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What Are Bulk Bags Made Of? |
Posted by: wwijid559d - 09-01-2021, 02:43 AM - Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
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If your business deals with large quantities of materials, you need a reliable and convenient method of storing and transporting them. In that case, look no further than refurbished bulk jumbo bags made from woven plastic.
Refurbished bulk bags are sturdy, durable, economical — and they are great for the environment as well. Using refurbished bulk bags help keep plastic out of our landfills, where it would remain for years. The global market has recently picked up on the many advantages of bulk bags — in 2018, the global bulk bag market amounted to about $4.1 billion, and by 2025 that number is expected to climb to about $6.6 billion.
But why are bulk bags made of woven plastic? This article covers the advantages of this material, and how different types of bulk bags are used in various industries.
Why Are Bulk Bags Made of Woven Plastic?
Bulk bags are made of woven plastic fibers — usually a soft thermoplastic material known as polypropylene, though sometimes PVC for extra durability and protection — because of the many advantages they offer: - Lightweight: Woven plastic is lightweight — polypropylene is one of the lightest of commercial plastics, and bulk bags typically weigh only 5 to 7 pounds. The lightness of the material makes the bags user-friendly and convenient for storage and transport of materials.
- Strength: Woven plastic is also incredibly strong and dependable. As the fibers interweave over, under and between one another, they create durable, dense layers that perform impressively even with industrial-sized loads. These properties make bulk bags ideal for the storage and transport of goods because they can lift and store between 500 and 4,000 pounds with ease.
- Resilience: Another benefit of woven plastic is its resistance to breakdown by many chemicals. Making PP jumbo bags out of woven polypropylene fibers helps improve their lifespans, giving companies many quality uses out of them as long as the bags have the correct safety factor rating.
- Durability: Woven plastic is also resistant to shrinkage, stretching, humidity and heat. So even in a hot, demanding environment, PP woven bags will keep their shape and retain their ability to hold goods safely and effectively.
- Watertightness: Woven plastic bags can be specially treated for water-tightness, so they can transport and store goods securely without admitting water that could cause mold or spoilage.
- Flexibility: Woven plastic is soft and pliable, so woven plastic bulk bags are user-friendly because of their flexibility. They can fold into compact shapes for storage, so they leave plenty of space for work on the warehouse or factory floor.
- Recyclability: Once businesses have used woven plastic bags as long as possible, the bags can be recycled into other materials. Typically, the plastic is cut into small, manageable chunks and then used in new bags or other polypropylene products.
How Woven Plastic Bulk Bags Benefit Each Industry
Woven plastic bulk bags provide benefits to a number of industries, such as food PP woven bags, and different types of bulk bags are particularly useful in different applications. Industries commonly use four different types of bulk bags:- Open top bulk bags: Open top bulk bags are cubes made of woven plastic on five sides, with the top entirely open. In industries that need to fill bulk bags manually, open top bulk bags are an excellent choice.
- Duffle top bulk bags: Duffle top bulk bags have extra fabric at the top that allows users to open and close the top inlet completely. Duffle top bulk bags are ideal choices in industries where complete coverage of transported and stored materials is essential.
- Spout top bulk bags: Spout top bulk bags are similar to duffle top bulk bags except that they have spouts in place of closable fabric. These bags are ideal for industries that need to fill bulk bags quickly, efficiently and with minimal spills.
- Baffled bulk bags: Baffled bulk bags are similar to open top bulk bags — they are open at the top — but they have additional sturdy interior linings. These lining panels allow the bag to maintain its fixed cubic shape no matter what material it contains or how heavy that material is. Baffled bulk bags are ideal for industrial applications in which bulk bags will be stacked or packed tightly into a small space.
Below are a few of the industries in which these different styles of woven plastic bulk bags are beneficial:- Agriculture: Bulk bags are incredibly useful in the agricultural industry. Many agricultural products, like seeds, grain and feed, require reliable methods of storage and transport. Bulk bags fill this role efficiently and reliably, and chemical-free food-grade bags are perfect for agricultural products intended for human or animal consumption, such as flours, corn and rice. Spout top bags make pouring easy, and duffle top bags are great options for providing extra protection for consumable products. Also, there are also chemical jumbo bags.
- Construction: The construction industry often needs to transport and store bulky materials such as sand, gravel, cement, bricks, lumber, nails and other supplies. Construction jumbo bags make an excellent fit for the construction industry because of their strength, durability and safety. Open top bags are great options when bulky materials may not quite fit into the bag space, and baffled bags are smart options when materials need to be stacked for storage or transport.
- Food processing: The food processing industry makes use of many materials such as flours, grains, sugars, beans and other dry bulk products like potatoes and onions. Food-grade, chemical-free food jumbo bags make excellent transport and storage vessels for these items — and for pet food products as well. Spout top bags make pouring dry bulk products easy, open top bags allow for maximum ventilation, and duffle top bulk bags offer extra protection for food products.
- Mining: Mining operations need to transport valuable materials such as coal and metal ores, as well as process materials and byproducts like gravel, rock and soil. Durable, flexible mineral jumbo bags offer excellent options for the mining industry. Open tops allow for overfilling at the top of the bag, and baffled bulk bags make stacking and storing mining products convenient and easy.
How to Choose the Best Bulk Bag for Your Business
Choosing the best bulk bag for your business is often easy and intuitive. Assess the materials your business handles and what some of its specific storage and transport needs are. You can then determine the style of bulk bag that will best fit your company’s requirements.
Here are some of the factors you may want to evaluate when deciding on bulk bags:- Extra protection needs: When you’re choosing bulk bags, consider whether the products you work with require additional protection, especially as transport jumbo bags. If so, you may want to consider duffle top bags or baffled bags. Duffle top bags allow for complete, secure top closure, and baffled bags provide extra, sturdy side reinforcement for sensitive loads.
- Filling needs: Your bag-filling requirements will also come into play. Think about whether your operations require extra speed and accuracy in filling bulk bags. You should also consider whether minimizing product losses due to spillage is a high priority. If so, consider investing in spout top bags that can direct the flow of product for a more efficient filling process all around.
- Load size and shape: When you’re choosing daily jumbo bags, you should also consider the size and shape of the loads they are likely to carry. If loads are bulky and irregularly shaped, think about open top bags, which allow for more flexibility by letting products stick out or slightly overfill the bag as needed.
- Stacking and space-filling needs: Consider your stacking and space-filling needs as well. If your space is cramped or your product volumes are high, your operations require that your bags stack in efficient cubes with minimal space. If so, consider baffled bags, since their sturdy reinforcing panels allow the bags to maintain regular cubic shapes that stack easily.
Partner With Bulk Bag Reclamation for All Your Bulk Bag Needs
When you’re looking for bulk bags for your business, partner with Bulk Bag Reclamation. Buying refurbished bulk bags helps your company save money, improve its bottom line and gain quality, reliable bulk bags to keep operations running smoothly. Best of all, you’ll know you’re keeping plastic out of the earth’s landfills — doing your part for the environment and our planet’s habitability.
