Last data update: Jun 03, 2024. (Total: 46935 publications since 2009)
Records 1-15 (of 15 Records) |
Query Trace: Lankford T [original query] |
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The reduction of gunshot noise and auditory risk through the use of firearm suppressors and low-velocity ammunition
Murphy WJ , Flamme GA , Campbell AR , Zechmann EL , Tasko SM , Lankford JE , Meinke DK , Finan DS , Stewart M . Int J Audiol 2018 57 1-14 OBJECTIVE: This research assessed the reduction of peak levels, equivalent energy and sound power of firearm suppressors. DESIGN: The first study evaluated the effect of three suppressors at four microphone positions around four firearms. The second study assessed the suppressor-related reduction of sound power with a 3 m hemispherical microphone array for two firearms. RESULTS: The suppressors reduced exposures at the ear between 17 and 24 dB peak sound pressure level and reduced the 8 h equivalent A-weighted energy between 9 and 21 dB depending upon the firearm and ammunition. Noise reductions observed for the instructor's position about a metre behind the shooter were between 20 and 28 dB peak sound pressure level and between 11 and 26 dB LAeq,8h. Firearm suppressors reduced the measured sound power levels between 2 and 23 dB. Sound power reductions were greater for the low-velocity ammunition than for the same firearms fired with high-velocity ammunition due to the effect of N-waves produced by a supersonic bullet. CONCLUSIONS: Firearm suppressors may reduce noise exposure, and the cumulative exposures of suppressed firearms can still present a significant hearing risk. Therefore, firearm users should always wear hearing protection whenever target shooting or hunting. |
Prevention of noise-induced hearing loss from recreational firearms
Meinke DK , Finan DS , Flamme GA , Murphy WJ , Stewart M , Lankford JE , Tasko S . Semin Hear 2017 38 (4) 267-281 In the United States and other parts of the world, recreational firearm shooting is a popular sport that puts the hearing of the shooter at risk. Peak sound pressure levels (SPLs) from firearms range from approximately 140 to 175 dB. The majority of recreational firearms (excluding small-caliber 0.17 and 0.22 rifles and air rifles) generate between 150 and 165 dB peak SPLs. High-intensity impulse sounds will permanently damage delicate cochlear structures, and thus individuals who shoot firearms are at a higher risk of bilateral, high-frequency, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) than peer groups who do not shoot. In this article, we describe several factors that influence the risk of NIHL including the use of a muzzle brake, the number of shots fired, the distance between shooters, the shooting environment, the choice of ammunition, the use of a suppressor, and hearing protection fit and use. Prevention strategies that address these factors and recommendations for specialized hearing protectors designed for shooting sports are offered. Partnerships are needed between the hearing health community, shooting sport groups, and wildlife conservation organizations to develop and disseminate accurate information and promote organizational resources that support hearing loss prevention efforts. |
Auditory risk of air rifles
Lankford JE , Meinke DK , Flamme GA , Finan DS , Stewart M , Tasko S , Murphy WJ . Int J Audiol 2016 55 S51-s58 OBJECTIVE: To characterize the impulse noise exposure and auditory risk for air rifle users for both youth and adults. DESIGN: Acoustic characteristics were examined and the auditory risk estimates were evaluated using contemporary damage-risk criteria for unprotected adult listeners and the 120-dB peak limit and LAeq75 exposure limit suggested by the World Health Organization (1999) for children. STUDY SAMPLE: Impulses were generated by nine pellet air rifles and one BB air rifle. RESULTS: None of the air rifles generated peak levels that exceeded the 140 dB peak limit for adults, and eight (80%) exceeded the 120 dB peak SPL limit for youth. In general, for both adults and youth, there is minimal auditory risk when shooting fewer than 100 unprotected shots with pellet air rifles. Air rifles with suppressors were less hazardous than those without suppressors, and the pellet air rifles with higher velocities were generally more hazardous than those with lower velocities. CONCLUSION: To minimize auditory risk, youth should utilize air rifles with an integrated suppressor and lower velocity ratings. Air rifle shooters are advised to wear hearing protection whenever engaging in shooting activities in order to gain self-efficacy and model appropriate hearing health behaviors necessary for recreational firearm use. |
Relationship between employment characteristics and obesity among employed U.S. adults
