Cerebral Air Embolism After Pigtail Catheter Drainage for Pneumothorax: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Objective: Cerebral air embolism (CAE) is an extremely rare but serious complication of pigtail catheter drainage. The aim of the case report is to review our experience in the diagnosis and treatment for CAE after pigtail catheter drainage.Case presentation: In our study, we report a case of CAE following pigtail catheter insertion for pneumothorax. A 50-year-old man was diagnosed with a pulmonary mass in the right lower lobe. He underwent a right lower lobectomy. Pneumothorax was present after the removal of the chest tube. Pigtail catheter drainage was used in order to treat the pneumothorax, which resulted in convulsions, limb stiffness, and unconsciousness. A brain CT scan was immediately performed and showed multiple low densities in the right occipital lobe, which was diagnosed as CAE. Assisted breathing, antibiotic treatment, and antiepileptic therapy were used and the patient gradually improved and was discharged at 27 days of treatment but the muscle strength of the left limb was weakened.Conclusion: We analyzed and summarized the possible causes of CAE in the literature, and the findings of the case could enhance the vigilance of clinicians.

Relationship between Connective Tissue Morphology and Lower-Limb Stiffness in Endurance Runners. A Prospective Study

Background: The lower limb behaves like a spring compressing and decompressing during running, where lower-limb stiffness is one of the most influential factors. This prospective observational study is aimed at examining the relationship between the connective tissue morphology and lower-limb stiffness and investigating whether the barefoot/shod condition influences on such relationship. Methods: 14 male amateur runners (10-km time trial <50′) were included. Data were recorded over one session, where participants ran 2 trials (i.e., barefoot and shod conditions) of 3 minutes at 12 km/h, where running spatiotemporal parameters and vertical (Kvert) and leg stiffness (Kleg) were obtained. Prior to testing trials, thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA) were recorded for Achilles (AT) and patellar tendons (PT) and plantar fascia (PF) with ultrasound. Results: Under barefoot condition, a positive correlation was found between Kleg and AT-thickness and CSA and PF-thickness; and between Kvert and AT-thickness and PF thickness. Under shod condition, a positive correlation was found between Kleg and PT-CSA and PT-thickness, and between Kvert and PT-CSA and PT-thickness. Conclusions: The results reveal a specificity of the relationship between the lower-limb stiffness and the morphology of the connective tissue. Greater tendon shows higher lower-limb stiffness when that tendon is specially demanded by the function.

Force Analysis of the Overconstrained Mechanisms Based on Equivalent Stiffness Considering Limb Axial Deformation

Considering the limb axial deformation, taking typical 2SS + P and 7-SS passive overconstrained mechanisms, 2SPS + P and 7-SPS active overconstrained mechanisms, and 2SPS + P and 7-SPS passive-input overconstrained mechanisms as examples, a new force analysis method based on the idea of equivalent stiffness is proposed. The equivalent stiffness matrix of passive overconstrained mechanism is derived by combining the force balance and deformation compatibility equations with consideration of axial elastic limb deformations. The relationship between the constraint wrench magnitudes and the external force, limb stiffness is established. The equivalent stiffness matrix of active overconstrained mechanism is derived by combining the force balance and displacement compatibility equations. Here, the relationship between the magnitudes of the actuated wrenches and the external force, limb stiffness is investigated. Combining with the equivalent stiffness of the passive overconstrained mechanism, an analytical relationship between the actuated forces of passive-input overconstrained mechanism and the output displacement, limb stiffness is explored. Finally, adaptability of the equivalent stiffness to overconstrained mechanisms is discussed, and the effect of the limb stiffness on overconstrained mechanisms force distribution is revealed.

