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PubMed2003

Back injury prevention: a lift team success story.

Work related back injuries among hospital personnel account for high volume, high cost workers' compensation claims. These injuries can be life altering experiences, affecting both the personal and professional lives of injured workers. Lifting must be viewed as a skill involving specialized training and mandated use of mechanical equipment, rather than as a random task performed by numerous health care providers. The use of a lift team specially trained in body mechanics, lifting techniques, and the use of mandated mechanical equipment can significantly affect injury data, financial outcomes, and employee satisfaction. The benefits of a lift team extend beyond the effect on injury and financial outcomes--they can be used for recruitment and retention strategies, and team members serve as mentors to others by demonstrating safe lifting techniques. Ultimately, a lift team helps protect a valuable resource--the health care worker.

Back Injuries↗
PubMed2003

Comparison of a simulated versus work environment lifting task on L5/S1 compression forces.

Since a patient's ability to perform simulated work activities guides return-to-work decisions, a significant question to address is whether the simulated work environment accurately reflects the actual work environment. Work hardening programs have been used extensively as a method of rehabilitating workers to return to their pre-injury functioning levels. Re-training workers to lift boxes is a common method used to simulate the work environment. Although very few boxes used in the real work environment have handles, boxes with handles are often used in the simulated work environment. The difference in compression forces at the L5/S1 joint while lifting boxes with and without handles was investigated. The Lift Trak Motion Analysis system was used to estimate lumbar isometric compression forces exerted while lifting a 20-pound (9.07-kg) box. The results indicated that estimates of compression forces when lifting a box without handles were significantly different (p < 0.01) than when lifting the same box with handles. Based on these results, it is recommended that work hardening professionals carefully re-evaluate the simulated work environments currently being used for treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

[Study on lifting-related musculoskeletal disorders among workers in metal processing].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate lifting-related musculoskeletal disorders in metal processing, to analyze the risk factors, and to study the validity and feasibility of using NIOSH lifting equation in China. METHODS: The questionnaires of semi-structured interview, the Ovako Working Posture Analysing System (OWAS) postural analysis and variables of the NIOSH equation were applied to the study. The study population consisted of 69 workers mainly involved in manual materials handling (MMH), categorized as Job A; and 51 machinery workers, served as controls, that were less MMH task involved, as Job B. RESULTS: The prevalence of low back pain (LBP), which was defined at least one episode lasting for more than 24 hours in the past 12 months, were 63.8% and 37.3% for Job A and Job B, respectively. However, the prevalence of LBP lasting for more than a week due to lifting were 26.09% and 5.88% for Job A and B, respectively. The proportion of awkward back postures were found higher in Job A than that of Job B (66% vs 63%, P < 0.05). The NIOSH Lifting Index (LI) was estimated to be 2.4 for Job A, and 0 < LI < 1 for Job B. The analysis of multiple regressions revealed that the repetitiveness of lifting and length of service had greatly attributed to the occurrence of LBP. The "composite load" (object weight x activity repetitiveness) had a significant adverse effect on lower back meaning that the objective weight remains an ingredient part of the risk. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of LBP is not only related to the force load, but the repetitiveness of lifting and awkward postures. The method of OWAS observation and US-NIOSH equation are important tools in assessing characteristics and risk factors of LBP for MMH tasks. Further study aimed at developing an integral scheme for the assessment system is needed.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Simulation of manual materials handling: biomechanial assessment under different lifting conditions.

Manual material handling (MMH) tasks were evaluated and compared under different lifting conditions. For the theoretical evaluations, a two-dimensional sagittally symmetric human-body model was established to compute the moment and joint load time histories for MMH tasks for a variety of different lift specifications and constraints such as lifting durations, loads, and modes. Nonlinear control techniques and genetic algorithms were utilized in the optimizations to explore optimal lifting patterns. Since the kinetic measures such as joint moments are vital metrics in the assessment of the likelihood of injury, the simulation results obtained may be compared using these metrics for each lift type, so that the superiority of a lifting method or protocol relative to another may be determined.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1989

Relation of plasma volume change to intensity of weight lifting.

