In general, the visual stimulation that is uncomfortable on the eye gives rise to a large haemodynamic response in the visual cortex, suggesting that the sensation of discomfort is homeostatic and acts to prevent a large metabolic load. The large haemodynamic response is consistent with evidence from computational models that the visual stimuli responsible for discomfort cannot be processed eff...

The purposes of this study were to determine which seat features/occupational demands contributed to police officer discomfort and whether an automobile seat fitted with an active lumbar system (ALS) could reduce driving discomfort. Fifty-eight officers were given questionnaires to assess driving discomfort. High discomfort levels were associated with computer use, duty belt, sidearm/radio, bod...

INTRODUCTION Like other biological phenomena, menstrual characteristics also vary with different age groups, socioeconomic status, and lifestyles. This study aimed to find out the variation in the menstrual characteristics among adolescents of different age groups, and the significant predictors of a menstrual outcome. METHODS 260 adolescent Bengali-speaking Hindu girls of three different age...

RATIONALE Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of the lower limbs is an emerging training strategy in patients with COPD. The efficacy of this technique is related to the intensity of the stimulation that is applied during the training sessions. However, little is known about tolerance to stimulation current intensity and physiological factors that could determine it. Our goal was to fin...

PURPOSE To develop a pelvic discomfort index (PDI) to evaluate outcome following fixation for pelvic ring injury. METHODS 29 female and 44 male consecutive patients (mean age, 36 years) underwent internal fixation for pelvic ring injury of type B1 (n=10), B2 (n=22), B3 (n=15), C1 (n=18), C2 (n=5), and C3 (n=3), based on the AO/OTA classification. At postoperative 6, 12, and 24 months, patient...

BACKGROUND Silicon hydrogel bandage contact lenses are used to enhance epithelial healing, control surface-generated pain, and prevent epithelial erosions after refractive surgery. Considering the importance of faster reepithelialization in preventing complications of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and the fact that the features and specifications of these commercially-available lenses are d...

BACKGROUND There is no global agreement on a schoolbag weight limit and little assessment of its utility. The duration of carriage is another factor yet there is no previous systematic assessment of the utility of cut-off values for it in identifying schoolbag-related discomfort. OBJECTIVES The objectives were to establish if there was a threshold for musculoskeletal discomfort based on (i) p...

The increased use of visual display terminals (VDTs) has led to numerous reports of visual discomfort and reduced visual performance. This paper summarises the visual, ergonomic and environmental factors related to VDT use and discusses their effect on visual function and comfort.

BACKGROUND This study was conducted for a UK Trade Union in response to increasing numbers of health complaints among intensive computer workers in a data processing environment. AIM To estimate prevalence of musculoskeletal pain/discomfort and visual strain symptoms among data processing workers and to explore associations with work factors. METHODS A self-report questionnaire was distribu...

Psoriasis is a physically, emotionally, and socially invalidating multifactorial disorder, with a significant impact on the patients' quality of life. Stress is one of the leading triggers for psoriasis and has been associated with disease onset and subsequent flare-ups, while the flare-ups by themselves often lead to psychological discomfort. The treatment of psoriasis is individualized, depen...