Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

U Moritz

Publications and source records attributed to U Moritz.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Low back pain--correspondence between questionnaire, interview and clinical examination.

The aim of this study was to analyse the correspondence between answers to a questionnaire about trouble from the musculoskeletal system, answers in a personal interview and clinical findings indicating low back disorder. The questionnaire was answered by 1,773 construction workers. Out of those, 206 workers underwent interview and clinical examination. Among those who reported no lifetime LBT in the questionnaire 63% gave the same report in the personal interview and those were all assessed negative at a blind clinical examination. Of those reporting current LBT in the interview 80% (47/59) were clinically positive. The clinical criteria used in the examination seemed to indicate lumbar painful structures. Answers to a question about functional impairment were in conformity with clinical findings. As regards answers to a question about frequency of pain and a question, in the specific Nordic questionnaire for the low back, concerning inability to do normal work the correlation to clinical findings was less apparent. Reported inability to do normal work in the questionnaire corresponded only to 43% with reported sick-leave in the interview.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed1991

Pain and discomfort in the musculoskeletal system among dentists. A prospective study.

The aim of this prospective study was to follow the pain and discomfort among dentists in the Public Dental Service in Malmöhus District and the Municipality of Malmö. In this investigation 311 dentists, who had answered questionnaires in 1987 and in 1990, took part. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort had increased, except the lower back pain and headache. However, the only significant difference was found with respect to the shoulders. As in 1987, female dentists had also in 1990 a higher prevalence of pain and discomfort in the neck and shoulders than their male colleagues. Of the 311 dentists, 262 had symptoms both in 1987 and in 1990. In 1987 forty-nine dentists were free of symptoms, while 24 of them reported symptoms in the locomotor system in 1990. Of the 262 dentists with symptoms in 1987 twenty-four were without symptoms at the follow-up in 1990. The aim of the investigation was also to study the influence of some ergonomic factors on the course of symptoms. However, these ergonomic variables showed a low predictive value for recovery or for the development of pain and discomfort in the locomotor system.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed1991

Occupational cervico-brachial disorders among dentists. Analysis of ergonomics and locomotor functions.

The aim of the investigation was to compare dentists with and without occupational cervicobrachial disorders with regard to the mobility of the neck and shoulders and the static endurance of the shoulder muscles. Further, differences in working position and the task performance on a stimulated case were to be analysed. The investigation was carried out during a visit to the workplace of 143 dental officers in the Public Dental Service in Malmöhus District and the Municipality of Malmö. Of these dentists, 96 had signs of cervico-brachial disorders and discomfort while 47 had not. The ergonomic examination showed, that significantly more dentists without symptoms of pain applied a wedge cushion under the upper part of the back of the patient to get an optimum view (p less than 0.05). It was also found that significantly more dentists without symptoms were aware of and utilised the naturally arising pauses in their work than dentists with pain and discomfort. Further dentists with cervico-brachial disorders kept their head sidebent and rotated to a greater extent than dentists without symptoms (p less than 0.01). No significant difference was found between the two groups concerning mobility of the neck and shoulders. Significant differences were found between women with and without cervico-brachial systems.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Neck and shoulder disorders in medical secretaries. Part I. Pain prevalence and risk factors.

420 medical secretaries took part in a cross-sectional study at examining the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders as well as the relationship between neck and shoulder pain and possible risk factors. Sixty-three percent had experienced neck pain sometime during the previous year and while 15% had suffered almost constant pain 32% had experienced neck pain only occasionally. Shoulder pain during the previous year had been experienced by 62%, 17% had suffered almost constant pain while 29% experienced pain only occasionally. Fifty-one percent had experienced low back pain. Age and length of employment were significantly related to neck and shoulder pain. Furthermore, working with office machines 5 hours or more per day was associated with a significantly increased risk for neck pain (OR 1.7), shoulder pain (OR 1.9) and headache (OR 1.8). Finally, a poorly experienced psychosocial work environment was significantly related to headache, neck, shoulder and low back pain. The results of this study suggest that work with office machines as well as the psychosocial work environment are important factors in neck and shoulder pain.

