBP) (Group 2, n = 91) and chronic LBP (Group 3, n = 21). The methods used were a self administered questionnaire, a rating scale of perceived exertion, and blind expert assessment built on a classification of job titles. Group 1, the back-healthy subjects, had been less exposed to heavy physical work than subjects with intermittent LBP (Group 2) and chronic LBP subjects (Group 3) through their whole working-career and in their present work (p < or = 0.05, p < or = 0.01). Group 2 tended to be significantly less exposed in their present work than Group 3 (p < or = 0.06). Non-neutral working postures were reported more often in Groups 2 and 3 than in Group 1 (p < or = 0.05, p < or = 0.001). Both groups 2 and 3 perceived present and earlier work to be more strenuous than Group 1, with respect to the low back (p < or = 0.000). Subjects in the healthy low-back group had lower values in the qualitative demand index ("too difficult working tasks" and "too great responsibility") than subjects in Groups 2 and 3 (p < or = 0.01). This study indicates that more attention should be given to the individual's perception of physical workload.

Confidence Intervals↗
PubMed1993

Anterior fusion insufficient for scoliosis in myelomeningocele. 8 children 2-6 years after the Zielke operation.

8 children with a mean age of 13 years with paralytic scoliosis due to myelomeningocele (MMC) were operated on according to Zielke with anterior fusion and instrumentation. There were no infections. All fusions healed. The postoperative mean follow-up was 4 years. The average correction of the primary curve was 62 degrees. In 5 cases proximal curve progression required reoperation; posterior fusion with Harrington rods was also done. Our last 2 patients, primarily operated on with both an anterior and posterior fusion, had no postoperative progression. Anterior fusion according to Zielke as the only procedure cannot be recommended in the treatment of severe paralytic scoliosis due to MMC. We advise a combined anterior and posterior approach in these cases.

Child↗
PubMed1993

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis.

Lysis is common and its causes are mainly constitutional. Most of slipping has already occurred when the patient comes for consultation. A further progress is often caused by disc pathology. Neurological deficits are rare. A high-degree olisthesis and L4 location are risk factors for future back pain. Asymptomatic lysis with or without olisthesis should not be treated. A posterolateral fusion in situ without instrumentation gives good results in adolescents and young adults, whereas old patients benefit from instrumentation. Reduction cannot be recommended as a routine method.

Humans↗
PubMed1993

Body composition, endurance, strength, cross-sectional area, and density of MM erector spinae in men with and without low back pain.

Thirty-six 45-55-year-old men with healthy low backs were studied with respect to body composition, isokinetic and isometric trunk strength, trunk muscle endurance, and cross-sectional area and radiological density of mm erector spinae. Results were compared to those of men in the same age group with intermittent low back pain (LBP) (n = 91) and with chronic LBP (n = 21). The back healthy group was significantly stronger and had longer trunk muscle endurance times than men with chronic LBP. Men with intermittent LBP had strength and endurance values in between the back healthy and chronic groups. There were no significant differences between any of the groups with respect to body composition and cross-sectional area of mm erector spinae. Radiological density for mm erector spinae was significantly decreased in the chronic LBP group compared to the back healthy and intermittent LBP groups. The deconditioning syndrome and its relationship to intermittent and chronic LBP is discussed.

Back↗
PubMed1992

Anthropometry, spinal canal width, and flexibility of the spine and hamstring muscles in 45-55-year-old men with and without low back pain.

One hundred fifty 45-55-year-old men were divided into three groups: those with healthy backs, recurrent low back pain (LBP), and chronic LBP. These groups were studied with respect to anthropometry, spinal canal width, spinal sagittal configuration and flexibility, and the flexibility of the hamstrings musculature with straight leg raising (SLR). There were no differences between the groups with respect to anthropometry. The group with healthy backs had significantly greater lordosis and sagittal flexibility than the other groups. The width of the spinal canal was correlated to body height. The SLR test showed significantly higher values in the group with healthy backs and in the recurrent pain group than in the chronic pain group. The possible role of restoring normal range of motion to minimize the risk of LBP recurrence is discussed.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed1991

Vertebral resection and fusion for paralytic kyphosis. 9 patients followed up for 6 (2-14) years.

Nine patients with a thoracolumbar, progressing, paralytic kyphosis, pressure sores from gibbus, an inability to lie on the back, and deterioration of the sitting balance were operated on with resection of two to three vertebrae and a thoracolumbar fusion. One child died from intracranial bleeding caused by a halo screw. There were no implant loosenings or non-unions. Pressure sores healed, sitting improved, and lying on the back became possible. A mild scoliosis above the fusion level developed in 2 patients, but neither of them needed any treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

The correlation of arthrography with the results of treatment in late diagnosed congenital dislocation of the hip.

