Variability of the lower limb symmetry index associated with the gait parameters in the overweight adult population with flatfoot: a case-control study

Background: Adult acquired flatfoot is characterized by a medial arch collapse during monopodal support in the stance phase, developing eversion of the calcaneus and abduction of the forefoot linked to the hindfoot. The purpose of our research was to analyze the dynamic symmetry index in the lower limbs comparing patients with flatfoot and normal foot.Methods: A case-control study was carried out with a sample of 62 participants divided into two groups consisting of 31 participants were overweight with bilateral flatfoot and 31 participants with healthy feet. A portable plantar pressure platform with piezoresistive sensors was used to measure the load symmetry index in the lower limbs in the foot areas and gait phases.Results: Gait pattern analysis showed statistically significant differences in the symmetry index for lateral load (p = 0.004), the initial contact phase (p = 0.025) and the forefoot phase (p < 0.001).Conclusion: The adults were overweight with bilateral flatfoot evidenced alterations in the symmetry index in the lateral load and in the initial contact and flatfoot contact phases, showing greater instability in overweight adult flatfoot compared to the people with normal feet

Influence of the center of pressure on baropodometric gait pattern variations in the adult population with flatfoot: A case-control study

[Abstract] Background: Adult flatfoot is considered an alteration in the foot bone structure characterized by a decrease or collapse of the medial arch during static or dynamic balance in the gait pattern. The aim of our research was to analyze the center of pressure differences between the population with adult flatfoot and the population with normal feet. Methods: A case-control study involving 62 subjects was carried out on 31 adults with bilateral flatfoot and 31 healthy controls. The gait pattern analysis data were collected employing a complete portable baropodometric platform with piezoresistive sensors. Results: Gait pattern analysis showed statistically significant differences in the cases group, revealing lower levels in the left foot loading response of the stance phase in foot contact time (p = 0.016) and contact foot percentage (p = 0.019). Conclusion: The adult population with bilateral flatfoot evidenced higher contact time data in the total stance phase compared to the control group, which seems to be linked to the presence of foot deformity in the adult population

Intra and Inter-rater Reliability between Ultrasound Imaging and Caliper Measures to determine Spring Ligament Dimensions in Cadavers

The purpose was to evaluate intra and inter-rater reliability, repeatability and absolute accuracy between ultrasound imaging (US) and caliper measures to determine Spring ligament (SL) dimensions in cadavers. SLs were identified from 62 human feet from formaldehyde-embalmed cadavers. Intra and inter-observer reliability, repeatability and absolute accuracy of SL width, thickness and length between US and caliper measurements were determined at intra and inter-session by intraclass correlation coefficients, Pearson´s correlation coefficients, Student t tests, standard errors of measurement, minimum detectable changes, values of normality, 95% limits of agreement, and Bland-Altman plots. Excellent inter-session and inter-rater reliability, adequate absolute accuracy, almost perfect agreement and strong correlations were shown for caliper, US and their comparison for all SL dimensions. US measurements presented higher absolute accuracy than caliper measures for SL length and thickness dimensions, while caliper displayed greater absolute accuracy for SL width dimensions. Good repeatability (P > 0.05) was shown for all SL dimensions by US, caliper and their comparison, except for SL width dimension measured with US (P = 0.019). Both US and caliper could be recommended for all SL dimensions evaluation due to their excellent reliability and absolute accuracy in cadavers, although width dimensions should be considered with caution due to US repeatability differences

Influence of an Upper Limb Isometric Task in Perceived and Performance Fatigability of Elderly Subjects: A Quasi-Experimental Study

[Abstract] Isometric activity can be used as a strategy to improve health, fitness, and functional performance in the elderly population, but differences in fatigability may occur. This study aimed to understand fatigability behavior during an upper limb isometric task (ULIT) and the role of health status and physical activity in the fatigability of elderly participants. Thirty-two (32) elderly participants (72.5 ± 5.18 years) were instructed to perform ULIT. The Borg CR10 scale and task failure point (TTF) were used to measure perceived and performance fatigability. Self-reported measures were used to assess the quality of life and physical activity level. A significant relationship between perceived and performance fatigability was found only in the final phase of activity (p < 0.01). Significant correlations were found between perceived fatigability and the social functioning dimension (p < 0.05), and between performance fatigability (TTF) and BMI (p < 0.01), physical functioning (p < 0.01), and role functioning/physical (p < 0.05) dimensions. In conclusion, ULIT produces changes in fatigability of elderly people, which are positively related in the final stage of the activity. Changes in fatigability are negatively related to BMI. It is also negatively related to health, social functioning, physical functioning and role functioning/physical quality of life dimensions