Park S , Pan L , Lankford T . Am J Health Promot 2014 28 (6) 389-96 PURPOSE: This study examined associations between employment characteristics and obesity among a sample representing civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. adults. Design . Quantitative, cross-sectional study. SETTING: Workplace. SUBJECTS: The 2010 National Health Interview Survey data for 15,121 employed adults (≥18 years). MEASURES: The outcome variable was weight status, and exposure variables were employment characteristics (number of employees, work hours, paid by the hour, paid sick leave, and health insurance offered). ANALYSIS: Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for employment characteristics associated with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m(2)) after controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, family income, fruit/vegetable intake, physical activity, smoking, and occupations. RESULTS: Nationwide, 28% of employed adults were obese. From multivariate logistic regression, the odds of being obese was significantly greater among adults who worked at a company with 100 to 499 employees (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.02-1.39) vs. with 1 to 24 employees and those who worked >50 hours/week (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.05-1.65) vs. <30 hours/week. CONCLUSION: Approximately 3 out of 10 employees were obese and 6 out of 10 were overweight or obese. A better understanding of why these employment characteristics are associated with obesity could help employers better develop and target interventions for obesity prevention and treatment in the worksites. |
Cancer prevention and worksite health promotion: time to join forces
Allweiss P , Brown DR , Chosewood LC , Dorn JM , Dube S , Elder R , Holman DM , Hudson HL , Kimsey CD Jr , Lang JE , Lankford TJ , Li C , Muirhead L , Neri A , Plescia M , Rodriguez J , Schill AL , Shoemaker M , Sorensen G , Townsend J , White MC . Prev Chronic Dis 2014 11 E128 The workplace is recognized as a setting that can profoundly influence workers’ health and well-being (1,2). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) workplace health promotion efforts address cancer prevention by focusing on cancer screening programs, community–clinical linkages, and cancer risk factors (eg, tobacco use, physical inactivity) that also influence risk for other chronic diseases (http://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/). Some efforts focus specifically on cancer; some focus on general chronic disease prevention. Additionally, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of CDC, provides research and recommendations to address workplace hazards posed by chemicals that may increase cancer risk (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/cancer/policy.html). | Existing resources can be leveraged to expand the scope of workplace initiatives to address additional cancer risk factors and disparities. Changes to the physical and social characteristics of work environments are likely to have greater impact than health education alone (3). Given the aging US population (which is expected to result in a marked increase in the number of cancer diagnoses over the coming decades) and the prevalence of numerous risk factors among working-aged adults (4,5), a multifaceted approach to cancer prevention in the workplace is timely and needed. In addition, community-based prevention efforts may offer unrealized opportunities to reach vulnerable working populations who are not served by workplace health promotion programs. In this essay, we draw attention to a wide variety of available CDC resources and provide ideas for new efforts to advance primary cancer prevention among working adults. |
Odds of getting adequate physical activity by dog walking
Soares J , Epping J , Owens C , Brown D , Lankford TJ , Simoes E , Caspersen C . J Phys Act Health 2014 12 Suppl 1 S102-9 BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine the likelihood that adult dog owners who walk their dogs will achieve a healthy level of moderate-intensity (MI) physical activity (PA), defined as at least 150 mins/wk. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of 6 databases with data from 1990 to 2012 on dog owners' PA, to identify those who achieved MIPA. To compare dog-walkers' performance with non-dog walkers, we used a random effects model to estimate unadjusted odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: We retrieved 9 studies that met our inclusion criterion and allowed OR calculations. These yielded data on 6980 dog owners aged 18 to 81 years (41% men). Among them, 4463 (63.9%) walked their dogs. Based on total weekly PA, 2710 (60.7%) dog walkers, and 950 (37.7%) non-dog walkers achieved at least MIPA. The estimated OR was 2.74 (95% CI 2.09-3.60). CONCLUSION: Across 9 published studies, almost 2 in 3 dog owners reported walking their dogs, and the walkers are more than 2 (1/2) times more likely to achieve at least MIPA. These findings suggest that dog walking may be a viable strategy for dog owners to help achieve levels of PA that may enhance their health. |
