Reliability of joint kinematic calculations based on direct kinematic and inverse kinematic models in obese children

Publication date: Available online 1 September 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): B. Horsak, B. Pobatschnig, C. Schwab, A. Baca, A. Kranzl, H. Kainz

Abstract

Background

In recent years, the reliability of inverse (IK) and direct kinematic (DK) models in gait analysis have been assessed intensively, but mainly for lean populations. However, obesity is a growing issue. So far, the sparse results available for the reliability of clinical gait analysis in obese populations are limited to direct kinematic models. Reliability error-margins for inverse kinematic models in obese populations have not been reported yet.

Research questions

Is there a difference in the reliability of IK models compared with a DK model in obese children? Are there any differences in the joint kinematic output between IK and DK models?

Methods

A test-retest study was conducted using three-dimensional gait analysis data from two obese female and eight obese male participants from an earlier study. Data were analyzed using a DK model and two OpenSim-based IK models. Test-retest reliability was compared by calculating the Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) along with similar absolute reliability measures. A Friedman Test was used to assess whether there were any significant differences in the reliability between the models. Kinematic output of the models was compared by using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM).

Results

No significant differences were found in the reliability between the DK and IK models. The SPM analysis indicated several significant differences between both IK models and the DK approach. Most of these differences were continuous offsets.

Significance

Reliability values showed clinically acceptable error-margins and were comparable between all models. Therefore, our results support the careful use of IK models in overweight or obese populations, e.g. for musculoskeletal modelling studies. The inconsistent kinematic output can mainly be explained by different model conventions and anatomical segment coordinate frame definitions.

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Reliability of joint kinematic calculations based on direct kinematic and inverse kinematic models in obese children

Publication date: Available online 1 September 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): B. Horsak, B. Pobatschnig, C. Schwab, A. Baca, A. Kranzl, H. Kainz

Abstract

Background

In recent years, the reliability of inverse (IK) and direct kinematic (DK) models in gait analysis have been assessed intensively, but mainly for lean populations. However, obesity is a growing issue. So far, the sparse results available for the reliability of clinical gait analysis in obese populations are limited to direct kinematic models. Reliability error-margins for inverse kinematic models in obese populations have not been reported yet.

Research questions

Is there a difference in the reliability of IK models compared with a DK model in obese children? Are there any differences in the joint kinematic output between IK and DK models?

Methods

A test-retest study was conducted using three-dimensional gait analysis data from two obese female and eight obese male participants from an earlier study. Data were analyzed using a DK model and two OpenSim-based IK models. Test-retest reliability was compared by calculating the Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) along with similar absolute reliability measures. A Friedman Test was used to assess whether there were any significant differences in the reliability between the models. Kinematic output of the models was compared by using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM).

Results

No significant differences were found in the reliability between the DK and IK models. The SPM analysis indicated several significant differences between both IK models and the DK approach. Most of these differences were continuous offsets.

Significance

Reliability values showed clinically acceptable error-margins and were comparable between all models. Therefore, our results support the careful use of IK models in overweight or obese populations, e.g. for musculoskeletal modelling studies. The inconsistent kinematic output can mainly be explained by different model conventions and anatomical segment coordinate frame definitions.

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The World’s First ‘Healthable’ Hearing Aid

​Starkey (https://www.starkey.com/) has introduced Livio AI, a "Healthable" hearing aid that not only tracks physical activity and cognitive health of the user but also features the company's latest sound technology. The 3D motion sensors inside Livio AI allow the hearing aids to detect movement, track activities, and recognize gestures. The hearing aids then communicate with each other and mobile accessories to deliver real-time feedback about the user's overall body and cognitive health and fitness in scores through the companion Thrive Hearing app. Livio AI also comes with the new Hearing Reality technology, which provides an average 50 percent reduction in noisy environments, significant reduced listening effort, and newly enhanced clarity of speech, while the use of artificial intelligence and integrated sensors enabled it to optimize the hearing experience. Livio AI is available as a RIC 312 and BTE 13 and is the first hearing aid to feature Amazon Alexa connectivity. Livio AI is currently available in the United States and Canada, with a global rollout to more than 20 countries in 2019.​

Published: 8/31/2018 8:09:00 AM

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Hearing Loss on the Rise among Oil and Gas Drilling Workers

New data shows that hearing loss is on the rise among oil and gas drilling workers despite their increased use of ear protection.