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Why You Should Buy A Ceramic Coffee Mug Instead |
Posted by: wwijid559d - 09-01-2021, 02:41 AM - Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
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Buying paper or plastic mugs is a habit that people should break. It kills the planet. You can’t reuse these mugs and the constant need for new ones is bad for the environment.
If you’ve ever tried reusing your disposable coffee mugs you’ll find that after two to three uses your coffee tastes like whatever material your mug is made of—and that’s usually not good.
Plastic mugs suffer from the same taste degradation over time, it’s not just paper. Many kinds of plastic start leeching chemicals into the liquids they contain. Even if we assumed this is not harmful to your health (I really hope it isn’t!), it still affects the taste of your coffee in a bad way. Personally, I decided to banish plastic mugs from my life and even bring a nice ceramic mug camping these days.
Now, if you’re wondering about metal coffee mugs, do they affect coffee taste in the same way? Unfortunately they suffer from similar problems—once the coating on the metal wears off I found my coffee started developing a musty and oddly metallic taste. Not good…
(Also I don’t want to know why it didn’t taste like that initially I guess the coating must’ve dissolved in my coffee and I drank it? Well, maybe I got lucky and it happened while cleaning instead. Anyway, not a great experience at all.)
Like many computer programmers I drink a lot of coffee (and I love it). I eventually came to accept that ceramic is the only material that doesn’t affect the taste of my coffee in a bad way.
Ceramic bowl is an inorganic and nonmetallic material that hardly reacts with anything. And this makes it perfect for coffee snobs like me. When it comes to reuse the great news about ceramic mugs is that—if you don’t break them by letting them fall on the floor—they pretty much last forever. And they don’t make your coffee taste like papery crap.
I also think that owning a kick ass coffee mug enhances the creative process for software developers. I found that it helps if the appearance of your coffee mug speaks to you in some way.
Author and software developer (and now the VP of Engineering at Slack!) Rands shares this sentiment:
“A great cup of coffee is not just a gorgeous caffeine administration vehicle; it’s part of your creative posse.” — Rands in Repose, VP of Engineering at Slack
I love this quote. A great coffee mug for hackers and coders needs character. It needs to have personality. Whenever I sit down in the morning to take the first sip from one of my gorgeous coffee mugs made here at Nerdlettering, it feels awesome.
Reaching for the mug. Holding the cup in my hand, filled to the brim with hot beautiful coffee… Feeling the weight. Stopping for a moment to savor that feeling and getting ready to start the day.
Paper mugs just don’t create the same experience for me.
Hot Paper Cups vs. Ceramics Mugs
Both coffee and tea are favorite beverages consumed extensively in many places worldwide. Pass by any restaurant, and you will see crowds enjoying the drinks either in pairs or fours. There are those that love it in a ceramic mug and others that prefer hot paper cups. The containers have a double layer of insulation to protect your fingers from the hot tea or coffee. This wall also keeps the drink warm for a long time while also providing you with a comfortable grip on the cup. What gives paper cups an edge over ceramic cups?
No harmful effect on the environment
Paper decomposes and does not degrade the environment. With environmental watchdogs piling pressure on governments to act on global warming, using eco-friendly packaging material resonates with good practices. On its part, a ceramic plate if it breaks and falls out of use, will end up in a landfill where it can stay intact for decades. If disposed of in recyclable material bins, wasted hot paper cups will most certainly turn into a new cup or another product.
They provide a convenient way to drink
Drinking from a disposable paper hot cup affords you the comfort of carrying away the beverage. You can drink while shopping, seated on a bench in the park or when driving. The container is lightweight allowing you to carry it wherever you wish. If you have other luggage with you, a takeaway cup will not hinder you from moving the luggage. Conversely, ceramics require that you enjoy the coffee but leave the container behind. Restaurant staff will clean and have it ready for the next customer.
You get an advertising platform
Advertising on paper cups has benefits for companies both large and small. All you should do is discuss the terms with a coffee outlet owner. They then allow you to promote your products or services by printing ads on disposable coffee cups. Besides, you can get your business message across to a broad audience since hot paper cups are easy to carry. On the other hand, branding a paper cup is not as costly as having the same graphics done on ceramic plate and bowl.
Weight and non-spillage
Hot paper cups are incredibly light, and that is one quality that makes it appropriate for takeaways. Ceramic tea sets are massive in comparison and most ideal for reuse. If you are having renovations at home or in the office, you can quickly drive to the nearest coffee shop, grab a few cups for the technicians and drive back. You will not have any spillage, and the renovation crew gets to enjoy their drink while it is still hot. You could also ask for home delivery and get to enjoy similar benefits.
Lids for spillage prevention
Unlike ceramic tea cups, hot paper cups come in different types of covers. If you are having tea or coffee on the go, then this is the container to choose. The liquid inside remains intact and does not spill easily. A ceramic mug does not offer this comfort. Use it in your car, and you will end up with drops on your seat. You might even stain your clothing.
No cleaning problems
The aspect of mugs, like ceramic tea pot, that requires one to clean them for the next usage can be costly. At most, you need a dishwasher at your establishment. The equipment consumes a lot of water and needs someone to man it. Unlike the mug, hot paper cups are not bothersome. Once you serve a client, they either take the container away or throw it in a waste bin. You do not remain with the burden to clean.
Insulated hot paper cups can either serve tea or coffee. The material used in their manufacture is not usually toxic to the environment. If the cup ends up in a landfill, exposure to weather elements causes it to decompose. On the other hand, when these cups go to a recycling plant, they help make other products or the same cups as before. A paper cup is very light an aspect that enables you to carry it anywhere. Businesses find using hot paper cups as local media outlet through which they can advertise at minimal costs. These cups have lids too and do not require costly cleaning processes.
