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Biomedical subjects

P Rantanen

Publications and source records attributed to P Rantanen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Are there differences in the attitudinal body image between adolescent anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa?

OBJECTIVE: Body image dissatisfaction is as well a risk factor for eating disorders (ED) and a central feature of ED. The exact nature of body image in adolescent ED is still debated. This study examined attitudinal body image in adolescent anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), and the association of age, maturational timing, duration of eating disorder, actual weight and general psychological distress with the attitudinal body image in ED. METHODS: The study group consisted of an outpatient clinical sample of adolescents attending for assessment because of eating disorders. The attitudinal body image of 57 adolescents (girls) aged 14-21 years was studied at the beginning of the treatment. The attitudes to body shape, body size, appearance, tone and femininity were studied by a Likert format scale and by the body dissatisfaction (BD) and drive for thinness scales (DT) from EDI-2 inventory. RESULTS: Bulimics reported more body image dissatisfaction than anorectics. In multivariate analyses BN and higher general psychological distress had strong associations with body image dissatisfaction. Longer duration of ED and earlier menarche were also associated with negative body image. DISCUSSION: Attitudinal body image differs between adolescent AN and BN. The psychological distress has a great impact on body image in ED, which should be taken into account in assessment and in treatment interventions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Enhancing biological phosphorus removal from municipal wastewater with partial simultaneous precipitation.

Pilot-scale tests to enhance phosphorus removal with ferrous sulphate in a biological phosphorus and nitrogen removal process (modified UCT) for treating municipal wastewater were performed. The results indicated that Fe(II) competes with the BioP organisms and will inhibit the biological phosphorus removal process completely at doses exceeding 9 g m(-3) of Fe(II). The goal of an effluent P level of 0.5 mg l(-1) can be attained with 5 g m(-3) of Fe(II). A consistent effluent concentration of 0.3 mg l(-1) could not be achieved with this method. A centrifugation method to evaluate the dewatering properties of sludge was developed. Comparison of the settling and dewatering properties between activated sludge from the pilot plant and a full-scale simultaneous precipitation process indicated no consistent differences between them. The poor settling properties are due to the long sludge retention time needed by nitrification and not to the biological phosphorus removal process.

Bioreactors↗
PubMed2001

Adolescent depression: the role of discontinuities in life course and social support.

OBJECTIVE: To study sociodemographic determinants of depression among 14-16 years old girls and boys, and the role of perceived social support in mediating the effects of the background variables. METHOD: 16464 adolescents aged 14-16 participated the School Health Promotion Study, a survey about health, health behaviour and school behaviour. Depression was measured by the Finnish modification of the 13-item Beck Depression Inventory. Moderate to severe symptoms in this scale were recorded as depression. RESULTS: Depression was associated with family structure in both sexes. Among girls, having moved recently and low parental education increased the risk for depression, among boys, unemployment in the family. Accumulating number of discontinuities in life course increased the proportion of the depressed among both girls and boys. Perceived lack of social support had the same effect. Lack of support did not explain the effect on depression of the discontinuities in life course. CONCLUSION: To detect risk groups for adolescent depressive disorders, health services should pay attention to adolescents who have experienced life changes. Perceived social support should be enquired.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Early puberty and early sexual activity are associated with bulimic-type eating pathology in middle adolescence.

PURPOSE: To examine the associations between early pubertal timing and early advanced sexual development with bulimic-type eating pathology in middle adolescents. METHODS: A total of 19,321 boys and 19,196 girls aged 14-16 years (mean age 15.3 years, standard deviation 0.59) responded to the School Health Promotion Study, a class-room survey among Finnish adolescents about health, health behavior, and school experiences. Bulimic-type eating pathology was assessed with a questionnaire formulated according to the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV) criteria. Pubertal timing was assessed by self-reported age at menarche or oigarche. Statistical methods were used chi-square and logistic regression. RESULTS: Bulimic-type eating pathology among girls was associated with early menarche, early sexual experiences, and increasing age. Among boys, onset of ejaculations at the normative age was protective for bulimic-type eating pathology, and the risk was elevated among very early and late maturers. Early sexual experience was associated with bulimic-type eating pathology. CONCLUSION: To prevent bulimia nervosa and to create opportunities for early intervention, attention should be paid to early maturing girls and off-time maturing boys, as well as those with early onset of sexual activity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Depression, drinking, and substance use among 14- to 16-year-old Finnish adolescents.

