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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

The influence of stretcher height on the mechanical effectiveness of rowing.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of varying the height of the foot stretcher on the mechanical effectiveness of rowing. Ten male university level rowers rowed maximally for 3 minutes 30 seconds on a modified Concept 2 rowing ergometer. Each participant completed one trial at three foot stretcher heights. Position 1 was the original Concept 2 stretcher position, with Position 2 being located 5 cm and Position 3 being 10 cm above the original position and in the same orientation. Pull force and velocity were measured, and mean power generated by the rowers was calculated for each stroke. It was shown that in all three stretcher positions, mean power per stroke decreased as a function of time during the trial, confirming the fatiguing effects of the task. Although mean power per stroke did not differ significantly between stretcher positions at the start of the trial, p = 0.082, a significant difference was observed between the original stretcher position and Positions 2 and 3 at the end of the trial, p < 0.05. The lowest decline in mean power occurred in the highest stretcher position. It is suggested that this improvement in effectiveness is due to a reduction in the active downward vertical forces applied to the foot stretchers which does not contribute to forward propulsion, and thus a reduction in energy waste during each stroke. It was hypothesized that further raising the stretchers will continue to lead to an improvement in effectiveness until the optimum stretcher height is reached, above which effectiveness will be reduced.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Neck posture and head movement in four rescue stretchers.

Neck posture and head movements were measured in four rescue stretchers: the Neil Robertson stretcher, which has been in service in the Royal Navy for almost 100 years, and three potential replacements. A repeated measures laboratory study was carried out to quantify neck posture and head movements while subjects reclined in the stretchers. Stretchers were compared on the basis of this critical aspect of their performance to complement the findings of ship-based usability trials. When the subjects were secured in each of the stretchers, wearing cervical collars and any restraints integral to that stretcher, the resting posture of the neck and the range of voluntary movement in flexion/extension, lateral flexion, and rotation were measured. In all of the stretchers, the neck was in an extended posture. The collars restricted head movements but they did not immobilize the neck. Stretcher 3, which had all of the functionality of the Neal Robertson stretcher, but with integral backboard and head blocks, limited head movements the most.

Confined Spaces↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A randomized, controlled comparison of cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed on the floor and on a moving ambulance stretcher.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have demonstrated that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of poor quality is associated with worsened outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To compare the quality of CPR delivered on the floor with the quality of CPR delivered on a moving stretcher. The authors hypothesized that CPR performed on the floor would be superior to that performed on a moving stretcher. METHODS: A randomized, crossover experimental design was used. Subjects included emergency medical technician students, paramedic students, and emergency medicine residents. Two-member teams were randomly assigned to perform two-rescuer CPR on a manikin either on the floor or on a moving stretcher. After a 5-minute rest, the teams performed CPR under the opposite condition. Compression and ventilation data were collected using a recording resuscitation manikin. Dependent variables were compression depth, compression rate per minute, percentage of correct chest compressions, tidal volume, and percentage of correct ventilations. Data were compared using two-tailed paired t-test. RESULTS: Sixty-two subjects completed the study. The mean compression depth performed on the floor (39 +/- 9 mm) was greater than that on a moving stretcher (28 +/- 9 mm) (p < 0.001). The mean rates of chest compressions on the floor (110 +/- 17 beats/min) and on a moving stretcher (113 +/- 21 beats/min) were not different (p = 0.49). The percentage of correct compressions performed on the floor (54% +/- 40%) exceeded that on a moving stretcher (21% +/- 29%)(p < 0.001). The percentage of correct ventilations performed on the floor (43% +/- 26%) was greater than that on a moving stretcher (24% +/- 21%)(p < 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Chest compression and ventilation quality of CPR performed on the floor was superior to that of CPR performed on a moving stretcher in this manikin model. The quality of CPR while moving was significantly compromised.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Ride quality evaluation of an actively-controlled stretcher for an ambulance.