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BYU Soccer: Previewing the Slide Camp Stage Battles |
Posted by: Antjuan - 09-01-2021, 02:41 AM - Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
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Soccer is sooner or later in this article. Upon Wednesday, BYU kicks off 2021 drop camp. Allow for preview the greatest vital level battles that will be sorted out for the duration of performing exercises camp.QuarterbackCompetitors: Jaren Corridor, Baylor Romney, Jacob ConoverThis issue overcome will garner all the headlines - historical past means that BYU is simply as optimistic as its QB perform Malik Moore Jersey. This is the utmost vital place overcome coming into exercising camp.Extensive ReceiverBYU desires towards fill the starting off destination remaining by way of 7th spherical NFL Draft select Dax Milne.Level of competition: Puka Nacua, Samson Nacua, Chris Jackson, Kody Epps, Keanu Hill, Brayden CosperThere a large amount of buzz bordering the 2021 broad receivers - BYU will industry a person of its deepest WR types inside of computer software background this period. The Nacua brothers will be large favorites towards make setting up minutes.CornerbackKeenan Ellis and DAngelo Mandell had been shown as the starting off cornerbacks coming out of spring habits. With the addition of Oregon Country move Kaleb Hayes, 1 of those people commencing destinations may well be up for grabs. Opposition:Keenan Ellis, DAngelo Mandell, Isaiah Herron, Shamon Willis, Kaleb HayesHayes is made up of came upon campus and is prepared toward perform this time.NickelGeorge Udo was stated as the beginning nickelback coming out of spring patterns. On the other hand, Udo endured a period-finishing damage just before the bowl recreation closing year. Remaining thirty day period, Udo took in the direction of social media in direction of announce that he experienced been medically cleared for the potential time. If Udo is healthier, he will start off. If he necessities a pair months in the direction of return towards finish rate, his destination may be up for grabs in the course of performing exercises camp. Competitiveness: George Udo https://www.storebyu.com/matthew-criddle-jersey, Javelle Brown, Jaylon Vickers, Jakob RobinsonFrodo Linebacker There had been Really several beginning locations stated up for grabs upon BYU 2021 Article-Spring Detail Chart. Largely considering the fact that BYU detailed 18 work opportunities upon the defensive facet of the ball. The simply just issue that didnt popularity an outright newbie? Frodo linebacker. Ben Bywater and Drew Jensen will beat it out for the setting up desired destination.
https://www.storebyu.com/matthew-criddle-jersey
Luc Andrada Jersey
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Properties of HDPE pipe fittings and UPVC pipe fittings |
Posted by: wwijid559d - 09-01-2021, 02:40 AM - Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
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HDPE pipe is a flexible plastic pipe made of thermoplastic high-density polyethylene widely used for low-temperature fluid and gas transfer. In recent times, HDPE pipes got their extensive uses for carrying potable water, hazardous wastes, various gases, slurry, firewater, stormwater, etc. The strong molecular bond of HDPE pipe materials helps it to use for high-pressure pipelines. Polyethylene pipes have a long and distinguished service history for the gas, oil, mining, water, and other industries. Due to its low weight and high corrosion resistance, the HDPE pipe industry is growing tremendously. In the year 1953, Karl Ziegler and Erhard Holzkamp discovered high-density polyethene (HDPE). HDPE pipes can work satisfactorily in a wide temperature range of -2200 F to +1800 F. However, the use of HDPE Pipes is not suggested when the fluid temperature exceeds 1220 F (500 C).
HDPE pipes are made by the polymerization of ethylene, a by-product of oil. Various additives (stabilizers, fillers, plasticizers, softeners, lubricants, colorants, flame retardants, blowing agents, crosslinking agents, ultraviolet degradable additives, etc.) are added to produce the final HDPE pipe and components. HDPE pipe lengths are made by heating the HDPE resin. It is then extruded through a die, which determines the diameter of the pipeline. The Pipe wall thickness is determined by a combination of the die size, speed of the screw, and the speed of the haul-off tractor. Usually, 3-5% carbon black is added to HDPE to make it UV resistant, which turns HDPE pipes into the black in color. Other color variants are available but usually not used frequently. Coloured or striped HDPE pipe is usually 90-95% black material, where a colored stripe is provided on 5% of the outside surface.
Properties of HDPE Pipes
The physical and mechanical properties of a typical HDPE Pipe is listed below:
Governing Codes: ISO 1183, ISO 4427, AS/ NZS 4130, BS EN 12201, EN 12056, AWWA C901, AWWA C906, etc
Available size range: DN 16 to 1600 (However, other customized sizes can be manufactured)
The density of HDPE Pipe: 930-970 kg/m3
Typical Mechanical Properties of HDPE Pipe are given in Table-1 below. However, these values vary from one manufacturer to another. So, must be consulted with the manufacturer.
The HDPE pipe fittings can be performed in several ways as described below. It should be noted that based on the type of the fittings included in the specifications of the design one should do pipe fittings in different parts of the plan. HDPE pipes are usually produced with two simple ends. Therefore, in order to establish a connection between the two branches, it is necessary to connect one simple end of a branch to the other simple end with a connection to each other. The various methods used to connect HDPE pipes, accessories and valves, are as follows:
1- Thermal Butt (HDPE Butt Fusion Fittings)
2- Thermal bushing
3- Electro Fusion(HDPE Electrofusion Fittings)
4- Flange
5- Extrusion
6- Bolting
7- Rubber gasket latching
It should be explained that all of the above methods are currently not applicable due to the lack of production of the necessary supplies in the country, but the explanations needed to use them, if produced, are given. The consultant engineer will determine the pipe connection method according to the facilities available at the time of work in the specifications of the design. At the moment, the butt thermal connection is used for the main projects of HDPE piping and the flange connection is used for special fittings. The contractor is required to provide arrangements, and qualified personnel for any method specified in the layout specifications, and, accordingly, proceed with the connection.
What is UPVC?
UPVC Pipe Fittings stand for Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride. Due to its strong resistance to chemicals, and elements of nature, UPVC makes an ideal choice for residential and commercial plumbing constructions. It also includes UPVC Gasketed Fittings and UPVC Solvent Weld Fittings.
Key Features of UPVC Pipes
Here are some of the main features of UPVC pipes that you should know: Harder than PVC.While manufacturing UPVC pipes, additional plasticizing polymers are not used. This is the reason why UPVC pipes have more rigid consistency than PVC pipes.
Eco-friendly and chemical resistant. UPVC pipes
are manufactured using eco-friendly and virgin unplasticized polyvinyl chloride compounds. Thanks to UPVC’s chemical resistance, it has become integral to plumbing.
Lightweight and hassle-free.
These are light in weight, durable, and resilient. Plus, UPVC pipes also ensure low or no maintenance. As these are 1/5th the specific weight of steel pipes, it ensures lower transportation cost and easy installation.
Long-lasting durability.
These pipes are mineral resistant, corrosion-proof, and withstand the effects of hardware conditions. Therefore, these pipes do not corrode or scale. UPVC pipes offer high strength and UV resistance.
Cost effective
Easy to install, these drainage pipes also offer low installation and operational costs. Also, because they are tough and durable, they save the cost of replacement in the long run.
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Sofa Buying Guide |
Posted by: wwijid559d - 09-01-2021, 02:38 AM - Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
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The worst time to figure out that you hate a new sofa is after it’s been delivered. The convenience of online shopping makes browsing easier, but when you’re buying a couch sight unseen, it’s important to do your homework. After hundreds of hours of research, including visiting three furniture factories, interviewing industry experts, and parking ourselves on nearly every sofa we’ve seen, we can tell you exactly what separates a great sofa from a future curbside donation. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to bring home a durable—and comfortable—piece of furniture. And we recommend some worthy brands we’ve personally tested.