Auditory risk estimates for youth target shooting
Meinke DK , Murphy WJ , Finan DS , Lankford JE , Flamme GA , Stewart M , Soendergaard J , Jerome TW . Int J Audiol 2014 53 Suppl 2 S16-25 OBJECTIVE: To characterize the impulse noise exposure and auditory risk for youth recreational firearm users engaged in outdoor target shooting events. The youth shooting positions are typically standing or sitting at a table, which places the firearm closer to the ground or reflective surface when compared to adult shooters. DESIGN: Acoustic characteristics were examined and the auditory risk estimates were evaluated using contemporary damage-risk criteria for unprotected adult listeners and the 120-dB peak limit suggested by the World Health Organization (1999) for children. Study sample: Impulses were generated by 26 firearm/ammunition configurations representing rifles, shotguns, and pistols used by youth. Measurements were obtained relative to a youth shooter's left ear. RESULTS: All firearms generated peak levels that exceeded the 120 dB peak limit suggested by the WHO for children. In general, shooting from the seated position over a tabletop increases the peak levels, LAeq8 and reduces the unprotected maximum permissible exposures (MPEs) for both rifles and pistols. Pistols pose the greatest auditory risk when fired over a tabletop. CONCLUSION: Youth should utilize smaller caliber weapons, preferably from the standing position, and always wear hearing protection whenever engaging in shooting activities to reduce the risk for auditory damage. |
Workplace health: engaging business leaders to combat obesity
Lankford T , Lang J , Bowden B , Baun W . J Law Med Ethics 2013 41 Suppl 2 40-5 This article explores how employers can be part of the solution to obesity by offering workplace wellness programs and facilitating opportunities for physical activity, access to healthier foods and beverages, and incentives for disease management and prevention to help prevent weight gain among their employees. |
Analysis of physical activity mass media campaign design
Lankford T , Wallace J , Brown D , Soares J , Epping JN , Fridinger F . J Phys Act Health 2013 11 (6) 1065-9 BACKGROUND: Mass media campaigns are a necessary tool for public health practitioners to reach large populations and promote healthy behaviors. Most health scholars have concluded that mass media can significantly influence the health behaviors of populations; however the effects of such campaigns are typically modest and may require significant resources. A recent Community Preventive Services Task Force review on stand-alone mass media campaigns concluded there was insufficient evidence to determine their effectiveness in increasing physical activity, partly due to mixed methods and modest and inconsistent effects on levels of physical activity. METHODS: A secondary analysis was performed on the campaigns evaluated in the Task Force review to determine use of campaign-building principles, channels, and levels of awareness and their impact on campaign outcomes. Each study was analyzed by two reviewers for inclusion of campaign building principles. Results: Campaigns that included five or more campaign principles were more likely to be successful in achieving physical activity outcomes. CONCLUSION: Campaign success is more likely if the campaign building principles (formative research, audience segmentation, message design, channel placement, process evaluation, and theory-based) are used as part of campaign design and planning. |
Analysis of state obesity legislation from 2001 to 2010
Lankford T , Hardman D , Dankmeyer C , Schmid T . J Public Health Manag Pract 2013 19 S114-8 OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of obesity has increased significantly since the 1950s. Currently, more than one-third of adults are obese. This study includes the review of 611 bills that were introduced over the past 10 years for the purpose of reducing obesity. DESIGN: Bills were obtained from state legislature Web sites and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity legislative database. Full text of bills was read and summed by year and the following categories: (a) Taskforce, (b) School, (c) Community, and (d) Health care. Bills were then coded according to strategies outlined in the Institute of Medicine