The aim of this study was to assess the value of arthrography of the hip in the investigation of late diagnosed congenital dislocation. The results of the treatment of 109 hips were related to the findings at arthrography. The hip radiographs at follow-up were normal in all cases where the arthrogram had demonstrated a congruent reduction (86). When the arthrogram had indicated a block in reduction the results were less favourable, and dysplasia or subluxation was present at follow-up in 19 cases, despite repeated conservative or operative treatment. Four hips appeared normal after operation. Arthrography gave valuable information and showed good correlation with the results of treatment.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1987

Bone and joint pathology in workers using hand-held vibrating tools. An overview.

A literature evaluation was made with regard to the radiological documentation of bone and joint pathology in the hands and arms of workers using vibrating tools. There is evidence that work with pneumatic percussive tools (such as chipping hammers and scalers) may cause premature elbow and wrist osteoarthrosis, although of very low prevalence. This work-related disorder is not specific to vibration exposure. Instead, it is likely to result from the strong dynamic and static joint loading (often in extreme positions of the joint) and the repetitive hand-arm movements (sometimes also repeated minor traumatization) typical for tool manipulation in any heavy labor. Exposure to low-frequency percussion may, however, play a particular etiologic role: damage to the joint cartilage by repeated shocks from the tool, additional articular load (and consequent strain) associated with a vibration-induced increase in the need for joint stabilization and higher gripping forces, the tonic vibration reflex (which increases muscle contraction), and a stronger grip induced when tactile sensibility is diminished by vibration. So far, no investigations have ventured into the great complexity of possible confounders and effect modifiers. -A constitutional susceptibility may be required to produce osteoarthrosis. -The allegation that hand-arm vibration exposure causes an excess prevalence of bone cysts, vacuoles, Kienböck's disease, or pseudarthrosis of the scaphoid has not been validly documented. -Exposure to vibration of higher frequencies (such as from rotating drills, grinders, and chain saws) does not seem to be associated with excess bone and joint pathology. -The observed large variation in the prevalence of skeletal disorders may be explained by biodynamic and ergonomic differences between various occupations.

Arm↗
PubMed1987

Life conditions of persons with and without low-back pain.

A comparison of life conditions (such as dwelling, health, leisure-time activities, education, occupation, and work characteristics) was made between age- and sex-stratified groups of persons with and without low-back pain (BP). The primary data were collected from a random, geographically standardized 1:1,000 sample of the Swedish population including 2,872 citizens aged 30-59 years. There were no differences with respect to dwelling, height, weight, habits of physical exercise, other non-occupational activities, and frequency of unemployment. In the group of 50-59 year old persons, the males with BP smoked more than those without. In the same age-group of females, and in the younger male groups there were no differences in smoking habits. Physically heavy, monotonous, and repetitive work was more frequent among the subjects with BP. The relative number of highschool-educated was lower among males--in the youngest age group--with BP. The back-healthy persons evaluated their state of health as better and their need of medical care as less than the persons with BP.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Symptoms in relation to the level of spondylolysis.

Spondylolysis usually occurs in the fifth lumbar vertebra, which with the rest of the lumbosacral junction may be hypoplastic. About 10% of spondylolysis occurs in the fourth lumbar vertebra which is usually normal radiologically. The present work studies the hitherto unknown prognostic value of the lysis level in relation to symptoms. A comparison was made between 213 patients with lysis at L5 and 42 patients with lysis at L4. The frequency and intensity of low back pain, the need for treatment, change of work, sickleave, and sick pension caused by low-back symptoms were noted during a period of more than 20 years. Pain frequency and intensity and functional impairment were consistently higher in the L4 group. The differences were particularly evident between the two subgroups when there was a marked vertebral slip. It is concluded that the level of spondylolysis is of significance in the occurrence of low-back symptoms.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Stereophotogrammetry in the evaluation of the treatment of scoliosis.

A previously existing X-ray stereophotogrammetric method which allows the measurement of simultaneous changes in all components of a scoliotic deformity was developed without the use of invasive methods or skeletal markers. In order to evaluate the changes in rotation and lateral deviation of the scoliotic curve following treatment with the Boston brace, this method was applied to 31 patients suffering from idiopathic scoliosis. The derotational effect of the brace averaged 14 degrees (0-38 degrees) in 21 patients remaining after rejection of those whose radiographs were of inadequate quality. The accuracy, however, was not acceptable because of frequent gross errors due to the poor quality of the radiographs. Image interpretation may be improved by a suggested technique of enhancement based upon a computer program for figure restauration and border detection.

Adolescent↗