Finding the right sofas for your space and budget begins with deciding what type and style you want. Just as important, you’ll need to determine what size sofa will fit in your home(including through doorways, down hallways, and up stairs, among other exterior and interior obstructions). Then consider how many people you want to seat and what you should avoid (and invest in) if pets or kids will regularly use the sofa. We tell you how to check for quality construction, how much you should expect to spend, and when you can get the best deals. We’ve also put together a buying checklist that you can consult while you’re shopping to help you remember the most important details.
A sofa is one of the most expensive pieces of furniture that most people purchase, and we encourage you to try them out in person, or to buy from online companies that have generous return policies. We hope that after you read this guide, you’ll feel comfortable purchasing a sofa that will be an investment in your current and future home. And if you’re curious about why two seemingly identically styled sofas might have drastically different prices, hop over to our companion piece, Sofa Buying Advice From the People Who Design and Make Them.
Decide what type of sofa you want
Sofas and couches come in many shapes and sizes. The right one for you will depend on how much space you have, how many people you want to seat, and whether you plan to use the sofa for napping or hosting overnight guests. These are the four types you’ll generally find: - Standard sofa or couch: These generally measure between 72 and 84 inches, comfortably seating three to four people.
- Loveseat: Similar to a sofa, but intended for two people, these range from 48 inches to 72 inches wide.
- Sectional: A larger modular sofa consisting of two or more pieces arranged in an L- or U-shaped configuration. Apartment-size sectionals are about the same size as a standard sofa, but larger sizes can seat five or more people.
- Sofa bed or daybed: A sofa bed transforms to lay out flat, offering a mattress-like surface to rest on. A daybed is essentially a sofa with more depth, and is intended for lounging comfortably stretched across its length.
Although a designer may take offense if you call their sofa a couch, or lounge chairs, in everyday use there’s no difference. Both describe a cushioned piece of furniture with a back intended to seat more than one person. “Sofa” has always implied a more formal seating arrangement for entertaining guests (and the design/retail industry favors the term), and “couch” connotes the relaxed comforts of seating that’s intended to welcome any and all.
Choose a sofa style
Regardless of how well a sofa is made, you won’t be happy with it if you don’t also love the way it looks. Narrow your search to the styles that appeal to you and that will complement your home’s decor. Below are the eight most common styles sold today.
Mid-century modern: The hallmarks of the mid-century aesthetic are a clean and minimalist structure sitting low to the floor atop unadorned metal or wooden legs.
Lawson: The “comfy jeans” of sofas, the laidback Lawson is practically synonymous with what we think of as the quintessential couch where spare change gets discovered.
English roll arm: The cushioned yet firm high-back sofa is distinguished by its low contoured arms leaning outward. This style looks best in traditional and transitional decorated spaces that have enough room not to cramp its size.
Chaise: Imagine the seat of upholstered chairs and stools stretched out and you have the chaise. Traditionally this sofa features one side with an arm and the other side without (aka a méridienne sofa or fainting couch), like benchs, but many chaise designs forgo arms altogether.
Settee: A small upright sofa that’s distinguished by its seating for two, the settee is the original name for the love seat. Styles can range from traditional to contemporary detailing. Because of its petite proportions, the settee works well in smaller apartments, in a pair facing each other, or placed within unexpected spaces like bedrooms, offices, or even hallways.
Tuxedo: Boxy dimensions, tufting along the back and arms, and arms of equal height to the back are what distinguish this style.
Chesterfield: Identified by its quilted or tufted low back and its high arms, this British design is classically upholstered in leather.
Camelback: The aristocratic profile of the camelback (also called a humpback sofa) is unsurprisingly attributed to the hump at the center of the backrest. Sometimes there are two humps, and the sofa usually sits atop four to eight exposed wood legs.
Make sure the sofa fits in your home
We’ve all heard the horror stories about someone who purchased the sofa of their dreams only to discover it would not fit through a doorway, navigate a stairway, or fit inside the room. The carpenter’s adage of “measure twice, cut once” proves similarly true when you’re dropping hundreds—if not thousands—of well-earned dollars on a sofa,, or side chairs. Follow these steps to ensure that you don’t become a cautionary tale for future generations of sofa shoppers.
Accurately measure the sofa
Measure the width, height, and depth of the sofa; taking additional measurements can also prove useful for ordering custom upholstery or for packing and moving individual pieces later. Although measurements are almost always listed online or in catalogs, we recommend bringing a tape measure to stores to verify dimensions in person. Ask sales representatives whether the sofa ships with sections or parts disassembled, or if they can be easily removed.
Measure your entryways
Survey the easiest points of entry into your home, together with any obstacles that could complicate delivery. A steep stairway, a narrow corridor, a low overhanging fixture, or a small elevator can all present insurmountable challenges, even before a delivery makes it to the front door. We found Room & Board’s How to Prepare for Furniture Delivery video particularly insightful for identifying and visualizing obstacles that can get in the way of delivery. Habitat UK’s six-step sofa-fit checklist (PDF) is another excellent resource that can help you determine whether the sofa will fit through doors and hallways, up a flight of stairs (including those with a landing), or into an elevator.
Pick the right sofa for your lifestyle
Once you’ve narrowed your search by style and size, give some thought to your personal seating needs. A pet owner or a family with young kids may have very different needs than a fastidious couple. Think through the following questions to help determine what best serves your lifestyle.
How will you use the sofa?
Be honest with yourself about how you’ll sit on the sofa. In retail stores, we’ve seen shoppers sitting on sofas with tables like they’re upright mannequins, which is likely not the way they would sit or lie on them at home. If you tend to slouch, a daybed or sectional with a chaise will prove more comfortable and won’t disfigure cushions (over time, slouching presses the front of seat cushions outward). If you’re a couch napper, avoid multi-cushion sofas, because they’re prone to buckle and dip between each cushion. If you prefer to sit upright while reading, knitting, or using a mobile device, the more tailored, firmer structure of a mid-century-modern–style sofa or one with an upright back will feel more comfortable.
How many people will sit on the sofa?
Think through how many people will regularly sit on the sofa, but also how they like to sit. For example, if one person likes to sit upright but the other likes to lie across with their head on an arm, and the choices ate single sofas, or two seater sofas, that’s how they should test out a sofa for comfortable width. Larger families or households that regularly host guests will be naturally drawn to sectionals. But to produce a more dynamic and flexible seating arrangement, also consider using two different-size sofas positioned into an L shape, or try a pair of loveseats facing each other.
Do you have kids or pets?
