The author considers diverse connections between the garden and narrative i.e. Numerous possibilities of constructing narrative in a garden or about a garden. Subsequently, two models of garden narrative are distinguished: sequential and situational narrative. These are further analyzed with the use of specific examples: Japanese Pure Land gardens, European Kalvarian gardens and 18th century English gardens, such as Stowe and Stourhead.
Background Falls constitute an important health issue. They cause significant morbidity, mortality and have marked psychological effects on the individual, too. The aim of this study has been to determine parameters describing human movement strategies for balance and the reaction if balance is lost as a result of an unstable ground, and to attempt to describe the types of falls. Material and Methods The study group comprised 20 volunteers. Kinematic parameters of falling and dynamic stability were measured using the Vicon Motion System and the Biodex Balance System SD. During the test, subjects stood for 20 s on the tilting platform. The analysis was conducted based on the first recordings, when the participants were not prepared for the event and their reactions were natural. A cluster analysis tool was applied to divide the behavior of people during the test. Results Based on motion range for kinematic parameters, the cluster analysis revealed 2 types of human behavior: falling (stepping) and restoring balance. Two types of falls were also observed: side and back falls. Moreover, on the basis of angular values for tilting plate, 4 zones were determined. The frequency of access to these zones by each joint revealed 3 strategies to maintain balance: ankle, knee and hip strategy. Conclusions A set of initial conditions that may be used for future numerical simulations was also determined. Furthermore, the results presented in this study are likely to support the analysis of the effects and the falling patterns. Med Pr 2018;69(3):245–252
Background The aims of this study have been twofold: to attempt to reduce the number of spatiotemporal parameters used for describing gait through the factor analysis and component analysis; and to explore the critical age of decline for other gait parameters for healthy women. Material and Methods A total of 106 women (aged ≥ 40 years old (N = 76) and ≤ 31 years old (N = 30)) were evaluated using a pressure-sensitive mat (Zebris Medical System, Tübingen, Germany) for collecting spatiotemporal gait parameters. Results The factor analysis identified 2 factors – labelled Time and Rhythm – that accounted for 72% of the variation in significant free-gait parameters; the principal component analysis identified 4 of these parameters that permit full clinical evaluation of gait quality. No difference was found between the groups in terms of the values of parameters reflecting the temporal nature of gait (Rhythm), namely step time, stride time and cadence, whereas significant differences were found for total double support phase (p < 0.001). Next, seeking evidence of a critical decline in gait, we selected 3 parameters: total double support, stride time and velocity. We concluded that the women taking part in the experiment manifested significant signs of senile gait after the age of 60 years old, with the first symptoms thereof already manifesting themselves after 50 years of age. Conclusions We show that among 26 spatiotemporal parameters that may be used for characterizing gait, at least a half of them may be omitted in the assessment of gait correctness; a finding that may be useful in clinical practice. The finding that the onset of senile gait occurs in the case of women after the age of 60 years old, in turn, may be useful in evaluating the ability for performing types of physical work that mainly require ambulation. Med Pr 2017;68(4):441–448
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