SummaryAim: To determine the prevalence of computer vision syndrome (CVS) and ergonomic practices among students in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Jamaica. Method:A cross-sectional study was done with a self-administered questionnaire.Results: Four hundred and nine students participated; 78% were females. The mean age was 21.6 years. Neck pain (75.1%), eye strain (67%), shoulder pain (65.5%) and eye burn (61.9%) were the most common CVS symptoms. Dry eyes (26.2%), double vision (28.9%) and blurred vision (51.6%) were the least commonly experienced symptoms.Eye burning (P = .001), eye strain (P = .041) and neck pain (P = .023) were significantly related to level of viewing. Moderate eye burning (55.1%) and double vision (56%) occurred in those who used handheld devices (P = .001 and .007, respectively). Moderate blurred vision was reported in 52% who looked down at the device compared with 14.8% who held it at an angle. Severe eye strain occurred in 63% of those who looked down at a device compared with 21% who kept the device at eye level. Shoulder pain was not related to pattern of use. Conclusion:Ocular symptoms and neck pain were less likely if the device was held just below eye level. There is a high prevalence of Symptoms of CVS amongst university students which could be reduced, in particular neck pain and eye strain and burning, with improved ergonomic practices. | INTRODUCTIONElectronic devices, laptops, tablets, ipads and smartphones, are now an integral part of studying at universities. Smart phone use in education is rapidly developing because of Google, Wikipedia and medical related apps.1-3 Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is at risk of becoming a major public health issue. 4The American Optometric Association defines CVS as a complex of eye and vision problems related to near vision activities involving computer use. 5 The prevalence of CVS ranges from 64% to 90%amongst computer users, with nearly 60 million people affected globally. 6,7 The most frequently occurring health related problems among computer users are CVS, wrist, neck, shoulder and back pain, an over use syndrome resulting in ocular and musculoskeletal discomfort. 8-10Students, who are frequent computer users are at increased risk of CVS and poor posture.
Within the first week post-stroke, getting out of bed and walking over a short distance, even with assistance, was a strong predictor of discharge home. Most of the improvement in measures of impairment and disability occurred during the first month and, by 3 months, there was still considerable room for improvement in all measures: 85% of persons were still impaired on gait speed, 78% had not reached age-specific norms for upper extremity function, 68% still demonstrated slow physical mobility, 37% needed some assistance with basic activities of daily living and 29% were still impaired on balance. By 1 year, 73% of persons scored the maximum for basic activities of daily living but 51 and 67% of persons reported their physical health and mental health to be lower than expected. Among a hardy group of stroke survivors, still living in the community 1 year post-stroke, the most striking area of difficulty was endurance, as measured by the 6 minute walk test. Those subjects well enough to complete this task (50% of sample) were able to walk, on average, only 250 metres, equivalent to 40% of their predicted ability. This series of snapshots taken at different points in time suggests that much of the improvement in impairment and disability occurs during the first month and then reaches a plateau. Handicap and quality of life continue to be issues later. Rehabilitation strategies need to consider the multifaceted nature of disablement, which in itself changes with time post-stroke.
A erobic exercise training in stroke has been shown to increase lower extremity strength, 1 improve aerobic capacity, 2 and functional abilities.3 Although these outcomes may impact health-related quality of life (HRQL), 4 the effect of aerobic exercise on HRQL has been much less investigated. Improvement in HRQL after combined aerobic and strengthening exercise has been reported, 5 whereas others have shown no effect. 6 Aerobic training alone was investigated in only 1 study with no effect. 7Previous studies used mainly treadmill and cycle ergometers, with none examining more accessible and less expensive modes of aerobic training such as overground walking. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a community-based, 12-week aerobic (walking) exercise program on functional status and HRQL in community-dwelling stroke survivors. Methods Design and SubjectsA single-blind randomized controlled trial was done. The study received ethics approval, and subjects gave written informed consent. Subjects were recruited from among those treated at 3 hospitals in the parishes of Kingston and St. Andrew. Persons included were: ≥40 years of age, community dwelling, 6 to 24 months after stroke, able to walk with or without an assistive device, not currently in a rehabilitation or regular exercise program, not having any disorder that would compromise exercise training, such as unstable cardiovascular diseases, and not having any cognitive deficits. ProceduresPotential candidates were screened for eligibility by a medical practitioner before baseline assessment, then block randomized to intervention and control groups. Reassessment was done at 6 weeks and 3 months (end of training). Participants were assessed by a physical therapist blinded to group assignment. InterventionSubjects were supervised by trained instructors to walk briskly along a prescribed course for 15 minutes, 3 times per week, for 12 weeks, initially, progressing by 5 minutes per week up to 30 minutes in their home or community. Target heart rate was 60% to 85% of agepredicted maximum heart rate (220-age). Training progression was also carried out by increasing speed.Background and Purpose-Little is known about the effects of community-based walking programs in persons with chronic stroke. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of aerobic (walking) training on functional status and health-related quality of life in stroke survivors. Methods-A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. The intervention group (n=64)
Engaging in dancing using dance videogames can lead to improved cardiovascular conditioning and flexibility in sedentary female university students.
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