Our aim was to assess the relationship between self-reported depression, alcohol consumption, and substance use among 14- to 16-year-olds. A school survey was conducted of 16,464 14- to 16-year-olds in two regions of Finland. Alcohol and other substance use were found to be significantly associated with depression. Of girls (boys) who reported drinking weekly, 24% (13%) scored as depressed, compared with 7% (4%) of those not drinking. Of girls (boys) who reported having experimented with substances five times or more, 37% (28%) scored as depressed compared with 8% (5%) of those who reported never having experimented with substances. These associations persisted in multivariate analyses controlling for sociodemographic background. In conclusion, frequent drinking and experimenting with substances indicate a risk for adolescent depressive disorders, and depressive adolescents are at risk for substance use. Health services should pay attention to the identified depressive adolescents to prevent the possibly subsequent substance use problems among them and also pay attention to frequently drinking adolescents and substance experimenters, to increase identification of depressive disorder and possibilities for early interventions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Physical measurements and questionnaires as diagnostic tools in chronic low back pain.

The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of common questionnaires and measures of physical performance in low back pain (LBP) syndrome. One hundred and fourteen patients with LBP classified according to the Quebec Task Force were compared with 50 patients with different pain syndromes but without apparent LBP. The discriminating value of each variable was estimated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. The diagnostic value of the Million and Oswestry disability questionnaires was evident, with the area under the ROC curve varying between 0.73 and 0.88. The isometric trunk extension-flexion strength test with concomitant reaction-time test could not distinguish between patients (area under ROC curve 0.50-0.68). Sensitivity of pain drawing was excellent but specificity was low: 47% for men and 39% for women. In conclusion, disability questionnaires have discriminating power. The trunk muscle strength test does not perform well as a diagnostic tool. The area under the ROC curve and the use of other patients as controls make it easier to assess the diagnostic specificity of a particular method.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed2001

Monitoring of muscle fatigue during isokinetic exercise.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and clarify the usefulness of different spectral characteristics of myoelectrical activity in the follow-up of development of muscle fatigue. Vastus lateralis (part of quadriceps) muscle loaded in a simple isokinetic exertion test was used as a model. Twelve, well trained athletes served as study subjective to minimize the inter-individual variations. They went through one-minute test with isokinetic device at the range of 90 degrees extension and flexion at the level of their maximal force. The myoelectrical signals were registered from middle of the vastus lateralis muscle by a computerized fast Fourier transform analyzing system based on 80286 and 80287 microprocessors and using surface electrodes. Mean power frequency (MPF) was 65.6 (SE=Standard Error, 1.6) Hz, median frequency (MF) 55.8 Hz and zero crossing rate (ZCR) 92.5 (SE 1.5) during first performance. All these parameters decreased apparently linearly and significantly from the beginning of the test (P<0.001). The decrease rate of ZCR was fastest and MF slowest. The area of power spectrum (PSA) was 1753 (SE 320) units during first performance, and it increased markedly with slightly accelerating rate during the test. In conclusion, for the evaluation of the muscular performance during the development of fatigue it is beneficial to monitor simultaneously MPF, MF and ZCR.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Bullying at school--an indicator of adolescents at risk for mental disorders.

A number of 14-16 year old Finnish adolescents taking part in the School Health Promotion Study (n=8787 in 1995, n=17643 in 1997) were surveyed about bullying and victimization in relation to psychosomatic symptoms, depression, anxiety, eating disorders and substance use. A total of 9 per cent of girls and 17 per cent of boys were involved in bullying on a weekly basis. Anxiety, depression and psychosomatic symptoms were most frequent among bully-victims and equally common among bullies and victims. Frequent excessive drinking and use of any other substance were most common among bullies and thereafter among bully-victims. Among girls, eating disorders were associated with involvement in bullying in any role, among boys with being bully-victims. Bullying should be seen as an indicator of risk of various mental disorders in adolescence.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Optimal sagittal motion axis for trunk extension and flexion tests in chronic low back trouble.

OBJECTIVE: To find the optimal height for sagittal motion axis for trunk strength test in chronic low back trouble. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. BACKGROUND: The strength of trunk muscles of low back pain patients is decreased. The measured strength depends on the height of the sagittal motion axis but the differences between patients and controls are not known. METHODS: 114 (67 female) patients with chronic low back trouble are classified according to Quebec Task Force, 50 (31 female) patients with rheumatic disorder, but without low back trouble, and 33 (22 female) healthy controls, no appreciable physical differences but clear differences in Oswestry score. Isometric trunk extension-flexion test with different heights for the pelvic fulcrum. RESULTS: Force decreased in extension, increased in flexion, and torque increased both in flexion and extension in every group (P<0.001) as the fulcrum was moved caudally. The male controls were stronger than patients with low back trouble (P<0.01). The female controls were stronger only if the fulcrum was set at the hip joint level (P<0.05). There were no differences between patients with rheumatic disorder and low back trouble, except in extension if the fulcrum was at the hip joint level (P<0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The rotation axis in trunk extension-flexion strength test should be set at the level of the hip joint. RELEVANCE: Trunk muscle weakness is a common sign of different rheumatic disorders. Proper setting of sagittal motion axis and concomitant measurement of trunk and hip extensor or flexor muscles increases the specificity of the strength test for low back trouble.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed1999