Upper-Limb Kinematic Behavior and Performance Fatigability of Elderly Participants Performing an Isometric Task: A Quasi-Experimental Study

[Abstract] Upper-limb position-sustained tasks (ULPSIT) are involved in several activities of daily living and are associated with high metabolic and ventilatory demand and fatigue. In older people, this can be critical to the performance of daily living activities, even in the absence of a disability. Objectives: To understand the ULPSIT effects on upper-limb (UL) kinetics and performance fatigability in the elderly. Methods: Thirty-one (31) elderly participants (72.61 ± 5.23 years) performed an ULPSIT. The UL average acceleration (AA) and performance fatigability were measured using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and time-to-task failure (TTF). Results: The findings showed significant changes in AA in the X- and Z-axes (p < 0.05). AA differences in women started earlier in the baseline cutoff in the X-axis, and in men, started earlier between cutoffs in the Z-axis. TTF was positively related to AA in men until 60% TTF. Conclusions: ULPSIT produced changes in AA behavior, indicative of movement of the UL in the sagittal plane. AA behavior is sex related and suggests higher performance fatigability in women. Performance fatigability was positively related to AA only in men, where movement adjustments occurred in an early phase, though with increased activity time

Impact of chronic foot pain related quality of life: a retrospective case-control study

Clinical trial[Abstract] Background: Chronic foot pain (CFP) is a widespread condition worldwide; however, few studies that relate CFP and foot health-related quality of life have been reported. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the impact of foot health and health in general in a sample of adult people with CFP compared with a control group. Study design: This study was designed as a retrospective case-control study. Setting: Podiatric section of a care center. Methods: Two hundred adults were included in the study. Patients were divided into CFP patient (n = 100) and control groups (n = 100). All of them regularly attended a private podiatric clinic to take care of their foot health. Self-reported data and medical histories for people with and without CFP were evaluated. All findings were compared with quality of life (QoL) scores based on the Foot Health Status Questionnaire, Spanish version. Results: Adults with CFP (compared to the control group) showed reductions in QoL linked to overall health and foot health in particular and were statistically significant with respect to several domains: (1) foot pain, (2) foot function, (3) general health, and (4) physical activity. These differ-ences were evaluated with a t-test for independent samples, and statistical significance was consid-ered a P value of P < 0.05. Limitations: The study was not a randomized controlled trial. Although primary outcome data were self-reported, the assessor was not blinded. Conclusions: CFP patients, regardless of gender, recorded a negative influence on QoL-related foot health that seems to be linked with the presence of this chronic condition

Upper-Limb Kinematic Behavior and Performance Fatigability of Elderly Participants Performing an Isometric Task: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Upper-limb position-sustained tasks (ULPSIT) are involved in several activities of daily living and are associated with high metabolic and ventilatory demand and fatigue. In older people, this can be critical to the performance of daily living activities, even in the absence of a disability. Objectives: To understand the ULPSIT effects on upper-limb (UL) kinetics and performance fatigability in the elderly. Methods: Thirty-one (31) elderly participants (72.61 ± 5.23 years) performed an ULPSIT. The UL average acceleration (AA) and performance fatigability were measured using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and time-to-task failure (TTF). Results: The findings showed significant changes in AA in the X- and Z-axes (p < 0.05). AA differences in women started earlier in the baseline cutoff in the X-axis, and in men, started earlier between cutoffs in the Z-axis. TTF was positively related to AA in men until 60% TTF. Conclusions: ULPSIT produced changes in AA behavior, indicative of movement of the UL in the sagittal plane. AA behavior is sex related and suggests higher performance fatigability in women. Performance fatigability was positively related to AA only in men, where movement adjustments occurred in an early phase, though with increased activity time

Association between anterior talofibular ligament injury and ankle tendon, ligament, and joint conditions revealed by magnetic resonance imaging