Never underestimate a dog’s, cat’s, or child’s ability to destroy your furniture. Microfiber and leather upholstered sofas are the easiest to clean and maintain. And because both are smoother, they’re less likely to be scratched into remnants by a pet’s claws. Otherwise, stick with upholstery fabrics with high stain protection and a higher rub count. (Room & Board has a great guide to pet- and family-friendly fabrics.) For an added layer of protection, you may also want to consider a sofa with a slipcover. Unattached seat and back cushions will make for easier individual cleaning. If your kids jump on the sofa, stick with a frame that has sinuous springs or poly-webbing supports rather than one with more delicate hand-tied springs. For families with young kids, avoid down-filled cushions, because little feet will likely deform the malleable filling every day. It’s also a good idea to avoid decorative detailing, like tufting buttons or frilly trim; pulling and picking at these will prove irresistible for some kids.
Do your floors easily scratch?
If you have delicate wood floors, carefully consider the legs of your sofa, or console tables. From experience, we know that hairpin legs can scrape wood floors. As a last resort, a well-placed area rug can keep sofa feet from damaging a floor.
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Arkansas inks Bret Bielema toward deal extension in the course of 2020 |
Posted by: Antjuan - 09-01-2021, 02:38 AM - Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
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For the duration of the very first 2 weeks of the 2014 year, Arkansas was 4-5 with durable showings towards Texas ;M, Alabama and Mississippi Place that, finish as they ended up, finished as losses on the other hand. Still the Hogs broke during within just a huge course towards conclude the calendar year, with wins earlier mentioned LSU, Ole Skip and Texas as a result of a blended rating of 78-7 Eli Chism Jersey. Arkansas finished the yr at 7-6, yet they had been the 7-6 employees that no one particular within just higher education soccer desired in direction of perform. Within the SEC, that plenty of for a agreement extension. The Razorbacks introduced a refreshing agreement extending in the direction of 2020 that will typical $4.25 million each year. Educate Bret Bielema is not just one particular of the simplest faculty soccer coaches within just the state, he is an amazing chief, sporting activities director Jeff Extensive stated in just a assertion. What Train Bielema and his instruction workers contain performed for our youthful adult men, upon and off the business, is just about anything that consists of drastically modified the program of our application and greatest importantly positively influenced the life of our soccer scholar-athletes https://www.storearkansas.com/treylon-burks-jersey. He is developing a championship computer software within a course that all Arkansans can be very pleased of. We overall look in advance in direction of his ongoing management of our soccer software package and the innumerable successes still in direction of arrive. Bielema, 10-15 within just his 2 seasons within Fayetteville, will receive $4 million inside 2015 and perspective his repayment increase $100,000 yearly towards there. Bielema $4 million2015 income will level him accurately outside the house the supreme 10 nationally - still 6th inside the SEC West. Nick Saban, Kevin Sumlin and Les Miles acquired north of $4 million within 2014, Gus Malzahn and Hugh Freeze obtained fresh contracts bumping them higher than $4 million as a result of this slide, and Dan Mullen is doing work upon an extension of his particular. This usually means one particular detail: some very-gifted, perfectly-paid out train is heading in the direction of end inside 7th point in just the SEC West 9 weeks in opposition to presently.
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Eli Chism Jersey
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What Is an E-Bike? Here’s Everything You Need to Know |
Posted by: wwijid559d - 09-01-2021, 02:37 AM - Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
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The first thing you should know about e-bikes is that they’re here to stay. Electric bike sales jumped by an incredible 145 percent from 2019 to 2020 alone, according to the market research firm NPD Group. It’s a nearly $244 billion industry as of last year, and there’s no sign of a slowdown.
Some view the rise of e-bikes as a threat, as though standard bikes will go the way of the penny-farthing once everyone goes electric. But fear not: E-bikes aren’t here to rob us of our human-powered way of life. In fact, they may very well enhance it—especially as travel and commuting habits change following the global pandemic and shift of work commuting. So as we roll our way into peak riding season, here’s everything you need to know about the electric revolution.
1. E-bikes make pedaling easier.
Generally speaking, e-bikes are electric bicycles with a battery-powered “assist” that comes via pedaling and, in some cases, a throttle. When you push the pedals on a pedal-assist e-bike, a small motor engages and gives you a boost, so you can zip up hills and cruise over tough terrain without gassing yourself. Called “pedelecs,” they feel just like conventional bikes—but better, says Ed Benjamin, senior managing director at the consulting firm eCycleElectric. “You control your speed with your feet, like with a regular bike,” he says. “You just feel really powerful and accelerate easily.”
In addition to the pedal-assist feature, some e-bikes come with a throttle that engages the motor with the press of a button. These belong to a separate class of e-bike that, obviously, doesn’t offer a pure cycling experience; they’re also illegal in some municipalities. Interestingly, Benjamin says, people who aren’t already “cyclists” tend to gravitate toward throttle bikes at first, but then turn around and choose a pedal-assist for their next purchase.
2. They go pretty fast… to a point.
The harder you pedal, the bigger the boost, the faster you’ll ride—to a point. E-bikes let you hum along at a brisk clip, but they aren’t motorcycles. You’ll never hammer down the road at 45 mph. The motor is governed to stop propelling you further when you hit 20 to 28 miles per hour, depending on the bike. So you’ll save time on your commute (I shave about three minutes off a five-mile trip) but still enjoy the scenery.
You can also control how big of an assist you get. Most e-bikes come with a power switch that lets you adjust the boost setting from “eco” (low) to “turbo” (high), for when you want a little more oomph to help you, say, up a steep hill.
3. You’ll ride a lot more, even if you already ride a lot.
Getting an e-bike can dramatically increase how often you ride, according to a survey of nearly 1,800 e-bike owners in North America. Beforehand, 55 percent of respondents said they rode daily or weekly. After buying an e-bike, that number soared to 91 percent. It makes sense: Even if you’re super fit, you still get tired (likely from training or racing) and remounting your bike can feel like a chore. If you have an e-bike, you can continue riding while giving your knackered legs a bit of a break. You can also go faster, which makes biking for longer trips more attractive, even when you’re pressed for time.
For those who aren’t frequent riders, e-bikes open up a whole new world, like fat tire electric bike. While you may not be conditioned to ride 5-10 miles at a time, you can cover those distances easily with an electric assist, which is a great way to build endurance and confidence. That same survey found that 94 percent of non-cyclists rode daily or weekly after getting an electric city bike.
4. There’s an e-bike for everything.
Name a type of riding, and there’s an e-bike for that. If you have zero interest in an electric road bike, you may find yourself head over heels for a high-capacity e-cargo bike that can haul 400 pounds of stuff while still cruising at a cool 15 mph. E-bikes are available in fat, cargo, commuter, recreational, hardtail, full-suspension electric mountain bike, and even performance road bike styles. For proof, here are a dozen e-bikes we love for every type of cyclist.