To determine the relation of plasma volume change to intensity of weight lifting, blood samples were obtained from 15 males [mean (+/- SD) age = 22.3 +/- 3.2 yr; height = 176.3 +/- 6.9 cm; weight = 73.0 +/- 11.7 kg] before and over a 60-min period following weight lifting at four different intensities [40, 50, 60, and 70% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM)]. Weight lifting consisted of completing three circuits of four exercises (bench press, bent-over row, arm curl, and parallel squat), with 10 repetitions of each exercise performed over a 30-s period followed by 30 s of rest. Mean (+/- SE) oxygen uptakes (VO2) during weight lifting at the four intensities were 1.31 +/- 0.04, 1.50 +/- 0.07, 1.72 +/- 0.07, and 1.86 +/- 0.08 1.min-1, or 33-47% of treadmill-determined VO2max, respectively. Mean (+/- SE) blood lactates were 6.5 +/- 0.5, 8.7 +/- 0.5, 9.4 +/- 0.6, and 12.0 +/- 0.6 mmol.1(-1), respectively. Mean (+/- SE) heart rates (HR) were 124 +/- 4, 134 +/- 4, 148 +/- 5, and 161 +/- 4 bpm, or 63-82% of treadmill-determined HRmax, respectively. Plasma volume decreased linearly in relation to intensity of weight lifting with mean responses of -7.7 +/- 0.8, -10.7 +/- 0.8, -12.1 +/- 0.9, and -13.9 +/- 0.8% at 40, 50, 60, and 70% of 1-RM, respectively. It was concluded that plasma volume decreases linearly in relation to intensity (%1-RM) of weight lifting and that the relation is similar to that reported for dynamic, low-resistance exercise such as cycling and running.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Psychophysically acceptable weights for a combination lifting task using bags with handles.

This paper presents a study on a combination lift and lower manual handling task and was designed to simulate the loading of grocery bags into a car trunk. Twelve male subjects performed an externally paced task of lifting grocery bags loaded with weights from 15 cm above the floor and over a wooden sill. There were two different sill heights of 70 cm and 90 cm, and for each of these heights there were two frequencies of 3 and 6 lifts per cycle. The dependent variables were maximum acceptable weight of lift (MAWOL). A unique lifting sequence and a modified version of the psychophysical methodology were used to determine MAWOL. There was a significant difference in the MAWOL across the two sill heights as well as the MAWOL at the two different frequencies. Plastic bags were determined to increase the average load lifted by 27% as compared to paper bags. At normal grocery bag weights, the increased load carrying capacity represents an increase in the safety factor. Not only can the risk of lower back injuries be decreased by using plastic bags with handles but the risk of developing a cumulative trauma disorder could also be decreased.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

The impact of new lifting technology in long term care: a pilot study.

