Effects of industrial back-support exoskeletons on body loading and user experience: an updated systematic review

This study is an updated systematic review of papers published in the last 5 years on industrial back-support exoskeletons. The research questions were aimed at addressing the recent findings regarding objective (e.g. body loading, user performance) and subjective evaluations (e.g. user satisfaction), potential side effects, and methodological...

EmojiGrid: A 2D Pictorial Scale for the Assessment of Food Elicited Emotions

Feed-forward neural network model for hunger and satiety related VAS score prediction

Background: An artificial neural network approach was chosen to model the outcome of the complex signaling pathways in the gastro-intestinal tract and other peripheral organs that eventually produce the satiety feeling in the brain upon feeding. Methods: A multilayer feed-forward neural network was trained with sets of experimental data relating...

Association of pain in knee osteoarthritis with distinct patterns of synovitis

Objective To determine possible patterns of synovitis on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) and its relation to pain and severity in patients with radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods In total, 86 patients (mean age 62 years, 66% women, median body mass index 29 kg/m2) with symptomatic knee OA (Kellgren/Lawrence...

Intraduodenal infusion of a combination of tastants decreases food intake in humans

Background: Taste receptors are expressed not only in taste buds but also in the gastrointestinal tract. It has been hypothesized that these receptors may play a role in satiety and food intake. Objective: This study investigated the effect of intraduodenal tastant infusions (bitter, sweet, and umami) on food intake, hunger and fullness,...

Degree of synovitis on MRI by comprehensive whole knee semi-quantitative scoring method correlates with histologic and macroscopic features of synovial tissue inflammation in knee osteoarthritis

Objective: To evaluate the association between synovitis on contrast enhanced (CE) MRI with microscopic and macroscopic features of synovial tissue inflammation. Method: Forty-one patients (mean age 60 years, 61% women) with symptomatic radiographic knee OA were studied: twenty underwent arthroscopy (macroscopic features were scored (0-4),...

Randomized controlled trial assessing a traditional Chinese medicine remedy in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea

A proof-of-concept study to assess the safety and efficacy of a traditional Chinese medicine formula as treatment for primary dysmenorrhea showed no statistically significant benefit over placebo. However, some efficacy parameters suggested possible superiority of the active treatment and so a larger study needs to be performed to determine...

The effects of an exercise program for older adults with osteoarthritis of the hip

Objective. Evaluation of an 8-week exercise program with strength training and lifestyle advice for older adults with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip. Outcome measures were pain, hip function, disability, quality of life (QOL), and body mass index (BMI). Methods. Inclusion criteria for this randomized controlled trial were: age a 55 years,...

Self-management in osteoarthritis of hip or knee: A randomized clinical trial in a primary healthcare setting

Objective. To assess in a primary healthcare setting the efficacy of a self-management program in middle-aged patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. This was a 2-group randomized controlled trial, with 273 patients aged 40 to 60 years with OA of the hip(s) and/or knee(s). The experimental intervention was compared with care-as-usual....

Assessment of readiness to change in patients with osteoarthritis. Development and application of a new questionnaire

Objective: To develop a self-report measure for assessment of the stage of change in patients with osteoarthritis, in order to identify patients who would benefit from a self-management programme. Methods: According to the 'stages of change' model a questionnaire was developed with three groups of items corresponding to the precontemplation...

Neonatal Facial Coding System for Assessing Postoperative Pain in Infants: Item Reduction is Valid and Feasible

Objective: The objectives of this study were to: (1) evaluate the validity of the Neonatal Facial Coding System (NFCS) for assessment of postoperative pain and (2) explore whether the number of NFCS facial actions could be reduced for assessing postoperative pain. Design: Prospective, observational study. Patients: Thirty-seven children (0-18...