5. They can replace driving.
“People are buying electric bicycles as a way to reduce car trips,” Benjamin says. The data backs him up: 28 percent of survey respondents said they bought an e-bike specifically to replace driving a car. And many other reasons buyers listed for wanting an e-bike—including carrying cargo and kids, avoiding parking and traffic, and environmental concerns—also indicate a desire to get out from behind the wheel. Plus, you don’t need to change clothes or clean up when you arrive at your destination, because you don’t have to work up as much of a sweat.
Consider, too, that more than half of all driving trips are shorter than 10 miles, with some surveys reporting that the average single trip amounts to just 5.95 miles. That’s a no-brainer distance to cover by e-bike. In fact, the survey found that owners replaced 46 percent of their car commutes and 30 percent of their driving errands with electric road bike rides. All you need is a great commuter bag to carry your stuff, and you’re set.
6. Yes, you still get exercise.
E-bikes, including electric folding bike, do some of the work for you, but they still count as exercise, especially for people who have otherwise been sedentary. Colorado University researchers found that when 20 non-exercising men and women e-biked about 40 minutes three days a week, they improved their cardiovascular fitness and blood sugar in just one month. “Many people are not fit enough to ride long enough to get meaningful health and fitness benefits from biking,” Benjamin says. “Put them on an electric bike and they can go out and ride for an hour and get a significant amount of exercise.”
Even if you’re in excellent shape and very fit, you still can get exercise by e-biking. When I did a head-to-head comparison of commuting with my cross bike versus a recreational e-bike, I found that my relative effort was much lower, and I burned about half as many calories, on the e-bike. But I still burned something—up to 200 calories per hour, the equivalent of what you burn by walking. And I opted for quick e-bike rides to town where I would usually drive, which means I was considerably more active overall.
7. The batteries are getting better.
There’s no getting around it: E-bikes give you yet another device to charge. Right now, you can expect your battery to last anywhere from 35 to 100 miles before it needs a recharge. Where you fall in that range depends on the size of the battery and how much power the motor draws. Obviously, if you buzz around on “turbo” all day, you’ll run out of juice faster than if you run on lower, more economical settings. But we also expect batteries to improve in the future.
8. Trail access can be tricky.
E-bikes remain a subject of controversy in mountain biking circles, some think it more is electric scooter, or a citycoco, and inside the city, we can also see electric wheelchairs. You may not be able to take one on your favorite singletrack right now, as most non-motorized trails prohibit them. However, things have been tilting in a more permissive direction. IMBA, the sport’s largest public advocacy group, shifted its stance to support allowing access for some pedal-assist e-bikes (those that top out at 20 mph) on some trails. With every major manufacturer making e-mountain bikes, more access is likely only a matter of time. “In a few years, people will realize that electric mountain bikes have no more trail impact than a regular mountain bike,” Benjamin says.
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What are the pros of artificial grass? |
Posted by: wwijid559d - 09-01-2021, 02:36 AM - Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
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The use of artificial grass to replace natural grass is becoming increasingly predominant in today’s world. Especially in sports, different sports pitches use one of the many different types of artificial grass because of the superior qualities it has over natural grass. It for instance does not require any sunlight or mowing and it can be used more often. However, when it comes to comfort, artificial grass is still no match for a well maintained natural grass turf. This report aims to provide a proposal to enhance the comfort, i.e. reduce the discomfort of artificial grass by altering the surface properties. It therefore is focused on artificial grass that is designed to be in contact with human skin, such as artificial sports grass like soccer or field hockey. The report starts off with a description of several different kinds of artificial grass. Thereafter, it is investigated what types of discomfort or injuries typically result from using the turf, after which the underlying reasons for this discomfort are investigated. This eventually leads to a number of possible solutions and a final conclusion.
Artificial grass, mostly used as football/soccer grass, or golf grass, is a synthetic material which is manufactured with plastic and is easy to install. Pay heed to all these points before you install it in your home.
PROS
Aesthetically Pleasing It looks lush green, is always well-manicured and has an aesthetically pleasing look in all the seasons. Unlike real grass, it does not get damaged by external weather conditions like rain or harsh sunlight.
Maintenance Free
Artificial grass is stain-resistant, does not create muddy footprints, is low in maintenance and does not require herbicides, pesticides or fertilisers to grow. Since it does not need to be watered, it helps in preventing water usage without compromising on the aesthetics of the landscaped lawn. However it needs to be cleaned and sanitised periodically to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Looks like Real Grass
Artificial grass mimics the look of real grass and is available in different blade lengths, textures, density and shades of green. It can be used outdoors or indoors. Since it is a flexible material, it can be cut and installed as small strips between the walkway pavers.
Pet-Friendly
It cannot be dug and spoilt by pets. Make it a point to immediately remove pet waste from artificial grass and clean it with soapy water to minimise odour and prevent it from becoming a potential health hazard. Also, it will be perfect for just landscape grass, or a patch of decoration grass.
Resistant to Fading
This type of greenery is UV resistant which prevents the grass from fading in sunlight. As a result, artificial grass maintains its green colour throughout the year while natural grass may turn brown in the presence of excessive sunlight.
Highly Durable
It is long-lasting and can be used for upto 10 to 15 years depending on its quality and maintenance. If installed in a shaded area it will last longer than real grass which is exposed to direct sunlight.
Artificial Turf Versus Natural Grass
The benefits and risks associated with natural grass and artificial turf playing fields have been the subjects of multiple studies. But few have examined the safety of these surfaces in high school sports — and none have examined the risks in high school sports beyond football. Also, the maintenance of a mini football grass won't be so high.
ARTIFICIAL TURF BENEFITS
Despite the protective benefits of natural grass fields, fewer schools use them because of the extra maintenance required and lack of flexibility. For example, if it rains on a Wednesday, students may have to stay off the field to prevent damage before a Friday night football game.
Artificial turf, including the the use of leisure grass, is easier to maintain, doesn't require water or fertilizer and can accommodate a variety of activities. With artificial turf, students can practice on the field in almost any weather without damaging the ground. Also, artificial turf doesn't freeze in the winter or thin out in the summer.
Dr. Voos says parents may want to ask coaches and athletic directors how they maintain their turf to keep students safe. "The main thing we want to emphasize is for parents and students to be aware of the difference," he adds. "Make sure kids have the right shoes in good condition, appropriate helmets and proper protective equipment."
The most popular use of artificial grass is to install it in a residential grass garden to replace an existing lawn as garden grass.
The popularity of artificial grass has grown at a fantastic rate and many homeowners are now realising the benefits of having artificial grass in their home.
Although it is not completely maintenance-free (as some manufacturers and installers will claim), compared to a real lawn, the maintenance involved with artificial grass is minimal.
This appeals to many people with busy lifestyles, as well as the elderly, who are often physically unable to maintain their gardens and lawns.
It’s also great for lawns that receive continual, year-round use from pets and children.
Synthetic turf is perfectly safe for both your family and your pets to use, and can even create a safer environment than real grass, as you’ll no longer need to use pesticides or fertilisers in your garden.
