Tag: Laufer D

Danae Laufer

Effects of Backpack Carriage in Children and Adolescents

Back pain in adolescents is a growing concern for medical professionals and parents. During this period of accelerated growth and development of skeletal and soft tissue, additional loading of the spine puts children at risk for injury or deformities. Many studies have been reviewed which focus on a combination of weight, position, and distribution of the load, time spent carrying, and physical characteristics of the carrier. All studies examined found that backpack weight physically impacted children. However, even though there are negative effects of backpack carriage in adolescents, it has not yet been linked to serious injury or spinal deformities.

EXSC 407, Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury

Heike McNeil

Danae Laufer

Airway Malacia

Airway malacia is a physiological disorder that most commonly effects infants & children. Malacia of the trachea, bronchi, & larynx involves softening of the cartilages that play an important role in structure & function. Typically, airway malacia disappears on its own as the cartilage hardens overtime. During the malacia, however, respiration & sometimes digestion can be negatively affected & special considerations & actions must be taken. Using multiple, credible sources, including websites, journals, articles & a college course textbook, we can take a look at what is involved medically, physiologically, & religiously in with airway malacia. 

BIOL 312

Tracy Vermilyea

P103

10:30 – 11 AM

Danae Laufer

Supplemental Carnitine 

Carnitine is an endogenous compound, meaning it originates in the body. It transports long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria during fat oxidation. I studied the literature of different research articles and their findings to discover if the claims made about supplementing carnitine are accurate. Each study produced specific results in the difference made by carnitine in the body. Altogether, the results show that there are some advantages in supplementing carnitine but there was also no evidence that most athletes eating a balanced diet are at risk for carnitine deficiency and therefor, there is no reason to supplement carnitine.

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

P114

2:30 – 3 PM