publication, Accelerating Progress in Obesity Prevention. RESULTS: Of the 611 obesity-specific bills proposed over the last decade, 93 (15.2%) passed and represented 30 states. The largest number of bills ("n") introduced was in the School category (n = 276), followed by Community (n = 126), Health care (n = 117), and Taskforce (n = 92). Percentages of bills passed were as follows: Taskforce (28%), Health care (16%), Schools (14%), and Community (7%). Institute of Medicine strategies were identified in most state legislations. CONCLUSION: Overall, 15% of obesity bills passed from 2001 to 2010. Legislation can be an important first step to change society and institutional norms to encourage and support people to develop healthier behaviors. Public health practitioners may find the Institute of Medicine guidance and the legislative database useful resources to further efforts in obesity prevention. |
Impulse noise generated by starter pistols
Meinke DK , Finan DS , Soendergaard J , Flamme GA , Murphy WJ , Lankford JE , Stewart M . Int J Audiol 2013 52 S9-S19 OBJECTIVE: This study describes signals generated by .22 and .32 caliber starter pistols in the context of noise-induced hearing loss risk for sports officials and athletes. DESIGN: Acoustic comparison of impulses generated from typical .22 and .32 caliber starter pistols firing blanks were made to impulses generated from comparable firearms firing both blanks and live rounds. Acoustic characteristics are described in terms of directionality and distance from the shooter in a simulated outdoor running track. Metrics include peak sound pressure levels (SPL), A-weighted equivalent 8-hour level (L eqA8 ), and maximum permissible number of individual shots, or maximum permissible exposures (MPE) for the unprotected ear. RESULTS: Starter pistols produce peak SPLs above 140 dB. The numbers of MPEs are as few as five for the .22-caliber starter pistol, and somewhat higher (≤25) for the .32-caliber pistol. CONCLUSION: The impulsive sounds produced by starter pistols correspond to MPE numbers that are unacceptably small for unprotected officials and others in the immediate vicinity of the shooter. At the distances included in this study, the risk to athletes appears to be low (when referencing exposure criteria for adults), but the sound associated with the starter pistol will contribute to the athlete’s overall noise exposure. |
Stand-alone mass media campaigns to increase physical activity: a Community Guide updated review
Brown DR , Soares J , Epping JM , Lankford TJ , Wallace JS , Hopkins D , Buchanan LR , Orleans CT , Community Preventive Services Task Force . Am J Prev Med 2012 43 (5) 551-61 CONTEXT: The goal of the systematic review described in this summary was to determine the effectiveness of stand-alone mass media campaigns to increase physical activity at the population level. This systematic review is an update of a Community Guide systematic review and Community Preventive Services Task Force recommendation completed in 2001. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Updated searches for literature published from 1980 to 2008 were conducted in 11 databases. Of 267 articles resulting from the literature search, 16 were selected for full abstraction, including the three studies from the original 2001 review. Standard Community Guide methods were used to conduct the systematic evidence review. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Physical activity outcomes were assessed using a variety of self-report measures with duration intervals ranging from 6 weeks to 4 years. Ten studies using comparable outcome measures documented a median absolute increase of 3.4 percentage points (interquartile interval: 2.4 to 4.2 percentage points), and a median relative increase of 6.7% (interquartile interval: 3.0% to 14.1%), in self-reported physical activity levels. The remaining six studies used alternative outcome measures: three evaluated changes in self-reported time spent in physical activity (median relative change, 4.4%; range of values, 3.1%-18.2%); two studies used a single outcome measure and found that participants reported being more active after the campaign than before it; and one study found that a mass media weight-loss program led to a self-reported increase in physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this updated systematic review show that intervention effects, based wholly on self-reported measures, were modest and inconsistent. These findings did not lead the Task Force to change its earlier conclusion of insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of stand-alone mass media campaigns to increase physical activity. This paper also discusses areas needing future research to strengthen the evidence base. Finally, studies published between 2009 and 2011, after the Task Force finding was reached, and briefly summarized here, are shown to support that finding. |