According to Canada's WorkSafeBC, the workers' hearing test data, collected by their employers, revealed increased incidences of hearing loss, from 33 percent in 2012 to 45 percent in 2017. Notably, 65 percent of the workers diagnosed with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL; 194 out of 294) were under 35 years old. Adding another level of concern is the finding that the percentage of workers using earplugs has actually increased from 94 to 98 percent.

"In British Columbia, employers are required under the Workers Compensation Act to provide annual hearing tests to their employees who work in hazardous noise (85dBA Lex)," explained Sasha Brown, an occupational audiologist at WorkSafeBC.

"These hearing test results are submitted to WorkSafeBC, and that data, which can be separated by industry or occupation, is continuously analyzed. Attention is paid to hearing test results that show a 15dB notch at 3, 4 or 6 kHz, or a deterioration between tests of 15 dB at 3 or 4 kHz."

WorkSafeBC, an independent statutory agency focused on the prevention of occupational injuries and diseases, receives around 170,000 hearing tests per year, and the percentage of those with hearing loss consistent with NIHL has remained about 13 percent across industries. "The high rate of hearing loss found in the oil and gas industry is much higher, above 30 percent, and for those in oil or gas drilling sector, even higher at 45 percent. This finding is concerning and warranted further investigation," Brown told The Hearing Journal.  

The increased cases of NIHL despite the increased use of hearing protection may be attributed to different reasons, on top of which is the improper use of foam earplugs.

"The earplugs or earmuffs might be the wrong size, inserted or worn incorrectly, not worn for long enough, or they may not be providing enough protection for the duration and intensity of noise exposure," Brown noted.

In their report, WorkSafeBC provides measures for employers to prevent NIHL among their workers, including the monitoring of workers' proper use of sufficient and appropriate hearing protection, encouraging workers to get regular hearing tests, and identifying potential engineering controls to mitigate lessen the risk of noise exposure. "Monitoring one's hearing is also important, and comparing the results from year-to-year to see if there are any changes," said Brown. In addition, she highlights some basic but vital strategies for employers, audiologists, and hearing health professionals, who all play an important role in ensuring the hearing health of workers regularly exposed to noise.

"Educating workers is important. Workers exposed to hazardous noise levels should understand that simply wearing hearing protection might not be enough. The hearing protection must be the right size, and the wearer must be able to fit it properly and wear at all times while in hazardous noise. It must be placed before entering the noisy area, and not removed until leaving the area," stressed Brown. "Obviously, this is also important for noisy hobbies and activities outside work too."

"Workers should be taught what to look for and understand the implications. Unfortunately, hearing tests are the only way to determine if their hearing is being protected. I say 'unfortunately' because this is a lagging indicator and means that some hearing loss has occurred," said Brown. "If audiologists and hearing health professionals can help raise awareness about NIHL and how to prevent it, that alone would contribute to improving the hearing health of oil and gas, and all, workers."

Published: 8/29/2018 1:54:00 PM

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Phonak Virto B-Titanium Wins International Awards for 2018’s Best New Product

Phonak Virto B-Titanium won of two renowned international awards: the 2018 Red Dot Award for Product Design, and a Gold Stevie® Award for Best New Product or Service of the Year in the health and pharmaceutical industry. , the tiny hearing device is made by Phonak, the world's leading provider of hearing aids.

Virto B-Titanium devices are custom 3D-printed and almost invisible when worn. Wearers get the benefits of a medical-grade titanium hearing aid. The device is powered by Phonak's latest technology featuring AutoSense OS™ that gives wearers a fully-automatic and seamless hearing experience in different hearing situations.