1. The researchers conducted a pilot study to test a new lifting system developed with the assistance of nurses. 2. The lift system consists of a portable battery operated power unit that the nurse carries to the bedside and attaches to an overhead track; the ability to share the portable power unit among several track locations is economical. 3. The new lifting system was found to reduce the number of staff necessary to execute patient lifts. This staff saving amounted to 50% of one full time equivalent person per nursing unit. 4. Nurses perceived that less effort was required using the new lifting system compared to a conventional floor model wheeled lifting device.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Midfacial rejuvenation via a minimal-incision brow-lift approach: critical evaluation of a 5-year experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surgical technique, cosmetic results, and complications of patients who underwent a midface-lift via a minimal-incision brow-lift performed by the senior author (E.F.W.). SETTING: Private, ambulatory surgical center. DESIGN: A retrospective review of 325 midface-lifts performed over a 5-year period by a single surgeon. Patients A total of 325 consecutive patients who underwent a midface-lift, with or without concurrent rhytidectomy and other adjunctive procedures, and who completed 3 months of follow-up were reviewed for perioperative complications. One hundred patients who had complete photographic and chart records and who had a minimum of 6 months of follow-up were randomly selected for photographic rating and chart review. Of the patients who had a minimum of 1 year of follow-up, 50 were randomly selected to determine if midfacial elevation led to any evidence of lateral-canthal distortion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Midfacial elevation was assessed in 3 facial zones by 3 independent evaluators. Zone I represents the malar-infraorbital complex; zone II, the nasolabial sulcus; and zone III, the jawline. The zones were rated on a scale from 0 to 2 (0, no improvement; 1, mild improvement; and 2, marked improvement). Change in the lateral-canthal position was measured in the vertical and horizontal axis for each eye. All complications were recorded. RESULTS: The 3 independent evaluators correlated well in their scores (kappa = 0.643) and found that most patients showed the best improvements in zone I, with 70% of patients showing marked improvement (P<.001). Moderate improvement was noted in zone III (marked improvement, 30%; mild improvement, 50%; and no improvement, 20%). Little or no improvement was noted in zone II (marked improvement, 4%; mild improvement, 60%; and no improvement, 36%). Patients who underwent a rhytidectomy along with a midface-lift showed better elevation in zone III. However, patients who underwent a brow/midface-lift alone also showed favorable improvement along the jawline (zone III). Although the postoperative lateral-canthal position revealed statistically significant vertical elevation of the lateral canthus on the right side, this finding did not correlate with any perceived clinical significance by the reviewer or patient (P<.01). Temporary morbidity included 2 subperiosteal abscesses and 3 frontal and 1 buccal facial nerve neuropraxias that resolved by 6 months. Permanent complications included 1 case of unilateral cranial nerve V2 paresthesia. Five patients had alopecia requiring scar revision. Many of these complications, including subperiosteal abscess and alopecia, have subsequently been avoided by minor technique modifications. CONCLUSION: The technique of midface-lift via transbrow approach is a safe, reliable method of midfacial rejuvenation and avoids the unnatural lateral-canthal distortion previously described in the literature.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Safety and efficacy of midface-lifts with an absorbable soft tissue suspension device.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of midface-lifting using an absorbable suspension device (Endotine ST). DESIGN: Prospective cohort of 10 consecutive adult female patients seen in a private practice who underwent isolated midface-lift without accompanying eyelid surgery or volume augmentation procedures in the setting of an accredited ambulatory surgical center. All patients underwent endoscopic-assisted midface-lifts with general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Subperiosteal dissections of the midface were performed with fixation of the Endotine ST device to temporalis fascia. Objective and subjective criteria were recorded and photodocumented during the postoperative period at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months. Patient characteristics of erythema, tenderness, and pain were recorded with a visual analog scale. The patients and surgeon rated changes from the baseline condition and overall satisfaction with the procedure at 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: All 10 patients completed the 6-month postoperative follow-up. Nine of the 10 patients had significant improvements in their aesthetic outcome. The most common objective symptom of malar sensitivity diminished significantly between the 1- and 3-month visits. One patient experienced a temporary paresis of the zygomaticofacial nerve that resolved at 3 months. There were no major complications of infection, extrusion, skin irregularities, or device removals. CONCLUSIONS: Midface-lifting with the Endotine ST device provided significant elevation of the malar fat pad with improvement in facial contour. Safety of this surgical technique was comparable to that of midface-lifts in other published studies. Patient acceptance of the midface-lift using the Endotine ST device was favorable. Temporary tenderness over the malar area can be expected during the early postoperative period.

Absorbable Implants↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Midface effects of the deep-plane vs the superficial musculoaponeurotic system plication face-lift.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if there is any observable difference in the midface of patients who have undergone a deep-plane face-lift vs a standard superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) plication face-lift. DESIGN: Preoperative and postoperative photographs of 25 patients undergoing each type of face-lift were rated by 3 independent and blinded observers. A 7-point scale was used to grade improvement in 5 areas on the face and neck: malar eminence, melolabial fold, jowls, cervicomental angle, and anterior neck banding. RESULTS: All 3 independent observers rated the patients who underwent a deep-plane face-lift as having a significantly better result (P<.01) in 2 of the measured locations; the observed improvements in the deep-plane group were twice those in the SMAS plication group. CONCLUSION: In our study of 50 patients, the deep-plane face-lift proved to have results that were clinically and statistically better than those of the SMASapplication face-lift in both the midface and the neck.

Esthetics↗
PubMed2000

Compensation of the siphoning effect in nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis by vial lifting.

