From the Paper
"PHYSICAL THERAPY & DAILY PRE-WORK EXERCISE AS A PREVENTION STRATEGY FOR LOW-BACK INJURY IN INDUSTRY
This research examines the effectiveness of pre-work exercising as a prevention strategy for low-back injuries in industrial settings. Low-back injuries in industrial settings are a major source of work-related health problems. Such injuries also lead frequently to chronic low-back pain, which in itself is the most significant source of costs involved in the settlement of low-back injury claims (Burton & Erg, 1997).
Low-back injuries account for approximately one-third of all workers? compensation payments in the United States. There are, however, a number of strategies that are effective in reducing the frequency of low-back injuries in the work place. These strategies include back education, lifting training.."

Abstract
In this article, the writer explains that chronic non-specific low back pain is defined as back pain that continues for more than 12 weeks often without a specific source or triggering factor. The writer notes that at present, chronic low back pain is considered by doctors to be the most expensive benign disease in industrialized countries because it significantly limits the number of physical and non-physical activities that a person might do. The writer points out that due to the rising cost to the economy because of back pain, it becomes very important to find cheaper alternative treatments and management strategies to prevent it from occurring and to lessen the pain associated with it. The writer concentrates on Pilates exercises. The writer concludes that Pilates exercises not only focus on the core muscles associated with low back pain, but have confirmed pain management effects.

Outline:
Introduction
Using Pilates to Improve Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Results of the Pilates Intervention Program
Conclusion

From the Paper
"One of the cheaper alternative treatments that have been found for chronic non-specific low back pain is exercise therapy. Exercise therapy for back pain focuses on the key areas of the back so that the person suffering from it can slowly become more confident to use their spine and become less afraid of the physical pain associated with using it. As exercise therapy progresses, the back muscles are strengthened and the individual will experience less pain with physical activity. Exercise therapy is also cheaper than traditional physiotherapy since it can be performed in groups with only a single instructor while physiotherapy mandates expensive one-on-one session with a physical therapist."

Tags:treatments, exercise, therapy, muscles

Abstract
This paper first relates that the purpose of exercise can vary widely for an individual and that these variations determine the type (cardiovascular, resistance, etc...), the duration, frequency, and intensity of the exercises. The paper then describes an overall training program composed to improve aspects typically associated with an elite road cyclist with a high baseline fitness level, with a 2 month period specifically dedicated towards individual pursuit training (specifically the skill aspects of individual pursuit). The paper also proposes an exercise training program consisting of four separate macrocycles. Two tables and three graphs are included with the paper.

Outline:
Introduction
Research and Methodology
Lactate Threshold / OBLA Training
VO2max Training
Individual Pursuit Skills Training
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Injury is a constant threat to any exercise training programme. Due to the nature of the sport (cycling) the likelihood of injury is less common, however, as more training and racing occurs, patterns of overuse injury become evident (So, Ng and Ng 2005). There is limited research available that looks at the association between weekly training duration and injury occurrence for individual pursuit, although there is evidence available for a closely related sport (triathlons). The evidence suggests there is a U-shaped association between weekly training duration and injury occurrence, where the optimal weekly training duration is 7 hours (Shaw et al. 2004). It can be assumed that same association could exist for cycling. If this association exists, the optimal weekly training duration would be higher, because cycling is non-impact activity. For this reason, this exercise training programme would have a weekly training duration of no more than double that of the optimal weekly training duration of triathletes, 14 hours.
"

Tags:injury, macrocycles, lactate, threshold

Abstract
This paper describes the process that the supervising health manager of a warehouse would undertake to determine whether a worker's low back pain is the result of an on-the-job injury or not. In particular, the paper focuses on the supervisor's responsibilities in handling such a case.

From the Paper
"As the supervising health manager of a warehouse I would be required to determine how to handle a case where a worker who commonly lifts heavy boxes is complaining about chronic pain in his low back. Not knowing his level of physical activity at home and outside of work or other possible physical causes of the pain, I would have to do some investigating before determining whether his musculoskeletal disorder is work related. First I would research the laws in my state to find out..."

Tags:work-related injury, determination, ergonomics, lifting

Abstract
This paper briefly provides a review of lower back pain, from a review of the main types of lower back pain to their causes. It explains that this is a very treatable condition and suggests methods for prevention and cure.