One of these wearers is William Goode, Senior Advancement Officer for Athletics at Ferris State University in Michigan. Will had dealt with hearing loss in one ear for most of his life, yet never sought treatment. As a first-time hearing aid wearer, Will wanted something ultra-discreet yet durable enough to keep up with his active lifestyle.

"My new titanium hearing aid has been a blessing," said Goode. "At work I'm able to pick up on key conversations and information that allows me to develop, incorporate, and execute plans. Before, it was difficult to hear ideas, take suggestions, and process information quickly. Outside of work in restaurants the Virto B-Titanium has helped me focus on the people at the table and not background noise. It has changed the way I go about everyday life, giving me confidence at work, outside of work, and at home."

The Virto B-Titanium is the smallest and most discreet custom hearing aid Phonak has ever produced. Compared to traditional acrylic, titanium shells are half as thin yet 15 times stronger. Thinner shells result in smaller devices. This means the hearing aid can be placed even deeper in the canal, resulting in a more discreet fit that delivers natural sound quality. Virto B-Titanium has also received an IP68 rating for resistance to both water and dust.

"Phonak is extremely proud of the amount of success and praise Virto B-Titanium has received, most recently with these two prestigious product awards," said Thomas Lang, Senior Vice President of Phonak. But there's an even greater sense of pride when we hear the many stories about what the hearing aid is doing for people. And that can be summed up in three words: "it changes lives."

Virto B-Titanium will be honored at the International Business Awards gala on October 20, 2018 in London. It previously took honors for product excellence along with two other Phonak products at the Red Dot Awards gala on July 9 in Essen, Germany. The other two international Red Dot Awards winners included Phonak Audéo B-Direct, a revolutionary hearing aid using Bluetooth.​

Published: 8/27/2018 2:16:00 PM

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New Hotline Launched for Parents & Caregivers of Children with Hearing Loss

​As part of its Cradle to Career initiative, the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) launched Listen-Learn-Link, its international new parent hotline for parents, caregivers and guardians of children with hearing loss. The hotline is the first-ever confidential, bilingual (English/Spanish) hotline for parents, caregivers and guardians of newly identified children with hearing loss worldwide who possess any degree of unilateral or bilateral hearing loss. The hotline connects parents via telephone, email and video conference to the organization's Early Intervention Parent Consultant eager to answer parents' questions, provide hearing loss resources, information, support and next steps related to early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) and communication options for those with hearing loss.

"Having access to another parent who has traveled a similar road can be a lifesaver for new parents of a child with hearing loss. AG Bell is launching its new hotline so new parents, caregivers and guardians can have easy access to a parent who has had similar experiences and who also understands the systems and services that they will soon access for their own child and family," said Gayla Guignard, AG Bell's Chief Strategy Officer, who is also an audiologist, speech-language pathologist, and certified Listening and Spoken Language Specialist through AG Bell's Academy.  

Early identification and intervention is extremely important for an infant with hearing loss to achieve listening and spoken language skills. The human brain is programmed to learn language during the first six years of life – with the first three-and-a-half years being the most critical. Without intervention, it becomes increasingly difficult to acquire language and literacy as a child grows older.

 Parents, caregivers and guardians who call the hotline will speak to Julie ­­­­Swaim, AG Bell's early intervention parent consultant. As a parent whose child has hearing loss and a seven-year veteran in the EHDI field, Ms. Swaim is fully aware of the challenges associated with hearing loss in children as well as next steps needed to ensure they receive proper diagnosis and treatment. She will connect them with other resources related to hearing loss. She also has access to qualified hearing and speech professionals whom she can contact for important medical information.  

