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Biomedical subjects

James D McGlothlin

Publications and source records attributed to James D McGlothlin.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Evaluation of a radiation survey training video developed from a real-time video radiation detection system.

This project incorporates radiation survey training into a real-time video radiation detection system, thus providing a practical perspective for the radiation worker on efficient performance of radiation surveys. Regular surveys to evaluate radiation levels are necessary not only to recognize potential radiological hazards but also to keep the radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable. By developing and implementing an instructional learning system using a real-time radiation survey training video showing specific categorization of work elements, radiation workers trained with this system demonstrated better radiation survey practice.

Health Physics↗
PubMed2005

Work experience mitigated age-related differences in balance and mobility during surface accommodation.

BACKGROUND: Locomotor behavior at the roofing worksite is challenged by factors such as sloped surfaces, wind gusts and handling loads. Chronic exposure to this environment may result in enhanced locomotor strategies that are resistant to aging effects. The purpose of this study was to determine if roofers demonstrated enhanced locomotor strategies and if the strategies were maintained with age. METHODS: The gait of ten younger roofers (mean age 27.2 years), eight older roofers (55.4 years), ten younger controls (25.4 years) and nine older controls (57.6 years) was examined during level gait and stepping up onto a wooden surface (0.15m high). Subjects either carried no load, an empty box or the same box loaded to the equivalent of 5% body mass. FINDINGS: Work by age interactions were observed for toe clearance, step width, net angular momentum of the head, arms and trunk segment and gait speed (P<0.0001). Younger roofers demonstrated the greatest toe clearance; older roofers had a smaller lead clearance but decreased variability. Older control groups had the greatest risk of tripping due to low lead toe clearance and high variability, and were least likely to recover if they did trip due to faster gait speed and increased net angular momentum. Work experience resulted in enhanced changes in lead toe clearance and mitigated age-related changes in step width and net angular momentum. INTERPRETATION: Challenging environments show promise for maintaining balance skills in older adults; however care should be taken when introducing inexperienced older adults to a challenging environment.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2005

Proactive stability control while carrying loads and negotiating an elevated surface.

In this study, proactive stability control while handling loads and negotiating an elevated surface was examined. Ten young healthy males completed two gait-mode conditions--level walking and negotiating a raised surface. Load-handling conditions were: no load, empty box (reduced visual information), and loaded box (reduced visual information combined with increased inertial load). The lower limb trajectory in the sagittal plane was not modified as a function of reduced visual information or increased inertial load. The step width decreased while stepping over the surface and carrying the loaded box. The trunk pitch angle was biased backwards for both the empty box and the loaded box. When carrying the empty box and negotiating the surface, the trunk pitch range of motion (ROM) increased which may have been a strategy to increase visual exteroceptive information. As increased net trunk pitch could destabilize the system, concurrent stabilizing strategies--decreased gait velocity and reduced net trunk roll velocity--were observed. To meet the equilibrium goals when carrying the loaded box, the trunk pitch ROM and net pitch velocity were reduced during both level walking and surface accommodation. Trunk roll ROM was reduced when carrying the load and negotiating the surface. This study extends our knowledge regarding whole body coordination strategies during anticipatory locomotor adaptations.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

The development of an ergonomics training program to identify, evaluate, and control musculoskeletal disorders among nursing assistants at a state-run veterans' home.

Nursing assistants (NAs) who work in nursing and personal care facilities are twice and five times more likely, respectively, to suffer a musculoskeletal disorder compared to service industries and other health care facilities, respectively. The purpose of this study was to develop an ergonomics training program for selected NAs at a state-run veterans' home to decrease musculoskeletal disorders by 1) developing questionnaires to assess musculoskeletal stress, 2) evaluating the work environment, 3) developing and using a training package, and 4) determining the application of the information from the training package by NAs on the floor. Results show two new risk factors not previously identified for nursing personnel in the peer-reviewed literature. Quizzes given to the nursing personnel before and after training indicated a significant improvement in understanding the principles of ergonomics and patient-handling techniques. Statistical analysis comparing the pre-training and post-training questionnaires indicated no significant decrease in musculoskeletal risk factors and no significant reduction in pain or discomfort or overall mental or physical health.

Ergonomics↗