Author Archive: Joel
Measuring Muscle Visco-Elasticity in Horizontal Bed Rest Model for Better Understanding of Sedentary Life Style
R. Viir, Institute of Exercise Biology and Physiotherapy, University of Tartu, TartuEstonia
RehabCenter, RheumatismFoundationHospital, Heinola, Finland
E-mail: ragnar.viir@reuma.fi
M. Pääsuke, Institute of Exercise Biology and Physiotherapy, University of Tartu, TartuEstonia
K. Rajaleid, Center for Health Equity Studies, StockholmUniversity/ Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
*Note: The source for this paper is the ISU 12th Annual Symposium – ‘Space Solutions to Earth’s Global Challenges’
Abstract
The aim of this study was to use the upper trapezius muscle as a representative of the musculoskeletal support system to determine the effect on muscle tension due changing from upright position to a lying position and whether this change could be useful in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. Twenty two female subjects participated in this study. Myometric measurements of the upper trapezius muscle on both sides of the body were recorded in a standing, sitting and supine position. Changing from upright positions to a supine position reduced the upper trapezius muscle support function by up to one fifth as characterized with diminishing of muscle tone and stiffness. The change in tone and stiffness of the trapezius muscle is of significance to the well being of sedentary workers. Introducing regular brief breaks of simple unchallenging movements while being in a supine position should enhance recovery from prolonged sitting.
Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Post-Doctoral Positions Available
School of Physiotherapy and Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia
Curtin University is the largest university in Western Australia with a strong international focus. The School of Physiotherapy has a reputation for world class applied research and multidisciplinary collaborations. A growing number of research projects have been developed around sedentary behaviour/physical activity, technology and health – for example interventions for children and adolescents, interventions for office workers and large longitudinal epidemiological studies in children/young adults and ‘baby boomers’. These projects are mainly funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia and involve collaborations with researchers across Australia as well as Europe and North America. The research group is expanding and this creates an exciting opportunity for early career postdocs to join the team and develop as emerging leaders.
We are looking for enthusiastic, competent candidates able to work well with colleagues. Clear, critical thinking, strong conceptual and analytical background, and excellent writing skills are important, along with experience in sedentary behaviour and physical activity measurement. An earned doctorate in a related discipline is required along with strong letters of support from three colleagues/supervisors.
The role will include working with the team on existing projects to capture high quality data, data processing and analyses, and preparing and leading manuscripts and conference presentations. The role will also provide opportunities to develop grant writing and student supervision skills. Postdocs will be mentored by the team and encouraged to develop their own related research interests.
The appointment opportunities are flexible with 1-3 year contracts available. Competitive remuneration commensurate with qualifications will be provided (AUD70,000-80,000pa) along with leave and superannuation entitlements.
Further information is available from: Professor Leon Straker (L.Straker@curtin.edu.au) and Dr Rebecca Abbott (rebecca@hms.uq.edu.au; 14thDecember – 21stJanuary 2013 while Leon is on leave)
Click here for further background information on the post-doc positions.
More Discussion Around SBRN’s Proposed Definition of Sedentary Behaviours Published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism
Earlier this year, SBRN published an updated definition of the terms “sedentary” and “sedentary behaviour” in response to confusion around the use of the terms in the published literature.
Recently, a letter to the editor by Ragnar Viir and Alar Veraksitš was published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism where concern with SBRN’s proposed definition of sedentary behaviour was expressed. The letter can be read in full here.
Dr. Mark Tremblay, a founding member of SBRN, has responded to this letter and his response can be read in full here.
SBRN Inaugural Meeting at ICPAPH 2012
The slide deck from the SBRN Inaugural Meeting, which was held at the 4th International Congress on Physical Activity and Public Health in Sydney on October 31st, can be viewed below.
Click here to download notes from the meeting.