[Abstract] Background: The lateral ankle ligament complex is the most frequently injured ligament secondary to strong ankle inversion movement during lateral ankle sprains (LAS). Among these injuries, anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury is the most frequent condition (present in 66-85% of such injuries). The purpose of this research was to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the association between ankle tendon, ligament, and joint conditions and ATFL injuries. Methods: A case-control MRI study was carried out to compare the presence of ankle muscle, tendon, ligament, and joint conditions in patients with injured ATFLs (case group; n=25) and non-injured ATFLs (control group; n=25). Results: Achilles tendinopathy was present in 1/25 (4%) patients with injured ATFLs and 7/25 (28%) non-injured ATFL subjects (P=0.048). Injured calcaneofibular ligaments (CFLs) were present in 19/25 (76%) patients with injured ATFLs and 1/25 (4%) non-injured ATFL subjects (P<0.001). Finally, injured tibiotalar joints were present in 16/25 (64%) patients with injured ATFLs and 5/25 (20%) non-injured ATFL subjects (P=0.002). Other musculoskeletal structure injuries occurred at similar rates between patients with injured ATFLs and those with non-injured ATLFs (P≥0.05). Conclusions: Patients with ATFL injuries showed a greater presence of CFL and tibiotalar joint injuries than subjects with non-injured ATFLs

QardioArm Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor Against Omron M3 Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease : A Validation Study According to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol Revision 2010

[Abstract] Background: Hypertension is considered as a main risk factor for chronic kidney disease development and progression. Thus, the control and evaluation of this disease with new software and devices are especially important in patients who suffer from chronic kidney disease. Objective: This study aimed to validate the QardioArm mobile device, which is used for blood pressure (BP) self-measurement in patients who suffer from chronic kidney disease, by following the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol 2 (ESH-IP2) guidelines. Methods: A validation study was carried out by following the ESH-IP2 guidelines. A sample of 33 patients with chronic kidney disease self-measured their BP by using the QardioArm and Omron M3 Intellisense devices. Heart rate (HR), diastolic BP, and systolic BP were measured. Results: The QardioArm fulfilled the ESH-IP2 validation criteria in patients who suffered from chronic kidney disease. Conclusions: Thus, this study is considered as the first validation using a wireless upper arm oscillometric device connected to an app to measure BP and HR meeting the ESH-IP2 requirements in patients who suffer from chronic kidney disease. New validation studies following the ESH-IP2 guidelines should be carried out using different BP devices in patients with specific diseases

Effectiveness of Custom Foot Insoles to Decrease Plantar Pressure: A Cross-over Randomized Trial Study

[Abstract] Motorsport requires a high physical demand in the development of different body positions. To obtain the maximum efficiency in elite and amateur motorcycling depends on a good biomechanical performance [1,2]. Furthermore, a rider, a motorcycle, and tires integrated with the environment are required to realize the best performance by the rider [3]. To improve moto rider performance on a speed track with multiples turns, riders require accuracy in the dynamics of the motorcycle fitting the Center of Mass (CoM) in load transfer, turning, breaking, speed, and steering changes on the footpeg [4]. There are scant research data about the influence of the foot posture on the footpeg in driving motorcycle development. A moto rider questionnaire was carried out to analyze the discomfort riding on a motorcycle and most of the surveyed riders commented that despite that the foot pain reduced their performance, they could keep riding the motorcycle [5]. Riders have postural and biomechanical variations on the motorcycle when they rest their feet on the footpeg, causing an alteration in the ankle muscles [6], as well as modifications of the sensory information from the hip and knee joint of the leg that supports more force on the footpeg [7]. Scientific literature has shown the influence of different hardness of insoles in the plantar pressure distribution in the motorcycle feet, concluding that the use of hard insoles with aluminum in metatarsal heads decreases forefoot plantar pressure and is more comfortable [8]. On the other hand, recent scientific studies about moto rider musculoskeletal activity in lower limbs and riding on an elite Supersport moto simulator concluded that the use of harder insoles decreased the electromyographic peak activity patterns in all the thigh and hip muscle and all the lower limb muscle except the fibularis longus, due to contact of the knee with the ground in the curve step [9,10]. Recent studies have demonstrated the usefulness of the baropodometric platform to diagnose several diseases on plantar pressure [11–14]. Feet are essential in the stability and propulsion of the human being [15]. The main foot function in the human body is to transfer body weight, in static and dynamic positions, generating stability and flexibility [16]. Biomechanically, feet are used for posture maintenance and symmetrical distribution of plantar pressure responsible [17–19]. The purpose of this research was to analyze the load and distribution variation of the plantar pressures in moto riders using different hardness of insoles after riding on a speed circuit