Academic Medical Centers↗
PubMed1991

Neck and shoulder disorders in medical secretaries. Part II. Ergonomical work environment and symptom profile.

Seventy-nine medical secretaries with neck and shoulder pain were included in a study aimed at an in-depth description of the ergonomical work environment and the participant's symptom profile, as well as analysing relationships between ergonomical factors and symptoms. Data were collected by daily ratings, questionnaires, and direct observation. The symptom profile showed low mean daily ratings of perceived fatigue and pain, a low medicine consumption, and few stress symptoms. A mean number of 2.1 undesirable work postures was observed. The correlations between perceived fatigue, pain, and well-being with number of shifts from sitting to standing and time spent typing, were generally small. This study suggests that risk factors for neck and shoulder pain are individual and multifactorial.

Academic Medical Centers↗
PubMed1991

Anterior-cruciate-insufficient knees treated with physiotherapy. A three-year follow-up study of patients with late diagnosis.

To evaluate a functional neuromuscular training program focusing on strength, endurance, postural control, and agility, 26 patients with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) diagnosed late were examined before starting a training period and then followed for three years. During the study period, four of the patients had an ACL reconstruction. Twenty-two patients treated without surgery were satisfied with the improvement in their knee function and activity level after three to six months of physiotherapy. Compliance with the rehabilitation program was good and the improvement achieved on completion of the training period was maintained for three years in this group of recreational sportsmen and women. Quadriceps strength, functional knee score, activity level, and functional performance were all improved after training and were maintained during the follow-up period.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Cervico-brachial disorders in dentists. A comparison between two kinds of physiotherapeutic interventions.

We have evaluated two kinds of physiotherapy treatment for dentists with occupational cervico-brachial disorders. Group A received treatment with a psychosomatic approach and individual ergonomic instruction and group B received ergonomic instruction only. A reduction of the cervico-brachial disorders after the intervention was observed in both groups. In group A there was a significant decrease of pain and discomfort in the neck (p less than 0.05), and a significant improvement was also found concerning the experience of well-being (p less than 0.05). Five weeks after the intervention the feeling of self-confidence had increased significantly in group A (p less than 0.05). Both groups of dentists experienced that their control over the work had decreased (p less than 0.01 in group A and p less than 0.05 in group B). In group B it was also found that the dentists' confidence in the future had decreased, compared with the answers given a year before.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Intraarticular corticosteroid injection into rheumatoid arthritis knees improves extensor muscles strength.

Eleven arthritic knee joints in seven patients with rheumatoid arthritis were studied before and after intraarticular injection of a corticosteroid preparation. Extensor muscle torque and quantitative electromyography increased on days 7 and 14 after treatment, indicating that muscle function had been inhibited by synovitis. Clinical signs of synovitis, such as pain, range of motion and knee circumference, also improved. Synovial fluid withdrawal alone improved extensor muscle torque. Joints with instability and/or radiological cartilage involvement also improved.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1990

Dynamic versus static training in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Sixty-seven patients with classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were studied concerning the effects of standardized physical training on muscle function in the lower extremities. The patients were randomly assigned to four different training groups and were given 6 weeks of training supervised by a physiotherapist at a health care centre. The groups differed according to type (dynamic or static) and extent (12 or 4 times) of training. During this training period as well as for an additional 3 months, the patients carried out programs of exercise at home (either dynamic or static). A significantly greater increase in function during the 6-week period as regards muscle strength, endurance, aerobic capacity, and functional ability was found for the dynamic as compared with the static groups. The findings at follow-up 3 months later were similar. The effectiveness of the programs did not vary with the extent of training. In conclusion, in RA patients, dynamic training gives a greater increase in physical capacity than does static training.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1990

Disability in anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency. An analysis of 19 untreated patients.

We analyzed the knee function in 19 consecutive patients with chronic instability after an anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Muscle strength, standing balance, activity level, functional knee score, and a performance test were evaluated. Reduced quadriceps muscle strength compared with the noninjured limb was associated with reduced performance as measured by the one-leg hop test and the Lysholm knee score. No weakness in the hamstrings was found. The patients had impaired standing balance with increased body sway in the frontal plane when standing on both the injured and noninjured limb.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Cervical pain and discomfort among dentists. Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects. Part 1. A survey of pain and discomfort.