Increasing the sample load in nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis through the use of wide-bore capillaries is a good way to scale up analytical separations to semipreparative level. However, obtaining high efficiency requires the use of special instrumentation to eliminate siphoning. When wide-bore capillaries are employed, relatively large solvent volumes are transported from inlet to outlet vial, and due to the difference in liquid levels a siphoning flow from outlet to inlet is established. Siphoning induces a deviation from the plug-like flow profile and adversely affects the separation efficiency. In this study the use of wide-bore capillaries in nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis was examined with compensation for siphoning by lifting of the inlet vial. The inlet vial is raised at a speed appropriate for maintaining equal levels of liquid in the inlet and outlet vials. The optimal lift rate was determined empirically from a series of runs in which the lift rate was varied. As well, a simple theoretical model was devised for the calculation of lift rates. The model was successfully applied for the 200 microm and 320 microm ID capillaries but for the 530 microm ID capillary the predicted optimal lift rate was too low. Evidently this was because the theory was unable to account for the effect of siphoning on the migration times. Three model compounds, bumetanide, furosemide and ethacrynic acid, were separated using an acetonitrile-ethanol mixture (50:50, v/v) with potassium acetate (1 mM) or ammonium acetate (5 mM) as electrolyte. Good separation of bumetadine and ethacrynic acid was obtained even with a 530 microm ID capillary when the lift rate was carefully optimized. Without elimination of siphoning the peaks would not have been detectable. The viscosities and electrical conductivities of the electrolyte solution measured at different temperatures showed that viscosity as well as conductivity decreased with increasing temperature. The temperature dependence of the conductivity was used to estimate the temperature inside the CE capillary.

Electric Conductivity↗
PubMed1998

Discovery of human antibodies to cell surface antigens by capture lift screening of phage-expressed antibody libraries.

An assay for the rapid identification and cloning of antibody fragments (Fabs) reactive with cell surface antigens was established and used to identify Fabs selectively reactive with tumor cell surface antigens. The Fabs were produced by a phage expression system and screened by a modified plaque lift approach in which nitrocellulose filters were coated with an anti-immunoglobulin reagent and blocked with bovine serum albumin prior to application to the phage-infected bacterial lawn. Subsequently, capture lifts were incubated with biotinylated antigen and reactive Fabs were identified with streptavidin conjugates. This screening method, termed capture lift, results in the immobilization of greater quantities of Fab and decreases the binding of unrelated host proteins, resulting in a more sensitive plaque lift assay. The capture lift permits the simultaneous analysis of thousands of antibody clones and, more importantly, can be used with crude detergent-solubilized cell extracts, permitting the discovery of Fabs which bind integral membrane proteins present in heterogeneous mixtures of antigens. Optimal conditions were identified utilizing phage-expressed BR96 Fab and a horseradish peroxidase conjugate of Lewis Y, a soluble cross-reactive antigen. Subsequently, it was demonstrated that the assay was functional with postnuclear detergent extracts isolated from surface-biotinylated tumor cells expressing the BR96 tumor antigen. Purification of the target antigen was not required. To demonstrate the application of the capture lift assay for the discovery of Fabs reactive with novel cell surface antigens a phage-expressed human antibody library constructed from tumor-infiltrating B lymphocytes was screened. Multiple antibody clones which reacted with detergent-solubilized biotinylated surface antigens were identified. Upon further characterization a portion of these displayed selectivity for tumor cells, as demonstrated by the binding of Fab to fixed and live tumor cells but not normal fibroblasts.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Flight of the honeybee. V. Drag and lift coefficients of the bee's body; implications for flight dynamics.