Published: 8/27/2018 2:01:00 PM

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The World’s First ‘Healthable’ Hearing Aid

​Starkey (https://www.starkey.com/) has introduced Livio AI, a "Healthable" hearing aid that not only tracks physical activity and cognitive health of the user but also features the company's latest sound technology. The 3D motion sensors inside Livio AI allow the hearing aids to detect movement, track activities, and recognize gestures. The hearing aids then communicate with each other and mobile accessories to deliver real-time feedback about the user's overall body and cognitive health and fitness in scores through the companion Thrive Hearing app. Livio AI also comes with the new Hearing Reality technology, which provides an average 50 percent reduction in noisy environments, significant reduced listening effort, and newly enhanced clarity of speech, while the use of artificial intelligence and integrated sensors enabled it to optimize the hearing experience. Livio AI is available as a RIC 312 and BTE 13 and is the first hearing aid to feature Amazon Alexa connectivity. Livio AI is currently available in the United States and Canada, with a global rollout to more than 20 countries in 2019.​

Published: 8/31/2018 8:09:00 AM

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Hearing Loss on the Rise among Oil and Gas Drilling Workers

New data shows that hearing loss is on the rise among oil and gas drilling workers despite their increased use of ear protection.

According to Canada's WorkSafeBC, the workers' hearing test data, collected by their employers, revealed increased incidences of hearing loss, from 33 percent in 2012 to 45 percent in 2017. Notably, 65 percent of the workers diagnosed with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL; 194 out of 294) were under 35 years old. Adding another level of concern is the finding that the percentage of workers using earplugs has actually increased from 94 to 98 percent.

"In British Columbia, employers are required under the Workers Compensation Act to provide annual hearing tests to their employees who work in hazardous noise (85dBA Lex)," explained Sasha Brown, an occupational audiologist at WorkSafeBC.

"These hearing test results are submitted to WorkSafeBC, and that data, which can be separated by industry or occupation, is continuously analyzed. Attention is paid to hearing test results that show a 15dB notch at 3, 4 or 6 kHz, or a deterioration between tests of 15 dB at 3 or 4 kHz."

WorkSafeBC, an independent statutory agency focused on the prevention of occupational injuries and diseases, receives around 170,000 hearing tests per year, and the percentage of those with hearing loss consistent with NIHL has remained about 13 percent across industries. "The high rate of hearing loss found in the oil and gas industry is much higher, above 30 percent, and for those in oil or gas drilling sector, even higher at 45 percent. This finding is concerning and warranted further investigation," Brown told The Hearing Journal.  

The increased cases of NIHL despite the increased use of hearing protection may be attributed to different reasons, on top of which is the improper use of foam earplugs.

"The earplugs or earmuffs might be the wrong size, inserted or worn incorrectly, not worn for long enough, or they may not be providing enough protection for the duration and intensity of noise exposure," Brown noted.

In their report, WorkSafeBC provides measures for employers to prevent NIHL among their workers, including the monitoring of workers' proper use of sufficient and appropriate hearing protection, encouraging workers to get regular hearing tests, and identifying potential engineering controls to mitigate lessen the risk of noise exposure. "Monitoring one's hearing is also important, and comparing the results from year-to-year to see if there are any changes," said Brown. In addition, she highlights some basic but vital strategies for employers, audiologists, and hearing health professionals, who all play an important role in ensuring the hearing health of workers regularly exposed to noise.

"Educating workers is important. Workers exposed to hazardous noise levels should understand that simply wearing hearing protection might not be enough. The hearing protection must be the right size, and the wearer must be able to fit it properly and wear at all times while in hazardous noise. It must be placed before entering the noisy area, and not removed until leaving the area," stressed Brown. "Obviously, this is also important for noisy hobbies and activities outside work too."

"Workers should be taught what to look for and understand the implications. Unfortunately, hearing tests are the only way to determine if their hearing is being protected. I say 'unfortunately' because this is a lagging indicator and means that some hearing loss has occurred," said Brown. "If audiologists and hearing health professionals can help raise awareness about NIHL and how to prevent it, that alone would contribute to improving the hearing health of oil and gas, and all, workers."

Published: 8/29/2018 1:54:00 PM

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Phonak Virto B-Titanium Wins International Awards for 2018’s Best New Product

Phonak Virto B-Titanium won of two renowned international awards: the 2018 Red Dot Award for Product Design, and a Gold Stevie® Award for Best New Product or Service of the Year in the health and pharmaceutical industry. , the tiny hearing device is made by Phonak, the world's leading provider of hearing aids.