The aim of the investigation was to study the frequency of pain, ache and discomfort in the musculoskeletal system among dentists, above all concerning headache, cervical and shoulder pain and further, to find possible correlations between these symptoms and various working positions and different working actions. A questionnaire was answered by 359 dentists (90.8%). Of those who answered the questionnaire 72% had pain and discomfort from either the neck, shoulders or headaches. Only 60 dentists had no pain or discomfort. Concerning the male dentists, the investigation revealed that younger dentists had pain and discomfort in the neck, shoulders and headaches to a greater extent than the older dentists. Younger female dentists had a significantly higher frequency of pain and discomfort in the neck and headaches than older colleagues. The results showed that dentist who positioned the patient carefully so that a direct view gained had a significantly lower frequency of headaches. Of the 359 dentists 55% mostly used the mirror to facilitate a direct view. From the answers it was clear that those dentists who did not have discomfort in the upper locomotor system used the mirror more often than those who did suffer discomfort.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Diabetes mellitus and disability pension. A descriptive study of all diabetic subjects granted disability pension in Sweden in 1980.

Disability documents of all diabetic persons (n = 1,707) granted a disability pension in Sweden during 1980 were studied. The following factors were analysed: age, sex, civil status, profession, unemployment, being a housewife, immigration status, form for disability pension application, duration of diabetes, type of treatment, presence of classical late complications and age at onset of diabetes, obesity and alcohol problems. Functional handicaps and symptoms related to a clinically advanced diabetes mellitus could be regarded as the basis for the decision to grant a disability pension to 20-25% of the pensioners. For the remaining 75-80% neither the diabetic state nor its late complications could be held responsible for reduced work capacity. Rather, symptoms like angina pectoris and rheumatic symptoms and many other factors such as obesity, alcohol problems, being an immigrant, or being unemployed influenced the decision to grant a disability pension.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Joint capsular stiffness in knee arthritis. Relationship to intraarticular volume, hydrostatic pressures, and extensor muscle function.

Increased intraarticular hydrostatic pressure (Pia) may inhibit juxtaarticular muscle function, obstruct blood supply to joint structures and promote anoxic joint destruction in chronic arthritis. Joint capsular stiffness together with synovial fluid volume determines Pia at rest. Seventeen knee joints with effusive arthritis and different degrees of radiological cartilage involvement in 13 patients with chronic arthritis were examined. Since capsular elastance was difficult to standardize, we introduce a measure of joint capsular stiffness where the intraarticular volume yielding a pressure of 50 mm Hg (V50) is used. After normalization of injected volumes according to the V50, pressure volume curves became similar. Intraarticular hydrostatic pressure and maximal voluntary isometric extensor torque were measured simultaneously, while altering the intraarticular fluid volume in 9 knee joints. In 5 of these, quantified electromyography (EMG) of the vastus medialis and lateralis portion of the quadriceps muscle was also monitored. Progressive inhibition of extensor torque and EMG was found as the intraarticular pressure volume was increased in both intact and destroyed joints. No difference in inhibition was found for the 2 portions of quadriceps muscle tested. Increased intraarticular hydrostatic pressure Pia levels between 200 and 1150 mm Hg were observed during maximal voluntary activation of extensor muscles. The reproducibility was good for all variables studied. In a few instances evidence of intraarticular compartmentalization was found at low volumes. We conclude that the V50 is a convenient expression of capsular stiffness. Furthermore, increasing Pia caused by joint effusion inhibits knee extensor muscle function and impairs synovial blood flow. Awareness of these relations will facilitate more rational therapeutic approaches in chronic arthritis.

Arthritis↗
PubMed1987

The clinical picture of the painful diabetic shoulder--natural history, social consequences and analysis of concomitant hand syndrome.