Drag forces and lift forces acting on honeybee trunks were measured by using specially built sensitive mechanical balances. Measurements were made on prepared bodies in 'good' and in 'bad' flight position, with and without legs, at velocities between 0.5 and 5 m.s-1 (Reynolds numbers between 4.10(2) and 4.10(3)) and at angles of attack between -20 degrees and +20 degrees. From the forces drag coefficients and lift coefficients were calculated. The drag coefficient measured with a zero angle of attack was 0.45 at 3 less than or equal to v less than or equal to 5 m.s-1, 0.6 at 2 m.s-1, 0.9 at 1 m.s-1 and 1.35 at 0.5 m.s-1, thus demonstrating a pronounced effect of Reynolds number on drag. These values are about 2 times lower (better) than those of a "drag disc" with the same diameter and attacked at the same velocity. The drag coefficient (related to constant minimal frontal area) was minimal at zero angle of attack, rising symmetrically to larger (+) and smaller (-) angles of attack in a non-linear fashion. The absolute value is higher and the rise is steeper at lower speeds or Reynolds numbers, but the incremental factors are independent of Reynolds number. For example, the drag coefficient is 1.44 +/- 0.05 times higher at an angle of attack of 20 degrees than at one of 0 degrees. On a double-logarithmic scale the slope of the drag versus Reynolds number plot was 1.5: with decreasing Reynolds number the relationship between drag and velocity changes from quadratic (Newton's law) to linear (viscous flow). Trunk drag was not systematically increased by the legs at any velocity or Reynolds number or any angle of attack. The legs appear to shape the trunk "aerodynamically", to form a relatively low-drag trunk-leg system. The body is able to generate dynamic lift. Highly significant positive linear correlations between lift coefficient and angle of attack were determined for the trunk-leg system in the typical flight position. Lift coefficient was +0.05 at zero angle of attack (possibly attained during very fast flight), +0.1 at 5 degrees (attained during fast flight), +0.25 at +20 degrees (attained during slow flight) and +0.55 at 45 degrees (attained whilst changing over to hovering). Average slope delta cL/delta alpha was 0.66 +/- 0.07, and average profile efficiency was 0.10. Non-wing lift contribution due to body form and banking only accounts for a few percent of body weight during fast flight.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with two original lifting bars.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in which the abdominal wall is lifted with two original lifting bars, especially for patients with cardiopulmonary disease. METHODS: We developed our original lifting bar. It consisted of a bent stainless steel rod 5 mm in diameter. We used two lifting bars to get a better surgical field. We performed LC on many cardiopulmonary-compromised patients. RESULTS: Since 1994, we have performed 250 LCs with good results using the two-bar method. No severe complication occurred in any LC using the two-bar method. Only two cases were converted to conventional open surgery. CONCLUSION: By traction to the teres ligament, the liver is lifted to the median abdominal wall. As a result, the surgeon can get a suitable surgical in field in which manipulate the inferior surface of the liver. Our lifting method is suitable for cardiopulmonary-compromised patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Reducing the biomechanical stress of lifting by training.

The effectiveness of two methods of training in reducing biomechanical stress during lifting was examined in a sample of 12 men aged 18-40 years. Subjects carried out three 40 min sessions, one session per day, of a simple symmetrical lifting task. No training was given before the first session, which acted as the control condition. before each of the next two sessions training was given in the form of either written guidelines or interactive personal tuition in a crossover design. Interaction of order with method was expected and was of interest. The effectiveness of each training method in relieving the stress of lifting was measured in four ways: by ratings of perceived exertion on the Borg scale; by video analysis of adherence to guideline kinematics; by chronic spinal compression measured by precision stadiometry; and by the relative compression force at L5/S1 calculated using Chaffin's model. Although the differences in the results of the four assessment methods make reservations necessary it is suggested that while brief personal tuition may demonstrably reduce lifting stress even in a simple lifting task, written guidelines for the untrained may be counterproductive and may interfere with habitual skills. It is recommended that the efficiency of lifting training methods be estimated objectively, such as by the methods employed here, before being adopted.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1984

The circulatory response to lifting and carrying and its modification by beta-adrenoceptor blockade.