This study considers the subjective evaluation of ride quality during ambulance transportation using an actively-controlled stretcher (ACS). The ride quality of a conventional stretcher and an assistant driver's seat is also compared. Braking during ambulance transportation generates negative foot-to-head acceleration in patients and causes blood pressure to rise in the patient's head. The ACS absorbs the foot-to-head acceleration by changing the angle of the stretcher, thus reducing the blood pressure variation. However, the ride quality of the ACS should be investigated further because the movement of the ACS may cause motion sickness and nausea. Experiments of ambulance transportation, including rapid acceleration and deceleration, are performed to evaluate the effect of differences in posture of the transported subject on the ride quality; the semantic differential method and factor analysis are used in the investigations. Subjects are transported using a conventional stretcher with head forward, a conventional stretcher with head backward, the ACS, and an assistant driver's seat for comparison with transportation using a stretcher. Experimental results show that the ACS gives the most comfortable transportation when using a stretcher. Moreover, the reduction of the negative foot-to-head acceleration at frequencies below 0.2 Hz and the small variation of the foot-to-head acceleration result in more comfortable transportation. Conventional transportation with the head forward causes the worst transportation, although the characteristics of the vibration of the conventional stretcher seem to be superior to that of the ACS.

Acceleration↗
PubMed2006

Recovery of hand grip strength and hand steadiness after exhausting manual stretcher carriage.

Rescue activities frequently require not only substantial and sustained hand-grip forces but also a subtle coordination of hand and finger muscles, e.g. when manipulating injection syringes after manual stretcher carriage. We investigated the recovery kinetics of manual coordination and muscle strength after exhausting stretcher carriage (4.5 km/h, load at each handle bar: 25 kg). Hand steadiness (frequency and duration of wall contacts when holding a metal pin into a small bore) and parameters of hand-grip strength were determined in 15 male volunteers before and immediately after the stretcher carriage. Measurements were repeated after 0.5, 1, 4 and 24 h of recovery. Mean carrying time was 215+/-87 s (SD), mean transport distance amounted to 264+/-104 m. During the carriage test, forces at the stretcher handles oscillated in the order of +/-50 N within each gait cycle. Immediately after exhaustion, hand steadiness was significantly deteriorated (threefold increase in frequency and duration of wall contacts), maximum and mean hand-grip force over 15 s were reduced by almost 20%. While the recovery of hand steadiness was complete by minute 30 after stretcher carriage, a significant reduction in maximum and mean hand-grip force by 12% could still be observed after 24 h. The present findings demonstrate that hand steadiness recovers much faster than maximum hand-grip strength after exhaustive manual stretcher carriage (less than 30 min vs. more than 24 h). Probably, muscle damage induced in particular by the eccentric components during stretcher transport seems to affect only the generation of large forces. By contrast, the generation and coordination of the much lower forces required for hand-steadiness appears to be impaired only during the short transient of metabolic recovery.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Standard and alternative methods of stretcher carriage: performance, human factors, and cardiorespiratory responses.

Transporting a casualty on a stretcher is a common task for medical and military personnel. Stretchers are usually carried by hand, but distributing the load to other parts of the body may have advantages. To examine alternative carriage methods, 11 soldiers walked on a treadmill at 4.8 km/h while performing two-person carries of a stretcher containing an 80-kg manikin. In separate trials, soldiers carried the stretcher using: (1) hand carriage, (2) shoulder straps, (3) a specially designed harness that allowed load shifting between the hips and shoulders (hip-shoulder system), and (4) a clip that fitted on the belt of standard military load carrying equipment (LCE) and placed the stretcher mass mainly on the hips. With each system, subjects walked until volitional fatigue or 30 min. While walking, expired gases and heart rates were obtained and subjects rated their perceived exertion (Borg Scale). At the conclusion of all four trials, subjects rated each system on a number of subjective measures. Results showed that average (+/- SD) carriage times were 2.7+/-1.4, 14.5+/-8.3, 25.4+/-8.1, and 21.7+/-9.9 min with the hand, shoulder, hip-shoulder and LCE systems respectively (p<0.01). Hand carriage resulted in considerably more cardiorespiratory stress (higher heart rate and minute ventilation, p<0.05) than the other three systems, but there were few consistent differences among the other three systems. Perceived exertion in the upper body was less with the hip-shoulder and LCE systems than with the other two systems (p<0.05). Subjects preferred the hip-shoulder and LCE systems overall and for specific subjective characteristics such as comfort, ease of use and stability (p<0.01). These data indicate that moving the stretcher load from the hands and placing that load on the shoulders and/or hips results in improved performance, reduced cardiorespiratory stress and favourable subjective evaluations. Further developmental work should focus on the hip-shoulder and LCE systems.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Fixed versus free-floating stretcher mechanism in rowing ergometers: mechanical aspects.