Measurement of impulse peak insertion loss for four hearing protection devices in field conditions
Murphy WJ , Flamme GA , Meinke DK , Sondergaard J , Finan DS , Lankford JE , Khan A , Vernon J , Stewart M . Int J Audiol 2011 51 Suppl 1 S31-42 OBJECTIVE: In 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed an impulse noise reduction rating (NRR) for hearing protection devices based upon the impulse peak insertion loss (IPIL) methods in the ANSI S12.42-2010 standard. This study tests the ANSI S12.42 methods with a range of hearing protection devices measured in field conditions. DESIGN: The method utilizes an acoustic test fixture and three ranges for impulse levels: 130-134, 148-152, and 166-170 dB peak SPL. For this study, four different models of hearing protectors were tested: Bilsom 707 Impact II electronic earmuff, E A R Pod Express, E A R Combat Arms version 4, and the Etymotic Research, Inc. Electronic BlastPLG EB1. STUDY SAMPPLE: Five samples of each protector were fitted on the fixture or inserted in the fixture's ear canal five times for each impulse level. Impulses were generated by a 0.223 caliber rifle. RESULTS: The average IPILs increased with peak pressure and ranged between 20 and 38 dB. For some protectors, significant differences were observed across protector examples of the same model, and across insertions. CONCLUSIONS: The EPA's proposed methods provide consistent and reproducible results. The proposed impulse NRR rating should utilize the minimum and maximum protection percentiles as determined by the ANSI S12.42-2010 methods. |
Comparison of three acoustics test fixtures for impulse peak insertion loss
Murphy WJ , Flamme GA , Meinke DK , Finan DS , Lankford J , Khan A , Sondergaard J , Stewart M . J Acoust Soc Am 2011 130 (4) 2433 Acoustic test fixtures (ATF) for testing the impulse peak insertion loss (IPIL) of a hearing protector are described by American National Standard ANSI S12.42-2010. The self-insertion loss, ear simulator design (canals, microphone, and temperature), hardness of the area surrounding the pinna, and the anthropometric shape of the head has been specified in the standard. The IPILs of four protector conditions were evaluated with three ATFs during an outdoor field study using firearm noise. The Etymotic Research ER20 musicians' earplug and electronic (EB1 earplugs), the Peltor Tactical Pro earmuffs, and a combination of the TacticalPro and ER20 protectors were tested at 130, 150, and 170 dB peak sound pressure level with the Institute de Saint Louis heated and unheated fixture and the GRAS 45CB heated ATF. IPILs exhibited good agreement across all three fixtures for earplugs. Significant differences were observed between the fixtures for the earmuff-only condition. These differences were more evident for the double-protection condition. [Portions of this work were supported by the U.S. EPA Interagency Agreement DW75921973-01-0.]. |
State legislative support for parks
Kruger J , Lankford T , Schmid T . Environ Health Insights 2010 4 27-31 BACKGROUND: Parks are important venues that can encourage population-level physical activity, and policy legislation can facilitate or discourage physical activity and other park uses, depending on the type and level of support. This study aims to summarize the status and content of state-level park-related legislation. METHODS: We searched for eligible legislation from 2001-2007 in two data sources, CDC's Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Legislative Database and Lexis-Nexis, using the key words conservation, growth management/land use, parks, recreation, preservation, path, green space, or open space. State legislation was categorized into seven broad topic areas and analyzed by number introduced and passed (enacted as law), by state and category. RESULTS: States varied in the number and type of park-related legislation introduced and passed. Common categories of introduced park-related state legislation were preservation or conservation (n = 26, 9 passed), funding (n = 43, 10 passed), creation or acquisition of park land (n = 53, 9 passed), safety and liability (n = 34, 5 passed), accessibility (n = 20, 2 passed), outreach (n = 15, 2 passed), and outdoor activities (n = 13, 2 passed). CONCLUSION: During 2001 to 2007, 19% of park-related state legislation was enacted. Research on legislative policy is an emerging field, and more information on the content of park-related legislation could assist states in their efforts to promote physical activity in park venues. |
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