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Individuals fluent in sign language who have at least one deaf parent are considered native signers while those with non-signing, hearing parents are non-native signers. Musculoskeletal pain from repetitive motion is more common from non-natives than natives. The goal of this study was twofold: 1) to examine differences in upper

Individuals fluent in sign language who have at least one deaf parent are considered native signers while those with non-signing, hearing parents are non-native signers. Musculoskeletal pain from repetitive motion is more common from non-natives than natives. The goal of this study was twofold: 1) to examine differences in upper extremity (UE) biomechanical measures between natives and non-natives and 2) upon creating a composite measure of injury-risk unique to signers, to compare differences in scores between natives and non-natives. Non-natives were hypothesized to have less favorable biomechanical measures and composite injury-risk scores compared to natives. Dynamometry was used for measurement of strength, electromyography for ‘micro’ rest breaks and muscle tension, optical motion capture for ballistic signing, non-neutral joint angle and work envelope, a numeric pain rating scale for pain, and the modified Strain Index (SI) as a composite measure of injury-risk. There were no differences in UE strength (all p≥0.22). Natives had more rest (natives 76.38%; non-natives 26.86%; p=0.002) and less muscle tension (natives 11.53%; non-natives 48.60%; p=0.008) for non-dominant upper trapezius across the first minute of the trial. For ballistic signing, no differences were found in resultant linear segment acceleration when producing the sign for ‘again’ (natives 27.59m/s2; non-natives 21.91m/s2; p=0.20). For non-neutral joint angle, natives had more wrist flexion-extension motion when producing the sign for ‘principal’ (natives 54.93°; non-natives 46.23°; p=0.04). Work envelope demonstrated the greatest significance when determining injury-risk. Natives had a marginally greater work envelope along the z-axis (inferior-superior) across the first minute of the trial (natives 35.80cm; non-natives 30.84cm; p=0.051). Natives (30%) presented with a lower pain prevalence than non-natives (40%); however, there was no significant difference in the modified SI scores (natives 4.70 points; non-natives 3.06 points; p=0.144) and no association between presence of pain with the modified SI score (r=0.087; p=0.680). This work offers a comprehensive analysis of all the previously identified UE biomechanics unique to signers and helped to inform a composite measure of injury-risk. Use of the modified SI demonstrates promise, although its lack of association with pain does confirm that injury-risk encompasses other variables in addition to a signer’s biomechanics.
ContributorsRoman, Gretchen Anne (Author) / Swan, Pamela (Thesis advisor) / Vidt, Meghan (Committee member) / Peterson, Daniel (Committee member) / Lockhart, Thurmon (Committee member) / Ofori, Edward (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2018
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This purpose of this study was to develop reliable methods for ultrasound measurements of skeletal muscle architecture, and to identify which specific quadriceps measurements most closely relate to peak isometric torque of the leg extensors. These data were obtained as part of a larger research study and consist of 9

This purpose of this study was to develop reliable methods for ultrasound measurements of skeletal muscle architecture, and to identify which specific quadriceps measurements most closely relate to peak isometric torque of the leg extensors. These data were obtained as part of a larger research study and consist of 9 total subjects (4 males, 5 females; age (30.6 ± 13.6yr). Ultrasound images for muscle thickness and pennation angle were obtained for each subject during two separate testing days (separated by 5-10 days). Images were acquired at various anatomical sites of the quadriceps and each image was analyzed using Image J software. Quadriceps muscles assessed for muscle thickness and pennation angle included the vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus intermedius (VI), while rectus femoris (RF) was assessed only for muscle thickness. Peak isometric torque measurements were obtained at 60 degrees of knee angle for knee extension using an isokinetic dynamometer. Results show that the methods chosen for ultrasound measurement produced reliable inter-day results for muscle thickness and pennation angle. VL muscle thickness and pennation angle obtained at the lateral site corresponding to 39% of leg length was highly related to peak isometric torque for knee extension. The results of this study identify specific measurement sites that are related to muscle function. In addition, these data further validate that ultrasound measurement is reliable to measure muscle thickness and pennation angle in skeletal muscle.
ContributorsSkotak, Nathaniel James (Author) / Dickinson, Jared (Thesis director) / Vidt, Meghan (Committee member) / Luden, Nick (Committee member) / School of Nutrition and Health Promotion (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2016-05