From the Paper
"Many adults suffer from lower back pain, and indeed back pain is one of the main reasons for patients seeking treatment from their family doctor: it is estimated that lower back pain costs the US health care system $25 billion annually in diagnosis and treatment (Bratton, 1999). The effective diagnosis and early treatment of lower back pain is therefore desirable (Bratton, 1999)."

Tags:spinal, injury, diagnosis

Abstract
This is a review of an article about traumatic brain injury and its effects on cognitive function in children at various ages, depending on whether the injury is mild, moderate or severe. It discusses the implications of the findings, which differ from traditional teaching in this area.

From the Paper
"Traumatic brain injury (TBI) presents a method for studying the plasticity of the brain throughout childhood development since it is a common childhood injury. This study looked at traumatic brain injury on children aged from three to seven years to look at the effects on brain structure and function. (Anderson, Catroppa, Morse, Haritou, and Rosenfeld) The researchers plotted cognitive abilities in children with TBI over a period of months after the injury to see the impact of the injury at various ages on cognitive outcomes..."

Tags:brain injury, infants, cognitive impairment, TBI

Abstract
This paper discusses the history of signature wounds from various wars. According to this paper, the Iraq War has resulted in a large number of traumatic brain injuries. This paper goes on to discuss the causes and nature of this injury.

From the Paper
"In every war, historians recognize that there will probably be at least one signature wound that will characterize that war for posterity. Incidences of radiation sickness from the atomic bomb will forever distinguish World War II. The Vietnam War still lives on in highlighting the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. The current Iraq War will be no different. In fact, military doctors are already aware of the signature wound of this conflict, one that is slowly dawning in the public eye. For a variety of reasons--including protective armor and enemy tactics--traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are emerging as one of the most devastating and widespread injuries among U.S. casualties of the Iraq War. Traumatic brain injury has a number of causes. However, the nature of the wound and its effects are well documented."

Tags:traumatic, brain, injury

Abstract
The paper reviews four articles on traumatic brain injury. The paper summarizes, discusses and critiques the four articles.

From the Paper
""Traumatic Brain Injury and Depression". A study by Kreutzer, Seel and Gourley examined the prevalence and symptom rates of depression in a sample of outpatients who had experienced a traumatic brain injury. The purpose of the study was to enhance understanding of the relationship between the independent variable of traumatic brain injury and the dependent variable of depression. The authors note that a number of factors have complicated gaining insight into this relationship, including different definitions of depression, limited sample sizes in previous research and variability in..."

Tags:traumatic, brain, injury

Abstract
This paper reviews an article that describes a study on exercise physiology and its relation to insulin resistance. The review presents the aim and hypothesis of the article in Part I. Part II of the paper consists of a critique and evaluation of the scientific merit of the study. The review concludes that the rationale for designing a study to probe the question of how much exercise and at what level is required in order to facilitate fatty acid utilization, was well founded.

Outline
Part I: Summary
Part II: Critique

From the Paper
"The hypothesis of the study is that fatty acids are available for energy even following short-term exercise (109). In other words, the authors designed this study to test the notion that fatty acid utilization could be increased even following lower levels of physical exertion and exercise. If this proved to be the case, then it would open up an incredible wealth of exercise methods and regiments for counteracting insulin resistance."

Tags:Insulin, resistance, exercise, physiology

Abstract
This paper discusses the topic of cardiovascular disease. The paper looks at how exercise affects the cardiovascular system in a positive way and how exercise also positively affects aging, obesity and the muscular and respiratory systems. The author states that scientists, researchers and physicians complete studies every year on the prevention of cardiovascular disease, and consistently, these studies show exercise can play an important part in reducing the instance of cardiovascular disease.

From the Paper
"Exercise should be an important part of everyone's life, because it is simply good for everyone. It is well known, even among sedentary Americans, that exercise has a positive affect on the heart and lungs, and it can improve heart health. Many physicians and experts acknowledge that aerobic exercise is extremely effective in promoting heart health. These doctors note, "This would appear also to be the case in understanding the relationship between reactivity and aerobic fitness. One of the consequences of aerobic-exercise training is a reduction in resting heart rate and blood pressure" (McCabe, Schneiderman, Field, & Wellens, 2000, p. 197). Reducing the heart rate and blood pressure leads to better cardiovascular health, and can help, along with a healthy diet, maintain this cardiovascular health throughout life."

Tags:exercise, diabetes, heart, rate, cardiovascular