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Biomedical subjects

N Messenger

Publications and source records attributed to N Messenger.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

The 3-dimensional kinematics of the walking gait cycle of children aged between 10 and 24 months: cross sectional and repeated measures.

The purpose of this study was to examine the 3-dimensional kinematics of 'normal' walking gait in young children. A cross sectional study using nine children aged between 10 and 24 months, filmed whilst walking at natural speed, was undertaken using two gen-locked video cameras. The children were at different stages of walking development (from 0.5 to 10 months of independent walking (IW)). Repeated measures were taken from two of the children at 10 and 17 months of age and then at 18 and 24 months respectively. 3-dimensional video digitisation techniques utilising the DLT algorithm were used to obtain variables of the gait cycle. The position and movement of the arms were identified as potential motor development patterns. Ranges of movement and motion patterns observed in other variables are useful to determine 'normal' walking gait in such young children. The knees and hips were flexed throughout the gait cycle. Inter-limb asymmetries were observed for the knee angle pattern and for the stance and swing phase time. The mean stance phase time and double support time were 4 and 15% (respectively) greater than in adult's gait. The findings of this study are useful as a guide to research, teaching and clinical professions in this area of biomechanics. Copyright 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Can the effects of exercise on bone quality be detected using the CUBA clinical ultrasound system?

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the CUBA clinical quantitative ultrasound bone analyser was able to distinguish variations in bone quality between groups categorised according to activity level. METHOD: Eighty one white women aged 32 to 89 completed a confidential questionnaire on general health, diet, and exercise participation and underwent ultrasound testing at the right calcaneus utilising a CUBA clinical ultrasound system. RESULTS: The results confirmed the inverse relationship between age and the ultrasound indicators of bone quality: broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) (r = -0.52) and velocity of sound (VOS) (r = -0.68). Subject height weakly but significantly correlated with BUA (r = 0.39) and VOS (r = 0.35), and subject weight only correlated significantly with BUA (r = 0.37). Activity level was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the changes in ultrasound attenuation (BUA). The use of hormone replacement therapy or the contraceptive pill, a family history of osteoporosis, and gross indicators of calcium consumption did not yield significant results. CONCLUSION: Data obtained from the CUBA clinical system were sensitive enough to allow women to be classified into groups according to activity level. These data were within the range of "normal" ultrasound data and hence it is suggested that the machine has research as well as clinical value.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Energetics of paraplegic walking.

A group of 35 paraplegic subjects using reciprocating walking orthoses have been examined in order to gain an insight into the potential functional benefits of using such devices. Measurements have been made of walking speeds and of the energy costs of ambulation using an established technique based on heart rate recordings. It was found that orthotically aided walking for paraplegics was slow and energy costly compared with both normal walking and wheelchair propulsion and, as it additionally requires the use of a walking aid in both hands, cannot be considered to confer the functional benefits frequently claimed for it. Nevertheless, the majority of the subjects studied liked their orthosis and did well in it, with many subjectively reporting improvements in mobility and independence.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Effects of ambulation on the blood flow in paralysed limbs.

Non-invasive transcutaneous blood gas monitoring techniques have been used as indicators of the effect of standing exercise on circulation in paraplegic subjects. Oxygen (tPO2) and carbon dioxide (tPCO2) electrodes were positioned on the chests and legs of a group of normal control subjects and a group of paraplegic subjects in both rested sitting and post-ambulatory standing. It has been shown that, with one possible exception, there is no significant difference in the transcutaneous blood gas partial pressures of O2 and CO2, and thus, by inference, in the circulation of paraplegics when either sitting or standing.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Orthotic compensation for non-functioning hip extensors.

Three point fixation to stabilise joints using a rigid orthosis is relatively simple. When movement is required in a single plane, a hinge can be incorporated preventing superfluous movement and consequent loss of stability and function. Alternatively the Reciprocating Gait Orthosis (RGO) which utilises a system of Bowden cables with a HKAFO to provide reciprocal flexion and extension forces at the hip joint may be used. Free standing is achieved in the RGO by trunk and arm movements, the cable tension effectively "locking" the hips in neutral. Force transfer through the cables also produces reciprocal gait. The upper limbs acting through external supports provide the initiating force, producing truncal extension and subsequent hip extension of the stance leg. The resulting flexion of the swing leg produces a forward step. Currently 40 patients have been fitted with the orthosis in Salford, of whom 22 are Spina Bifida patients (aged 3-34 years). Most have Thoraco-lumbar or upper Lumbar lesions. The device has performed well with 1 episode of "knee clash" and 3 patients have had structural failures. Functional walking has been achieved with the orthosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

Subcellular localization of some glycolytic enzymes in parasitic flagellated protozoa.

1. The glycolytic enzymes of Tritrichomonas foetus, unlike those of Trypanosoma brucei, are apparently not located in microbody-like organelles (glycosomes) but appear to occur in the cytosol. 2. The localization of the glycolytic enzymes in Crithidia fasciculata and in the epimastigote and trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi is however similar to that in T. brucei. 3. No evidence was obtained for the existence of glycolytic enzyme-containing microbodies in rat liver. 4. The glycosome is probably an organelle unique to members of the Kinetoplastida.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Sliding colonic Maydl's hernia: report of a case.

An unusual variety of Maydl's hernia (hernia-in-W) in which all the herniated loops were colon is reported. The unusual anatomy of the hernia and its variations are described. It is important to examine the intraperitoneal intestine between the incarcerated loops in an effort to avoid leaving a nonviable segment of intraperitoneal intestine after repair of the hernia.

Aged↗