Sixty diabetic patients with shoulder pain were followed in order to trace the natural history of the disease. The triad of painful shoulder, hand syndrome and restricted hip joint mobility was strongly correlated to the duration of diabetes and retinopathy. Painful shoulder with restricted mobility (58%) and tendinitis (28%) predominated. Hand syndrome was found in 62% and restricted hip joint mobility in 42%. Ninety percent of painful shoulders with restricted mobility had difficulties in the activities of daily living in the acute phase. There was functional limitation of shoulder mobility in 17% of painful shoulders with restricted mobility at the end of the study. The duration of diabetes and the duration of shoulder symptoms were correlated. In 25%, working capacity was affected by the painful shoulder. A serious risk of developing shoulder symptoms persisting for more than 2 years was associated with insulin treatment, diabetes lasting more than 10 years, proliferative retinopathy and painful shoulder with restricted mobility.

Diabetes Complications↗
PubMed1986

Thermogenesis in human skeletal muscle as measured by direct microcalorimetry and muscle contractile performance during beta-adrenoceptor blockade.

The influence of beta-adrenoceptor-blockade on skeletal muscle was studied in ten healthy males with propranolol, atenolol and pindolol randomly given for 8 days each in a cross-over double blind test. After 7 days on each drug, muscle function was tested by an isokinetic dynamometer. Thermogenesis in biopsy samples taken from vastus lateralis muscle after a low grade exercise was studied after 8 days on each drug by direct calorimetry with a perfusion microcalorimeter. Before drug administration, a median heat production rate of 0.67 mW/g of muscle was measured. This value was significantly reduced by 25% during propranolol, but no significant change was found during atenolol or pindolol administration. Peak torque decline during isokinetic endurance test changed significantly in knee flexor but not in extensor muscles, from 15% to 27% after propranolol and from 15% to 23% after pindolol. Maximum dynamic strength was unaltered. Our data suggest that blockade of sympathetic beta 2-receptors decreases thermogenesis in human skeletal muscle and impairs isokinetic endurance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

The painful diabetic shoulder.

Different types of shoulder affection were studied in 62 diabetic patients with shoulder pain. Three groups of shoulder joint disorder were found: painful shoulder with restricted mobility (62%), tendinitis without mobility restriction (27%), and a small group with mixed diagnoses. Sixty per cent had hand symptoms and 38% had restricted mobility of their hip joints. High frequencies of retinopathy and neuropathy were found. Affection of the shoulder joint was seen with almost the same frequency in insulin-dependent as in non-insulin-dependent patients, but after a shorter duration of diabetes in the latter. A group of patients with the triad shoulder pain, hand symptoms and restricted mobility of the hip joints had a significantly higher frequency of proliferative retinopathy than patients with shoulder pain only. The long duration of diabetes, the high frequency of insulin treatment and classical late complications indicate that diabetic patients with painful shoulder and restricted mobility are suffering from clinically advanced diabetes mellitus.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

L-carnitine and haemodialysis: double blind study on muscle function and metabolism and peripheral nerve function.

Twenty-eight haemodialysis patients were randomized to L-carnitine, 2 g i.v. three times a week, and saline over a 6-week period. No obvious deficiency of carnitine was found in vastus lateralis with a median value of 12.9 mmol/kg dry weight; range 6.2-21.4. Female patients had lower total plasma carnitine compared to female controls, p less than 0.002, whereas no decrease was found in males. No relationship was found between muscle and total plasma carnitine. After carnitine administration the muscle carnitine level increased about 60%, p less than 0.01, and the total plasma carnitine level more than tenfold, whereas the initially high degree of acylation decreased, p less than 0.02. Maximum dynamic muscular strength was reduced with a mean value of 44% compared with healthy controls. Total metabolic activity of isolated skeletal muscle fibres, measured as heat production with a new technique using a perfusion microcalorimeter, showed a median value of 0.40 mW/g, 25% lower than normal, p less than 0.02. Carnitine administration had no effect on several different tests of muscular function. Neurophysiologically, discrete improvements in the temperature responses were recorded, but no changes in sensory and motor nerve conduction velocities or in vibration thresholds were noted. No symptomatic improvement was observed even in patients with the lowest carnitine levels prior to treatment. Our data do not support the hypothesis that carnitine deficiency contributes to muscle and nerve dysfunction in patients on chronic haemodialysis.

Adult↗