Foot and ankle biomechanics during walking in older adults : a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

The foot and ankle complex undergoes significant structural and functional changes with advancing age. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize and critique the research literature pertaining to foot and ankle biomechanics while walking in young and older adults. Electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Embase) were searched from inception to April 2019 for cross-sectional studies which compared kinematics, kinetics and plantar pressure differences between young and older adults. Screening and data extraction were performed by two independent assessors, with disagreements resolved by consensus. A total of 39 articles underwent full-text screening, and 19 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included. Meta-analysis showed that older adults had less ankle joint plantar flexion (5 studies; weighted mean difference [WMD]: -5.15; 95 %CI: -6.47 to -3.83; P < 0.001) and less ankle joint power generation (6 studies; standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.62; 95 %CI: -0.82 to -0.41; P < 0.001) during propulsion compared to young adults. These differences persisted in subgroup analyses comparing different walking speeds. Plantar pressure findings were highly variable due to differences in data collection protocols and meta-analysis was not possible. Older adults have unique foot and ankle kinematics and kinetics during walking characterized by reduced ankle joint plantarflexion and power generation during propulsion. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluating the short term effects of kinesiology taping and stretching of gastrocnemius on postural control: A randomized clinical trial

Introduction: The ability to maintain balance is essential for both remaining in the standing position and preventing falls. Physical therapy techniques such as kinesiology taping (KT) and stretching are considered to be effective measures in ameliorating balance issues. However, there is no available study comparing the effects of these two methods on postural control. Thus, the current study aims to investigate and compare the efficacy of interventions accomplished through these methods on young and elderly subjects. Method: In a single-blind randomized clinical trial, 40 young subjects (60 years) were randomly assigned to two groups of KT and stretching. In the first group, inhibitory tape was applied to the gastrocnemius muscle. In the second group, 60 s of stretch was repeated 4 times. The static balance was evaluated before and after the interventions using the single-leg standing (SLS) test along with measurements of the velocity and displacement of the center of pressure by the force plate. Results: Based on the Mann-Whitney test, there were no significant differences between the tape and stretching techniques in the study variables of either group of participants, before and after the interventions (p > 0.05). However, the results of the Wilcoxon test showed a significant increase in single-leg stance time in the stretching group in the elderly subjects (p = 0.03). MANOVA results demonstrated significant group and time effects only in the SLS parameter (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Stretching the gastrocnemius seems to be more efficacious than KT for improving balance problems in older adults. Level of evidence: II. © 2019 Elsevier Lt