Many of our customers have become tired of traipsing up and down their lawn, mower in hand, instead preferring to spend their precious spare time in their garden with their feet up, enjoying a nice glass of wine.
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Benefits and risks of circumcision |
Posted by: wwijid559d - 09-01-2021, 02:34 AM - Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
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Chinese Shang Ring adult male circumcision (SC) is a safe and effective procedure which is easy to learn and to perform. By a specially designed small device, male circumcision (MC) can be performed in 5 min. Compared with conventional adult MC (CC), SC has shorter operation time, less blood loss, less pain score, higher appearance satisfaction rate, and lower complication rate. SC was first developed in China. As recent studies have demonstrated that MC reduced the risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection via vaginal intercourse in African countries, SC was introduced into Africa to fight HIV. Other sexually transmitted diseases such as human papillomavirus infection may also be prevented by SC. In conclusion, Chinese Shang Ring, a small device, provides an easy, quick, safe, and effective method to perform adult MC.
Circumcision is an operation to remove a male’s foreskin. It is one of the oldest and most common surgical procedures. A male may undergo this procedure for religious, social, medical, or cultural reasons.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourage male circumcision on the basis that it appears to reduce the risk of HIV infection during vaginal sex. However, not all health authorities agree, and the recommendations remain somewhat controversial.
Adult circumcision device is fairly commonly used in the United States. In fact, according to the CDC, 58.3%Trusted Source of U.S. newborns underwent circumcision in 2010.
It is less common in other Western countries, however. In the United Kingdom, for example, only around 8.5% of males are circumcised.
This article will discuss what to expect during the procedure itself, as well as some possible benefits and risks.
What is circumcision?
Circumcision involves the removal of the foreskin of the penis. The foreskin is the shroud of skin that, when gently pulled back, uncovers the head of the penis.
The surgery is relatively simple. A healthcare professional will free the foreskin from the head of the penis and, in newborns, clip it off in a procedure that only takes a few minutes. In adults, they will remove the foreskin with a scalpel, and it takes around 30 minutes.
They will then either cauterize or stitch the wound with dissolvable sutures.
History
The first circumcisions may have taken place around 15,000 years ago. The procedure then slowly spread across a variety of cultures, especially in the Middle East.
It may have become popular in the ancient world as a public health measure and a way of preventing balanitis. Balanitis leads to swelling and pain in the head of the penis.
This condition might have been more common in ancient societies due to sand building up under the foreskin.
Circumcision became popular in the Western world in the late 19th century, when people began performing the operation in an attempt to prevent masturbation. Many believed that masturbation was associated with conditions such as epilepsy, paralysis, tuberculosis, and insanity.
However, there was little compelling evidence to support these claims. As the newly formed national healthcare systems started facing rising costs, they stopped recommending the procedure.
In the U.S., however, it has remained a relatively common practice, and some major health authorities do still encourage it.
Why circumcise newborns?
A number of factors are associated with neonatal circumcision.
The most common are: - religion
- hygiene
- health considerations
Some studies have suggested that circumcision reducesTrusted Source the risk of urinary tract infection, but more recent findings have contradicted this, with some suggesting that it might actually increase the risk.
Evidence has indicated a lower risk of some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis. Circumcised males, using male circumcision device, also appear to be less likely to contract herpes or HIV.
In very rare cases, balanitis or phimosis can develop in an uncircumcised male. With these conditions, the foreskin cannot retract. This requires surgical treatment.
Cancer of the penis is extremely rare, but it appears to be slightly more commonTrusted Source in males with a high body mass index (BMI), males with a history of smoking, males who are uncircumcised, and those with a combination of these factors.
Adult circumcision
Circumcision is less common in adults than in children. It takes longer and is likely to involve more tissue trauma. It may also cause more psychological trauma than it does in newborns.
However, it may reduce the risk of certain conditions, including phimosis, paraphimosis, and balanitis.
Phimosis is the inability to pull back the foreskin, leading to pain and urinary problems. It can occur if a male is born with a tight foreskin, or due to scarring, infection, or inflammation. Treatment options include topical corticosteroids or circumcision.
Paraphimosis occurs when the foreskin becomes stuck behind the head of the penis and restricts blood flow to the end of the penis. It can result from a medical intervention, such as the use of a catheter. Paraphimosis is a medical emergency. Without treatment, gangrene can result. Treatment aims to reduce the swelling, but most doctors recommend circumcision after recovery, in order to prevent the condition reoccurring.
Balanitis occurs when the head of the penis becomes inflamed or swollen. This may be due to an STI, thrush, skin irritation, or another skin condition. It is uncommon in circumcised males. Circumcision can prevent balanitis reoccurring.
Circumcision and HIV
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is “compelling evidence” to suggest that adult circumcision device reduces the risk of contracting HIV during vaginal sex by 60%Trusted Source .
However, they point out that circumcision will offer only partial protection, and they urge people to use barrier methods such as condoms as well.
The higher chance of infection may be because the foreskin becomes more prone to splits and ruptures during intercourse, allowing pathogens to enter the bloodstream.
Another possibility is that the space between the penis and the foreskin might provide an environment in which a virus can survive for a period of time, raising the risk of infection for the individual and their next partner.
Some argue that the U.S. has a relatively high rate of HIV despite high circumcision rates. In addition, the results of studies in Africa and Asia associating circumcision with HIV prevention, mainly in heterosexual populations, may not translate to the U.S.
Risks
Circumcision is a relatively safe procedure, and severe complications are rare.
However, the following risks are possible:- The surgeon cuts the foreskin too short or leaves it too long.
- The wound does not heal properly.
- Blood loss and hemorrhage occur.
- Meatal stenosis occurs. This condition causes the urinary stream to be deflected upward, making it difficult to aim.
- Damage affects the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine through the penis. This can make urination difficult.
- In very rare cases, there may be accidental amputation of the head of the penis.
- Blood infection or poisoning, known as septicemia, may develop.
- The foreskin left behind might reattach to the penis and require further minor surgery.
- There may be a decrease in the sensation of the penis, especially during intercourse.
Complications are more likely Trusted Source when:- an older male undergoes the procedure
- the procedure takes place in unsterile conditions
- inexperienced or untrained providers carry out the procedure
- the procedure takes place in a traditional manner, as a rite of passage
If a qualified medical professional carries out the procedure in a sterile environment, the risks are minimal.
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A Guide on Electrical Muscle Stimulation |
Posted by: qqjoso89a - 08-31-2021, 06:33 AM - Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
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Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) has always been a little confusing to performance coaches and sports medicine professionals because the research is cloudy at best. Many of the reasons behind the limitations of science are the ethical boundaries you need to navigate, and the expectations you have with the results of those studies. I recently spent more time working with EMS, as more and more athletes are using EMS devices on their own and we are dealing with the hangover of injuries still lingering in the off-season. What I have learned is that the science is not perfect and there are no best practices.
