Foot structure and lower limb function in individuals with midfoot osteoarthritis: A systematic review

Objective: To determine how foot structure and lower limb function differ between individuals with and without midfoot osteoarthritis (OA). Design: Electronic databases were searched from inception until May 2020. To be eligible, studies needed to (1) include participants with radiographically confirmed midfoot OA, with or without midfoot symptoms, (2) include a control group of participants without radiographic midfoot OA or without midfoot symptoms, and (3) report outcomes of foot structure, alignment, range of motion or any measures of lower limb function during walking. Screening and data extraction were performed by two independent assessors, with disagreements resolved by a third independent assessor. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Results: A total of 1,550 records were screened by title and abstract and 11 met the inclusion criteria. Quantitative synthesis indicated that individuals who had midfoot OA had a more pronated foot posture, greater first ray mobility, less range of motion in the subtalar joint and first metatarsophalangeal joints, longer central metatarsals and increased peak plantar pressures, pressure time integrals and contact times in the heel and midfoot during walking. Meta-analysis could not be performed as the data were not sufficiently homogenous. Conclusions: There are several differences in foot structure and lower limb function between individuals with and without midfoot OA. Future research with more consistent case definitions and detailed biomechanical models would further our understanding of potential mechanisms underlying the development of midfoot OA

Molecular dynamics simulation of the hydrocarbon region of a biomembrane using a reduced representation model

The development of a coarse-grained reduced-representation model of the hydrocarbon region of a biological membrane is reported. The potential is based on the popular Gay-Berne model of liquid crystals, and involves the linking of individual Gay-Berne ellipsoids by harmonic springs to form each hydrocarbon chain. Diffusion coefficients and order parameters have been calculated by molecular dynamics computer simulations for a range of parameter sets. The results clearly demonstrate the presence of a phase transition from an ordered low-temperature solid phase reminiscent of the L-alpha phase of phospholipids, to a high-temperature disordered phase reminiscent of the L-alpha phase. Order parameters calculated for each layer of the model are consistent with the experimental segmental order parameters reported for dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine. The application of this model to the study of small molecule diffusion within the membrane core is proposed

Effects of custom-made textile insoles on plantar pressure distribution and lower limb EMG activity during turning

2016-2017 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journal201804_a bcmaVersion of RecordPublishe