PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

R M Dufresne

Publications and source records attributed to R M Dufresne.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Human trunk strength profile in flexion and extension.

STUDY DESIGN: Isometric and isokinetic trunk flexion-extension strengths were studied among 73 subjects (41 males and 32 females) and 10 patients (9 males and 1 female). The isometric strengths were measured in four postures of trunk flexion. The isokinetic trunk strengths were measured through the range of these postures. OBJECTIVES: The study had two objectives: to develop a database for isometric flexion-extension strength at different levels of trunk flexion and isokinetic strength at corresponding angles and to determine the decrement in strength characteristics among patients of idiopathic low back pain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Though flexion-extension strength among normal subjects and patients has been studied, its variation due to standardized postural change has not been reported extensively. The influence of postural deviation on flexion-extension ratios are also largely unknown. METHODS: To achieve the objectives of the study, a device flexion-extension-lateral flexion tester (FELT) was designed and fabricated. The male and female subjects performed isometric flexion and extension at 0 degree, 20 degrees, 40 degrees and 60 degrees of trunk flexion; and isokinetic flexion starting at neutral posture, and isokinetic extension starting at 60 degrees of trunk flexion. The patients performed isometric flexion and extension in neutral posture only; and isokinetic flexion-extension similar to normal sample. RESULTS: The average strength in each activity was between 70 and 80% of the corresponding peak strength. The isokinetic activity strengths ranged between 60 and 70% of the corresponding isometric activities in each group. The strength of females ranged between 60 and 70% of males. The ANOVA revealed that posture had a significant effect on strength. The multiple regression explained 73% of variance in isometric and 34% in isokinetic modes. CONCLUSIONS: A patient's strength profile should be determined in a posture that simulates activities of daily living to determine impairment and plan rehabilitation.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Human trunk strength profile in lateral flexion and axial rotation.

STUDY DESIGN: To determine the functional capability in asymmetric trunk motion, isometric and isokinetic lateral flexion and axial rotation strengths of a normal and patient samples were measured. Seventy-three normal asymptomatic subjects (41 males and 32 females) and ten patients (9 males and 1 female) were tested. OBJECTIVES: The dual objectives of the study were to develop a database for isometric and isokinetic lateral flexion and axial rotation strength capabilities of a normal sample and to determine the functional impairment of a sample of patients. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: More than 60% of low back injuries are associated with trunk twisting. Asymmetric motions are important risk factors. However, strength capability data for axial rotation are sparse and those for lateral flexion nonexistent. METHODS: To achieve the objectives of the study, two devices were designed and fabricated. Isometric lateral flexion was tested bilaterally in neutral posture and at 10 degrees, 20 degrees, and 30 degrees of lateral bending. Isometric axial rotation was tested bilaterally in neutral posture and at 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, and 20 degrees of axial rotation. Isokinetic lateral flexion and axial rotation strengths were tested bilaterally starting from the neutral posture. RESULTS: The strength invariably declined progressively for all groups with increasing postural asymmetry. The strength in isokinetic activities ranged between 60% to 70% of the strength measured in isometric activities. All groups were significantly stronger in lateral flexion compared with axial rotation. The female sample ranged between 60% to 70% values of males for all activities studied. The patient group was weakest, ranging between 45% to 55% for isometric and 52% to 58% for isokinetic activities of their control group.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Welder eye injuries.

During 1985, welders submitted 21% of all claims for eye injuries received by the Workers' Compensation Board of Alberta. Since then the proportion of similar claims has remained high. A descriptive study of welder eye injury claims reveals that, although most injuries are reversible (55% of workers return to work in less than 2 days and 95% in less than 7 days), some workers sustain permanent visual impairment. Eye injuries occur most frequently in metal-work industries, and cold particles, most often metal, are the most common source of injury. Preventive measures should stress the importance of wearing eye protection constantly while working with metal pieces and in metal industries. Goggles probably should not be removed upon extinguishing the welding torch.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Costs of workers' compensation claims for hearing loss.

Much has been written about the merits, needs, adequacy, and effectiveness of hearing conservation programs but very little about the cost of noise-induced hearing loss. Using claims for hearing loss submitted to a Canadian compensation board for a 5-years period (1979 to 1983), we estimated the current cost per claim to be $14,106. We observed an annual increase of 20.4% for noise-induced hearing loss claims and project that if 80% of the 450 claims submitted in 1987 are accepted, it will commit the Workers' Compensation Board in Alberta to a cost of $5,373,360--a considerable commitment for a disease that makes up only 0.3% of all claims. As a measure of morbidity we determined the years of potential hearing loss. The 207 workers between the ages of 18 and 70 years who were pensioned had a potential hearing loss value of 2529 years. Some authors have expressed the view that hearing loss is currently inadequately compensated and our review of the literature suggests that a fertile climate is emerging for increasing litigation. This tendency is likely to lead to further escalation of costs if prevention is not taken more seriously.

Alberta↗
PubMed1985

Health implication of occupational exposures to hydrogen sulfide.

A five-year retrospective study of workers exposed to hydrogen sulfide in Alberta, Canada, was conducted, using the records of 250 workers who submitted claims to the provincial compensation board from 1979 through 1983. Fifty-four percent of the exposed workers became unconscious after exposure. Signs and symptoms with a neurological component accounted for the largest group of clinical findings. Respiratory and ophthalmologic effects were the other major groups of signs and symptoms. The overall fatality rate was 2.8%, significantly lower than that reported (6.0%) in a similar study a decade earlier. This is attributed to improved first-aid training and increased awareness of the dangers of hydrogen sulfide. Traumatic injury as a result of a fall after exposure was noted in 31 cases.

Alberta↗