Bullying, depression, and suicidal ideation in Finnish adolescents: school survey.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relation between being bullied or being a bully at school, depression, and severe suicidal ideation. DESIGN: A school based survey of health, health behaviour, and behaviour in school which included questions about bullying and the Beck depression inventory, which includes items asking about suicidal ideation. SETTING: Secondary schools in two regions of Finland. PARTICIPANTS: 16 410 adolescents aged 14-16. RESULTS: There was an increased prevalence of depression and severe suicidal ideation among both those who were bullied and those who were bullies. Depression was equally likely to occur among those who were bullied and those who were bullies. It was most common among those students who were both bullied by others and who were also bullies themselves. When symptoms of depression were controlled for, suicidal ideation occurred most often among adolescents who were bullies. CONCLUSION: Adolescents who are being bullied and those who are bullies are at an increased risk of depression and suicide. The need for psychiatric intervention should be considered not only for victims of bullying but also for bullies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Bulimia and bulimic behaviour in middle adolescence: more common than thought?

OBJECTIVE: Studies on the prevalence of bulimia and bulimic behaviour have focused on female populations from their late teens. This study assesses the prevalence of bulimia and bulimic behaviour in 14- to 16-year-old adolescents. Biological, sociodemographic and social correlates of these disorders are sought. METHOD: A self-report questionnaire was administered to pupils of the 8th and 9th grades of secondary school in four regions of Finland. In total, 4453 girls and 4334 boys aged 14 to 16 years participated. RESULTS: Bulimia was detected in 1.8% of girls and 0.3% of boys. Bulimic eating behaviour was reported by 14.4% of subjects. Sociodemographic variables were not associated with increased risk. Bulimia was associated with being bullied by peers and higher than average weight in both sexes. CONCLUSION: Bulimia and bulimic eating behaviour appear to be more common than was previously thought in middle adolescence, and also among boys. Bulimia deserves more attention in younger age groups than main risk groups so far considered.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Cardiovascular stress in isokinetic trunk strength test.

STUDY DESIGN: In this experimental study, the participants served as their own controls. OBJECTIVE: To estimate cardiovascular stress in isokinetic trunk extension-flexion strength test. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Thirty-one women with low back or neck pain who participated in the physical reconditioning program were the study participants. METHODS: Trunk extension and flexion strength was measured at three angular velocities with heart rate recording and standard graded submaximal bicycle ergometer test. Power output at the maximal age-predicted heart rate level was estimated separately by trunk extension-flexion and bicycle ergometer tests. RESULTS: Torque decreased and heart rate and power increased with angular velocity (P < 0.0001). Power and heart rate values at the highest angular velocity of 120 degrees s-1 in isokinetic trunk strength testing were comparable to those measured during bicycle ergometer test at the submaximal level. In trunk strength testing 13 subjects exceeded the power and 23 subjects exceeded the heart rate they achieved in the bicycle ergometer test. Power output at the maximal age-predicted heart rate level estimated by isokinetic trunk strength test and bicycle ergometer test had a clear correlation 0.76 (confidence interval 95% 0.55-0.88). CONCLUSIONS: The cardiovascular capacity is an important factor-limiting performance in isokinetic trunk strength testing, particularly at high velocities. Patients with suspected heart problems need special attention. Heart rate recording may help estimate degree of effort.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Paradoxical variation of strength determinants with different rotation axes in trunk flexion and extension strength tests.

The aim of this study was to illustrate the influence of different levels of the fulcrum (the axis of sagittal rotation) on measured trunk flexion and extension strength and compare force and torque as a unit of measure. The isometric trunk strength was measured in 16 healthy female subjects. The dynamometer was kept at the shoulder level and the moment arm was lengthened step by step by moving the fulcrum caudally from the level of the posterior superior iliac spine to the level of the gluteal fold. The moment of force (torque) increased from 117.0 to 208.5 N.m in flexion and from 182.2 to 292.5 N.m in extension, P < 0.0001. An attempt to quantify this change was made. Paradoxically, the measured force remained at a constant level (in flexion) or slightly decreased (in extension). We concluded that torque as a measure of trunk flexion and extension strength is highly dependent on the level of the rotation axis and force appears to be less sensitive for variations with the height of the fulcrum. We would suggest that the observed increase in torque is physiological and reflects to what extent hip flexor or extensor muscles are recruited. The force, on the other hand, may better characterize a person's capability to perform functional tasks. Force and torque should strictly be distinguished from one another.

Abdomen↗