The circulatory effects of lifting and holding weighted suitcases of 5, 10 and 15 kg, and carrying the same suitcases at two different walking speeds were evaluated in 6 normal subjects before and after beta-adrenoceptor blockade with 160 mg oxprenolol. Lifting and holding induced significant weight-induced increments in systolic and diastolic blood pressure which were not attenuated by beta-blockade. There was a significant increase in heart rate only on lifting the 15 kg weight which was attenuated by oxprenolol. Dynamic exercise (walking) with the same weighted suitcases resulted in rate and speed related increase in systolic pressure and heart rate, the magnitude of which was greater than that of lifting alone. The isometric pressor response was attenuated when walking and carrying at 2 mph, but completely abolished by the metabolic and heat induced vasodilatation when walking at 4 mph. Following beta-blockade both the absolute blood pressure and the systolic pressor and heart rate responses to combined lifting and carrying were attenuated. The diastolic pressor response induced by lifting, which was offset in the control period by the vasodilation induced by dynamic exercise was progressively attenuated proportionate to the load carried following beta-blockade; presumably this reflected systemic vasoconstriction to maintain mean perfusion pressure in the presence of central beta-blockade. These observations suggest that the isometric component which predominates at slow walking speeds when carrying weights between 5 and 15 kg is completely suppressed by the vasodilatation at fast walking speeds. Beta-blockade, while reducing heart rate and systolic pressor response to the same stimuli, leads to an augmented systemic vascular resistance which is particularly evident at high metabolic workloads.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Abdominal wall lift versus carbon dioxide insufflation for laparoscopic resection of ovarian tumors.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare changes in pulmonary mechanics and stress hormone responses between abdominal wall lift (gasless) and carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation laparoscopic surgery during controlled general anesthesia. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical study. SETTING: Operating rooms at a university medical center. PATIENTS: 12 ASA physical status I and II female patients undergoing laparoscopic resection of ovarian tumors. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were divided into two groups of six each: the abdominal wall lift group and the CO2 pneumoperitoneum laparoscopic group. Following induction of anesthesia, patients were paralyzed and the trachea was intubated. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane and nitrous oxide (N2O) in oxygen. Throughout the procedure, patients were mechanically ventilated with a tidal volume of 10 ml/kg and a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: During the laparoscopic procedure, arterial blood gases, acid-base balance, pulmonary mechanics, stress-related hormones, and urine output were measured and recorded. In the CO2 pneumoperitoneum group, arterial CO2 tension increased (p < 0.01), dynamic pulmonary compliance decreased (p < 0.01), peak inspiratory airway pressure increased (p < 0.01), and plasma epinephrine (p < 0.05), norepinephrine (p < 0.05), dopamine (p < 0.01), and antidiuretic hormones (p < 0.05) increased significantly during the laparoscopic procedure as compared to the abdominal lift group. Adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol increased as compared to baseline value in both groups (p < 0.05). Urine output was significantly less (p < 0.01) in the CO2 pneumoperitoneum group than in the abdominal wall lift group. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal wall lift laparoscopic surgery is physiologically superior to CO2 pneumoperitoneum laparoscopic surgery as seen during the conditions of this study. Abdominal wall lift laparoscopic surgery provides normal acid-base balance and a lesser degree of hormonal stress responses, it maintains urine output, and it avoids derangement of pulmonary mechanics.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed2000

The effect of shoe lifts on static and dynamic postural control in individuals with hemiparesis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of lifts to the shoe of the nonaffected leg on weight symmetry and dynamic posturography in individuals with hemiparesis. DESIGN: Quantitative posturography was performed to determine subjects' response to sudden perturbations. Subjects received graded forward and backward perturbations while standing on a movable force platform. Compelled shift of the body weight was induced with sized lifts to the shoe of the nonaffected leg. Balance responses were analyzed in terms of latency and strength of neuromuscular response. Symmetry scores were used to characterize the symmetry of stance. SETTING: Free-standing acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Ten individuals with hemiparesis as a result of unilateral stroke. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Weight symmetry scores, latencies of each leg's active response to the support surface translations, and response strength scores of each leg to the platform translations. RESULTS: When no lift was used, weight symmetry was characterized by underloading of the affected limb, as well as by longer onset latencies for the affected limb compared with the stronger one (158.5 +/- 3.9 vs 151.1 +/- 3.5 ms; p < .01 for large backward translations; 165.7 +/- 7.2 vs 158.0 +/- 5.1 ms; p < .01 for large forward translations). Response strength of the nonparetic limb was 2 times greater than the response strength of the weaker extremity (p < .05). Compelled weight shift induced by lifts applied to the shoe of the nonparetic limb promoted improved weight symmetry, shortened latencies, and increased magnitudes of the response strength. CONCLUSION: Lifts applied to the shoe of the stronger limb induced a body weight shift toward the paretic limb and resulted in improved symmetry of stance and postural control of individuals with hemiparesis. We suggest that compelled weight distribution induced by lifts to the shoe of the stronger limb could help treat ambulatory individuals with asymmetric stance and hemiparesis caused by unilateral stroke.

Adult↗