Na-Ri Shin

Bio: Na-Ri Shin is an academic researcher from Gachon University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Tooth brushing & Reduced Manual Dexterity. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 10 citations.

Behavioral and psychosocial predictors of physical performance : MacArhur Studies of Successful Aging

Abstract: BACKGROUND Performance-based measures of physical performance are examined for an older cohort of relatively high-functioning men and women. The influences of baseline behavioral, social, and psychological characteristics on patterns of change in performance over 2.5 years are examined. METHODS A cohort of relatively high-functioning men and women, aged 70-79, identified in 1988 by subsampling from three community-based studies on the basis of physical and cognitive function. Baseline assessments included physical performance, sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and behavioral, social, and psychological characteristics. A summary measure of physical performance was developed from tests of balance, gait, lower body strength and coordination, and manual dexterity. In-home assessments were repeated at follow-up in 1991. RESULTS Linear regression models were used to identify significant behavioral, social, and psychological predictors of better performance at follow-up, controlling for known sociodemographic and health status predictors. Significant, independent associations with better performance were found for participation in moderate and/or strenuous exercise activity and greater frequency of emotional support from social networks, particularly among those reporting low frequency of instrumental support. These effects remained significant independent of incident health conditions during follow-up. None of the psychological characteristics was a significant predictor. CONCLUSIONS Maintenance of better physical performance within a high-functioning cohort is influenced by prior exercise behavior and social network emotional support. Observed patterns of both decline and improvement in performance suggest that older age is not uniformly associated with declines. Predictors of better performance identified here may offer potential for effective interventions to promote more successful aging.

Orange/Red Fluorescence of Active Caries by Retrospective Quantitative Light-Induced Fluorescence Image Analysis

Abstract: This retrospective clinical study determined the association of caries activity and orange/red fluorescence on quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) images of surfaces that progressed to cavitation, as determined by clinical visual examination. A random sample of QLF images from 565 children (5-13 years) previously enrolled in a longitudinal study was selected. Buccal, lingual and occlusal surface images obtained after professional brushing at baseline and every 4 months over a 4-year period were analyzed for red fluorescence. Surfaces that progressed (n = 224) to cavitation according to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS 0/1/2/3/4 to 5/6 or filling), and surfaces that did not progress (n = 486) were included. QA2 image analysis software outputs the percentage increase of the red/green components as ΔR and area of ΔR (areaΔR) at different thresholds. Mixed-model ANOVA was used to compare progressive and nonprogressive surfaces to account for correlations of red fluorescence (ΔR and areaΔR) between surfaces within a subject. The first analysis used the first observation for each surface or the first available visit if the surface was unerupted (baseline), while the second analysis used the last observation prior to cavitation for surfaces that progressed and the last observation for surfaces that did not progress (final). There was a significant (p < 0.05) association between red fluorescence and progression to cavitation at thresholds ΔR0, ΔR10, ΔR20, ΔR60, ΔR70, ΔR80, ΔR90 and ΔRmax at baseline and for ΔR0 and ΔR10 at the final observation. Quantification of orange/red fluorescence may help to identify lesions that progress to cavitation. Future studies identifying microbiological factors causing orange/ red fluorescence and its caries activity are indicated.

Factors Affecting Gross Manual Dexterity: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Abstract: Gross manual dexterity is an important part of human factors and ergonomics. The purpose of the current study was to investigate factors affecting gross manual dexterity. Gender, palm length, grip strength, hand skin temperature, room temperature, and room humidity were analyzed simultaneously to predict gross manual dexterity by utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach. SEM showed that hand skin temperature was the most important factor for predicting gross manual dexterity, followed by several other factors such as grip strength, gender, and room temperature. In addition, room humidity, age, and hand size were also had significant indirect effects on gross manual dexterity. The SEM derived in this study could be a very valuable theoretical foundation which could be very beneficial for human factors engineer, physical therapist, and even medical doctors.