The Silver Yoga Programme should undergo further pilot-testing with larger samples of older adults before it is taken up internationally as a health-promotion activity for older adults.

No abstract

This article proposes a type of transtibial socket composed of an inner layer fabricated by a rapid prototyping (RP) machine and an outer layer coated with unsaturated polyester resin. This work integrates contemporary technologies including a handheld scanner and CAD systems, to design a thin primary socket shape and then manufactures the socket using a fused deposition-modeling machine. To prevent breakage caused by the layer-based forming process and to reinforce flexural strength, the current research coats the preliminary RP socket with a layer of unsaturated polyester resin. After shaping the proximal brim of the resin-reinforced RP socket to match the specific stump, this study assembles and aligns a shank and a prosthetic foot to form a prosthesis set. After completing a trial safety walk wearing the prosthesis, which is satisfactory to the amputee and a registered prosthetist, this research measures interface pressures between the stump and the resin-reinforced RP socket. Experiment results demonstrate that the resin-reinforced RP socket is applicable for transtibial amputees. In addition to strengthening the FDM socket and producing consistent socket fit, this study also demonstrates a feasible procedure that employs current technologies to design and manufacture transtibial sockets without plaster moulds.

No abstract

This is the first study of the one-handed pushup, and tries to show the effects of forearm rotations. Previous studies of elbow loading have focused on passive loading and small loads, because data from large loads during active exercise is not easy to obtain. In order to investigate the biomechanical impact of hand position on the elbow and the potential trauma mechanisms of outstretched elbow, joint loading across the elbow was analyzed for three forearm rotational positions, neutral, 90 degrees internal rotation and 90 degrees external rotation. Both kinematic and kinetic data were collected from eight volunteers by the Motion Analysis System and a Kistler Force Plate. Statistical analysis of the data delineates the relationship between elbow joint load and hand rotational position during one-handed pushup, and also provides useful biomechanical information for this challenging exercise. The axial and valgus stresses and forces are the major concerns. The peak axial forces exerted on the elbow joint averaged 65 % of the body weight when the hand position was neutral, and was significantly reduced with the hand rotated either internally or externally. The peak valgus shear force with the hand externally rotated was 50 % greater than the other two positions. Thus, outward rotation of the hand is a stressful position that should be avoided during one-handed pushup exercise or forward falls with outstretched hands in order to reduce the risk of elbow injuries.