The mechanical responses (i.e. external contact forces and external power) of 25 elite rowers to a race-pace rowing protocol were investigated on the traditional fixed stretcher mechanism and the more recently introduced free-floating stretcher mechanism rowing ergometers. Using a Rowperfect rowing ergometer for both conditions, external contact forces at the handle, stretcher and sliding seat, as well as the displacements of the handle and stretcher, were recorded. The external power was calculated as the product of the force and velocity data from both the handle and stretcher. Significant differences (P < 0.05) between the two conditions for each mechanical parameter were observed. The fixed condition showed larger maximum values for forces and external power and average power throughout the rowing cycle. Moreover, rowing with the fixed mechanism generated higher inertial forces during the transition between the propulsion and recovery phases, especially at the catch of the cycle. The results suggest that: (i) muscular coordination may differ according to the stretcher mechanism used, which could have an impact on the physiological adaptations of muscles; and (ii) the free-floating mechanism may induce lower catch and maximum values for net joint forces and net joint moments that could decrease the risk of injury.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Operative stretchers. Use in ophthalmologic procedures.

Operative stretchers have been used at Holy Spirit Hospital for more than 500 ophthalmologic procedures. Most of those procedures have been extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens implants performed as ambulatory surgery procedures. We also have used these stretchers for the inpatient procedures such as scleral buckling. Because the stretchers eliminate the need to clean and remake a stationary OR bed between each procedure, we have decreased the downtime between cases. We have recently started using the operative stretchers in selected plastic and otolaryngology procedures. We have six operative stretchers in use and, at times, need more.

Beds↗
PubMed2000

Biomechanic evaluation of the Rola Stretcher as a passive distraction device.

INTRODUCTION: Many devices have been marketed claiming to increase the mobility of the articulations of the spine with active or passive distraction. In this study, the Rola Stretcher (Unique Relief, Inc, Davenport, Iowa) and an earlier version, the True Back II (True Back, Inc, Clearwater, Fla), were evaluated to see if they have a measurable biomechanic effect on the spine. METHODS: Two studies were conducted, each with 6 male participants and 6 female participants, using a stadiometer to accurately measure a person's sitting height. The increase in sitting height after using the True Back II or Rola Stretcher for 10 minutes was compared with that after lying supine for 10 minutes. A third intervention, a firm foam block cut to the same size and shape as the True Back II, was also used in this study. RESULTS: The Rola Stretcher had a significantly greater lengthening effect on the spine compared with supine rest (P <0050). The True Back II had a similar but lesser effect (P <.0509). Women demonstrated a greater height gain than men. CONCLUSION: The True Back II and the Rola Stretcher in particular appear to lengthen the spine after a single use of 10 minutes. The observed discrepancy between the effects in men and women may be an experimental artifact occurring as a result of less effective resetting of the posturing mechanisms in men compared with women. A trend showed the Rola Stretcher to be more effective than the foam block.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Physiological factors in stretcher carriage performance.

In this study we examined the anthropometric and physiological factors that may account for the ability to carry a casualty on a stretcher. Eleven young soldiers were pretested to obtain their anthropometry, body composition, physical fitness, and muscle cross-sectional areas. They then performed a two-person manual carry of a stretcher containing an 82-kg manikin while walking on a treadmill at a speed of 4.8 km/h. Subjects walked until volitional fatigue, as indicated by slippage of the stretcher from their hands. Average (SD) carriage time was 2.7(1.4) min with a range of 1.4-6.4 min. A stepwise multiple linear regression revealed that forearm bone-plus-muscle cross-sectional area, thigh muscle cross-sectional area, and push-up performance accounted for most of the variance in hand carriage time (r2 = 0.99, P < 0.001). These data suggest that muscle cross-sectional area and upper-body muscular endurance are important physiological factors in the ability to carry a loaded stretcher by hand.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

The optical stretcher: a novel laser tool to micromanipulate cells.

When a dielectric object is placed between two opposed, nonfocused laser beams, the total force acting on the object is zero but the surface forces are additive, thus leading to a stretching of the object along the axis of the beams. Using this principle, we have constructed a device, called an optical stretcher, that can be used to measure the viscoelastic properties of dielectric materials, including biologic materials such as cells, with the sensitivity necessary to distinguish even between different individual cytoskeletal phenotypes. We have successfully used the optical stretcher to deform human erythrocytes and mouse fibroblasts. In the optical stretcher, no focusing is required, thus radiation damage is minimized and the surface forces are not limited by the light power. The magnitude of the deforming forces in the optical stretcher thus bridges the gap between optical tweezers and atomic force microscopy for the study of biologic materials.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1993

Pressure effects from the military stretcher.