There has been a resurgence in EMS in sport over the last five years because of Bill Knowles, Derek Hansen, and Henk Kraaijenhof sharing their experiences with athletes. I believe that EMS suit inluding electrostimulation vest has a place in sports performance and the rehabilitation of athletes, but we don’t have a solid explanation of why some athletes don’t respond to it while others seem to come alive from it. In this first piece, I will review some of the current literature on EMS and present a healthy perspective on this modality. (Part 2 will be published as “The Top 6 EMS Protocols for Sports Performance.”)
A Brief History of Electrical Muscle Stimulation in Modern Sport
Without getting into any unnecessary background on electrotherapy (such as a retelling of the way the ancient civilizations used electric fish or citing references to Volta and Galvani), it’s valuable to know how e-stim or EMS has been part of sport in the last few decades. Outside of product design, very little innovation has occurred since the 1950s, making EMS more of an art than a science. Coaches and therapists are sometimes frustrated because transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS for short, gets confused with sports electrostimulation.
To understand the difference between TENS and EMS, you need to know just a little bit about engineering and biology. TENS targets the sensory nerves, while EMS attacks the motor nerve and attempts to recruit as many muscle fibers as possible. TENS is currently used—mainly in vain, in my opinion—to manage pain. In 1965, Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall proposed the “gate control theory” of pain. What we know about the pain experience is extremely complex and personal, making the TENS intervention for sport very dated and extremely limited for athletes. Some research has shown positive findings, but the modality method of working with athletes in pain is lazy and proven unproductive in clinical research.
EMS focuses mainly on sending current to muscle groups in the hope of eliciting either a recovery response or a performance response later. Based on the current literature, recovery indices appear very limited, and performance benefits have shown up enough with some populations—including athletes—to be accepted as valid complementary treatments. The truth is that our understanding of electrostimulation is usually confined to a few studies on stroke victims and post-surgical wasting, and nothing I have seen has excited me.
What interests me, instead, are the clinicians who have used EMS creatively. Some of the studies on cellular and performance outcomes are strong enough to show that EMS isn’t just a placebo. I have used the Compex systems for nearly 20 years, and have some experience with the Marc Pro, PowerDot, Globus, and ARPwave. If I had to conclude which I think works best, it will be a short answer: All of them work, so choose one based on your needs and not its features.
If you were to go to a medical bookstore and check the physical therapy section on EMS, you would see that it tends to be a set of protocols based on pad placement, current settings, and scheduling sessions. This approach is nowhere near the same as what the modern clinician does and, since we are now entering the bionic athlete era with gait retraining, this only widens the gap between practice and research. It’s easy to shout that you’re ahead of the research, but without evidence, much of what clinicians do becomes like the dated RICE protocol that we still see people clinging to.
A Rapid Review of Electricity for Coaches and Therapists
Electric current can flow in different ways, such as through a wire, or something lesser known, such as a plasma state. The current generated from a muscle electrostimulator uses a conductive pad to transfer through the skin, causing the muscle to contract. The specifics of the muscle contraction will come later, but the important information is that electricity from medical muscle stimulators is more complicated than voltage and ampere. Electricity is not just about whether something is “on” or “off,” and we often take much of the technology we use for granted, especially the safety of the muscle stimulators. Most companies that get involved with e-stim devices are regulated, but it’s up to the consumer to do their homework on the quality of the product.
Experienced coaches and therapists commonly refer to stimulation parameters and share their practices, including the use of different types of settings, such as Russian Stimulation or strength protocols. Stimulation parameters and waveforms can be the subject of their own article but, for the most part, duty cycle, frequency, intensity, and ramp details are part of electrotherapy theory, but are not very well-documented. Regardless of the intimate details, many parallels exist between classic training principles and the current clinical practices of EMS use. Cycles, or waves of energy, are part of a “unified training theory” proposed by several coaches and sport scientists. EMS should be used to improve athletes, similarly to loading the body with training or rehabilitation.
Companies must do their job, not only to prove their machines are delivering exactly what they promise, but also to ensure that their products are used as intended. Most companies have terrible product education, and visiting their YouTube channels makes me cringe more than their highest simulator settings.
The Science of Electrical Contractions With Muscle
Sending electricity through a muscle group sounds like a bad science fiction movie, but that’s precisely what athletes are willing to do to get or feel better. It’s a priority to know what EMS can do physiologically and what is likely ineffective. Five years ago, pioneering researcher Nicola Maffiuletti summarized the differences between a normal muscular contraction and one from electrical stimulation in his NSCA journal article. The two types of contractions have similarities and differences that a coach should know. Overall, EMS is not going to make a major difference. However, like all things in sports training, the little things matter.
One development that throws this concept out the window is the rise in functional electrical muscle stimulation, equipped with electrostimulation shorts, which incorporates active training with the simultaneous overlay of EMS. While we can assume that the merging of both contractions will yield a hybrid result, most of the research is with disease models and only clinical rehabilitation has shown merit with this in early post-operation subjects. I have yet to see a single study with elite athletes performing EMS in conjunction with conventional training, but the case reports and work with spinal cord injury patients is promising.
Finally, EMS is used to help with neuromuscular adaptations and, while sessions may prevent atrophy, the improvements are from neural drive-like mechanisms, not from increased protein synthesis rates. EMS doesn’t directly create hypertrophy changes to the muscle, and a study on nutrition and e-stim showed no acute changes.
What is also important to know is that electrically stimulated muscles are, for the most part, superficial, and that is useful for propulsive muscle groups. Some rogue therapists are using fine needle EMS with low current for deeper muscle penetration for rehabilitation purposes. Most EMS experiences are one muscle at a time, but some athletes are getting simultaneous total body sessions. Nobody knows if total bodywork is more time-efficient or if a possible synergistic benefit exists, but down the road, studies will likely discover if there is a value beyond convenience.
The Scientific Benefits of Stimulating the Neuromuscular System
If you were to read a catalog of features and settings for a personal e-stim device, the list would be very long, ranging from relaxation massage all the way to explosive strength. While, technically, different settings will have unique stimulation protocols from the device programming in the electrostimulation center, the reality is that only three purposes exist with EMS and the research is enough to form a realistic expectation. The three EMS benefits are strength training, rehabilitation, and a little regeneration. Distilling the benefits more, you can make an argument that EMS helps with general muscle strength and facilitates low-level recovery for travel. That’s about it, but it’s enough to warrant investing in it, especially when sport moves into the unfortunate health compromise for winning.
Sports Performance
EMS and strength, and the results that may lead to jump and sprint performance, are mixed in the research. However, enough research shows that if EMS is done with specific protocols, a positive result is possible, especially with the less-trained athlete. So far, much of the work has been done with soccer, and some recent investigations of youth jumping performance and plyometrics had favorable outcomes.
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