Virto B-Titanium devices are custom 3D-printed and almost invisible when worn. Wearers get the benefits of a medical-grade titanium hearing aid. The device is powered by Phonak's latest technology featuring AutoSense OS™ that gives wearers a fully-automatic and seamless hearing experience in different hearing situations.

One of these wearers is William Goode, Senior Advancement Officer for Athletics at Ferris State University in Michigan. Will had dealt with hearing loss in one ear for most of his life, yet never sought treatment. As a first-time hearing aid wearer, Will wanted something ultra-discreet yet durable enough to keep up with his active lifestyle.

"My new titanium hearing aid has been a blessing," said Goode. "At work I'm able to pick up on key conversations and information that allows me to develop, incorporate, and execute plans. Before, it was difficult to hear ideas, take suggestions, and process information quickly. Outside of work in restaurants the Virto B-Titanium has helped me focus on the people at the table and not background noise. It has changed the way I go about everyday life, giving me confidence at work, outside of work, and at home."

The Virto B-Titanium is the smallest and most discreet custom hearing aid Phonak has ever produced. Compared to traditional acrylic, titanium shells are half as thin yet 15 times stronger. Thinner shells result in smaller devices. This means the hearing aid can be placed even deeper in the canal, resulting in a more discreet fit that delivers natural sound quality. Virto B-Titanium has also received an IP68 rating for resistance to both water and dust.

"Phonak is extremely proud of the amount of success and praise Virto B-Titanium has received, most recently with these two prestigious product awards," said Thomas Lang, Senior Vice President of Phonak. But there's an even greater sense of pride when we hear the many stories about what the hearing aid is doing for people. And that can be summed up in three words: "it changes lives."

Virto B-Titanium will be honored at the International Business Awards gala on October 20, 2018 in London. It previously took honors for product excellence along with two other Phonak products at the Red Dot Awards gala on July 9 in Essen, Germany. The other two international Red Dot Awards winners included Phonak Audéo B-Direct, a revolutionary hearing aid using Bluetooth.​

Published: 8/27/2018 2:16:00 PM

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via IFTTT

New Hotline Launched for Parents & Caregivers of Children with Hearing Loss

​As part of its Cradle to Career initiative, the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) launched Listen-Learn-Link, its international new parent hotline for parents, caregivers and guardians of children with hearing loss. The hotline is the first-ever confidential, bilingual (English/Spanish) hotline for parents, caregivers and guardians of newly identified children with hearing loss worldwide who possess any degree of unilateral or bilateral hearing loss. The hotline connects parents via telephone, email and video conference to the organization's Early Intervention Parent Consultant eager to answer parents' questions, provide hearing loss resources, information, support and next steps related to early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) and communication options for those with hearing loss.

"Having access to another parent who has traveled a similar road can be a lifesaver for new parents of a child with hearing loss. AG Bell is launching its new hotline so new parents, caregivers and guardians can have easy access to a parent who has had similar experiences and who also understands the systems and services that they will soon access for their own child and family," said Gayla Guignard, AG Bell's Chief Strategy Officer, who is also an audiologist, speech-language pathologist, and certified Listening and Spoken Language Specialist through AG Bell's Academy.  

Early identification and intervention is extremely important for an infant with hearing loss to achieve listening and spoken language skills. The human brain is programmed to learn language during the first six years of life – with the first three-and-a-half years being the most critical. Without intervention, it becomes increasingly difficult to acquire language and literacy as a child grows older.

 Parents, caregivers and guardians who call the hotline will speak to Julie ­­­­Swaim, AG Bell's early intervention parent consultant. As a parent whose child has hearing loss and a seven-year veteran in the EHDI field, Ms. Swaim is fully aware of the challenges associated with hearing loss in children as well as next steps needed to ensure they receive proper diagnosis and treatment. She will connect them with other resources related to hearing loss. She also has access to qualified hearing and speech professionals whom she can contact for important medical information.  

Published: 8/27/2018 2:01:00 PM

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