Attention is drawn to a possible deficiency in the folding pole canvas stretcher. Canvas tensioning and uniformity of support in the variety of stretcher where the canvas is attached by screws and metal strips was noted to be defective. High interface pressures were found on this type of stretcher, a problem not encountered in stretchers where the canvas tensioning is with regularly spaced tacks. Patients supported on the screw and strip variety may be at a higher risk of pressure necrosis.

Ambulatory Care↗
PubMed1997

On an ambulance stretcher suspension concerned with the reduction of patient's blood pressure variation.

The design process and control of an ambulance stretcher suspension to reduce patient's blood pressure variation (BPV) is discussed. The BPV caused by applying the vehicle brakes may lead to deterioration of a patient's condition. The proposed method can reduce BPV by tilting the stretcher and counterbalancing back-to-front acceleration of the ambulance with gravity. The experimental results obtained when using a manually controlled stretcher confirm that BPV is reduced by tilting the stretcher. A continuous control method that varies the tilting angle is investigated through simulation analysis. The results show that this control method reduces the BPV effectively and achieves safe transport of the patient.

Acceleration↗
PubMed1989

A new stretcher design for easy manoeuvreability on narrow staircases and rough ground for developing countries.

Rough terrains with obstacles, narrow staircases and inadequate space to position the ambulance conveniently in relation to the exit door of houses, often encountered in developing countries like India, make it difficult if not impossible to carry patients using conventional stretchers. A novel two-wheeled stretcher to overcome the limitations has been designed, fabricated and tested for a decade. The special features allow even one stretcher operator to transport a patient over all types of ground, down staircases with landings so small as not to provide space for a regular stretcher to turn into and out from the ambulance. This wide range of facilities has been obtained by incorporating very simple and low-cost devices such as a metal guard over two wheels, friction belts and an ergonomically designed tie bar system. Usage in handling various medical and surgical emergency cases has proven the efficacy and acceptability of the design.

Ambulances↗
PubMed1994

A comparison of the spinal board and the vacuum stretcher, spinal stability and interface pressure.

The interface pressures were measured between the sacrum, mid-lumbar spine and various support surfaces. Thirty healthy male volunteers were recruited. The spinal board, padded spinal board and vacuum stretcher were the support surfaces evaluated. We found high and potentially ischaemic pressures between the sacrum and the spinal board interface (mean 147.3 mmHg). This was reduced in the padded board (115.5 mmHg) but dramatically reduced with the vacuum stretcher (36.7 mmHg). It was also noted that no support was given to the normal lumbar lordosis by the spinal board (padded and unpadded), but support was given by the vacuum stretcher. This raises the question of how stable is an unstable spinal injury on a flat supporting surface.

Humans↗
PubMed1984

A stretcher that facilitates the radiographic evaluation and closed reduction of spinal fractures.

A rigid and exceptionally radiolucent stretcher with an attachment for cervical traction has been constructed. A patient is able to remain on this stretcher in the same position during the entire radiographic examination of a spinal fracture, including plain x-ray and computed tomographic and myelographic studies. Two advantages are obtained if this stretcher is used: 1) A patient's spine is well supported and does not need to be moved at any time during these radiographic studies, and 2) the application of traction during the myelography or closed reduction of a cervical fracture is facilitated.

Equipment and Supplies↗
PubMed1982

The emergency department stretcher.

The stretcher is an important and expensive item of equipment in the emergency department. We draw attention to some of the many defects in design and engineering of stretchers, and make some suggestions about how these can be improved. We stress the importance of the role of the emergency department staff in the choice of a new stretcher.

Emergency Medicine↗
PubMed2006

Carrier-envelope phase shift caused by grating-based stretchers and compressors.

Simple analysis indicates that when the distance between gratings in optical stretchers and compressors varies by one half of the grating constant due to mechanical vibration or thermal motion, the change of the carrier-envelope phase is of the order of 2pi rad. To suppress the phase noise, one feedback loop is needed to stabilize the compressor while two loops are required for the stretcher. When the phase drift is measured with an f-to-2f interferometer, either the stretcher or the compressor can be feedback controlled to stabilize the carrier-envelope phase of the pulses from a chirped pulse amplifier.

Journal Article↗