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Differentiating maximal and submaximal voluntary strength measures for the purposes of medico-legal assessments and para sport classification: A systematic review.
Paix, EL, Tweedy, SM, Connick, MJ, Beckman, EM
European journal of sport science. 2021;(11):1518-1550
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Abstract
Measurement of maximum voluntary muscle contractions are effort-dependent - valid measurement requires maximal voluntary effort (MVE) from participants. Submaximal efforts (SMEs) yield invalid and potentially misleading results. This is particularly problematic in medico-legal and Para sport assessments where low strength scores may confer a personal advantage. Therefore, objective methods for accurately differentiating MVE and SME are required. This systematic review aimed to identify, appraise and synthesise evidence from scientific studies evaluating the validity of objective methods for differentiating MVE from SME during maximal voluntary contractions. Four electronic databases were searched for original research articles published in English and secondary references appraised for relevance yielding 25 studies for review. Methods were categorised based on eight distinct underlying theories. For isokinetic strength assessment, methods based on two theories - Strength-measure Ratios and Inter-Trial Strength Consistency - correctly classified 100% MVE and > 92% SME. Consequently, research evaluating the relative suitability of these methods for translation into practice is warranted. During isometric strength assessments, methods based on Deceptive Visual Feedback and Force-length properties warrant further investigation. Both methods yielded statistically significant differences between MVE and SME, with minimal overlap in values, but their sensitivity and specificity have not been evaluated.
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Considerations for physical employment standards in the aging workforce.
Flower, DJC, Tipton, MJ, Milligan, GS
Work (Reading, Mass.). 2019;(4):509-519
Abstract
BACKGROUND If current population and health trends continue, workplace demographics will look significantly different by the turn of the century. Organizations will no longer have a steady pipeline of younger workers and will likely need to rely on older workers to remain competitive in the global marketplace. The future multi-generational workforce will bring with it the challenge of maximizing contributions from each generation whilst at the same time addressing the health, safety and wellbeing needs of all workers. OBJECTIVE This review provides an insight into aging and older workers, and presents recommendations to promote worker longevity. METHODS This narrative review draws on evidence from 108 published sources. RESULTS The relationship between age and work is not simple; factors including the physical nature of the job and worker's health and fitness interact with age to either increase or decrease the potential effect of age. Evidence suggests that the issues arising from an aging workforce can be managed through polices that focus on active aging through: attitude management; flexible working and the provision of occupational health. CONCLUSION The integration of such interventions would require company and organizational commitment from the top down with educational programs at all levels to ensure understanding and participation.
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The risk of stroke and associated risk factors in a health examination population: A cross-sectional study.
Li, RC, Xu, WD, Lei, YL, Bao, T, Yang, HW, Huang, WX, Tang, HR
Medicine. 2019;(40):e17218
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Abstract
Health examination is an important method for early detection of people with different risk of stroke. This study estimates the risk of stroke and identify risk factors for people who underwent health examinations at the Health Examination Center at West China Hospital, Sichuan University from July 2014 to February 2018.A total of 31,464 people were recruited in this study and divided into 3 groups (low risk, moderate risk, and high risk) according to risk of stroke. We explored possible factors associated with the risk of stroke by using multivariable stepwise logistic regression analysis.Among the participants, 17,959 were at low risk, 11,825 were at moderate risk, and 1680 were at high risk. Age, smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, uric acid, diastolic pressure, systolic pressure, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were independent significant risk factors for stroke, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was an independent protective factor for stroke. Interestingly, with increasing age, the percentage of people at moderate or high risk of stroke was increased. The percentages of people at moderate and high risk of stroke were also increased with respect to the stages of baPWV.This study showed that >40% of the participants were at moderate or high risk of stroke, especially the older participants. Several factors were related to the risk of stroke, especially baPWV. Some preventive action may be adopted early, and more attention can be paid to the health examination population.