Relationship between Reactive Strength and Leg Stiffness at Submaximal Velocity: Effects of Age on Distance Runners

Background: Musculotendinous reactive strength is a key factor for the utilization of elastic energy in sporting activities such as running. AIM: To evaluate the relationship between musculotendinous reactive strength and lower-limb stiffness during running as well as to identify age-related differences in both variables. Methods: Fifty-nine amateur endurance runners performed three 20-cm drop jumps and a constant 3-min easy run on a motorized treadmill. Reactive strength index and dynamic lower-limb stiffness were calculated with a photoelectric cell system by jumping and running, respectively. Additionally, sit to stand difference in plantar arch height was assessed as a static lower-limb stiffness measure. The cluster analysis allows the comparison between younger and older runners. Results: No significant correlations were found between jumping reactive strength and running lower-limb stiffness. The younger group performed better at drop jumps (p = 0.023, ES = 0.82), whereas higher-but-no-significant results were found for reactive strength index and stiffness-related metrics. Conclusions: Musculotendinous vertical reactiveness may not be transferred to combined vertical and horizontal movements such as running.

Automatic Bike as a Tool for Motor Development Programs for Children with Cerebral Palsy

This article discusses the development and implementation of motor development tools to assist children with Cerebral Palsy. The failure to control motor function due to damage to the central nervous system has caused limbs stiffness resulting in the inability to carry out daily activities. The are some efforts to improve the limb stiffness for instance motor development activities to train muscles and joints. Utilizing a technology-based Automatic Bike can help implement the motor development program for children with Cerebral Palsy. The research includes a framework containing partners, problems, FGD, Automatic Bike, development, manuals and demonstration videos, FGD, information sharing, trials, results, and evaluation. Automatic Bike is a technology-based automatic bicycle that can be adjusted according to child’s needs. This tool consists of pedals for upper and lower limbs which are driven by a motor. The implementation of the motor development program using Automatic Bike technology is carried out for four weeks frequently with a duration of 30 minutes a day. The continuous application of Automatic Bike can provide stimulus to both upper and lower limbs as the organs of movements, improving flex for joints and muscles stiffness along with increasing blood flow.

Identifying Reliable and Relatable Force–Time Metrics in Athletes—Considerations for the Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull and Countermovement Jump

The purpose of this study was to evaluate intrasession reliability of countermovement jump (CMJ) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) force–time characteristics, as well as relationships between CMJ and IMTP metrics. Division I sport and club athletes (n = 112) completed two maximal effort CMJ and IMTP trials, in that order, on force plates. Relative and absolute reliability were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) > 0.80 and coefficients of variation (CVs) < 10%. Intrasession reliability was acceptable for the majority of the CMJ force–time metrics except for concentric rate of force development (RFD), eccentric impulse and RFD, and lower limb stiffness. The IMTP’s time to peak force, instantaneous force at 150 ms, instantaneous net force, and RFD measures were not reliable. Statistically significant weak to moderate relationships (r = 0.20–0.46) existed between allometrically scaled CMJ and IMTP metrics, with the exception of CMJ eccentric mean power not being related with IMTP performances. A majority of CMJ and IMTP metrics met acceptable reliability standards, except RFD measures which should be used with caution. Provided CMJs and IMTPs are indicative of distinct physical fitness capabilities, it is suggested to monitor athlete performance in both tests via changes in those variables that demonstrate the greatest degree of reliability.

Focal tetanus involving both thoracic limbs successfully treated with magnesium sulfate in a dog

A six-year-old, male, neutered Cocker spaniel was referred for a three-week history of progressive thoracic limb stiffness. The dog became non-ambulatory due to severe thoracic limb stiffness, which was exacerbated by external stimuli. The pelvic limbs appeared to be normal. Based on the history and the physical examination, a presumptive diagnosis of focal tetanus of the thoracic limbs was made. The dog was treated supportively with tetanus antitoxin, antimicrobials, sedation and muscle relaxants; however, this treatment did not control the muscle spasms adequately. Magnesium sulphate was added to alleviate the muscle spasms and to reduce the sedation requirements. The dog improved and was discharged after three weeks of intensive treatment.