Intra- and inter-session reliability and repeatability of an infrared thermography device designed for materials to measure skin temperature of the triceps surae muscle tissue of athletes.

Background: Infrared thermography devices have been commonly applied to measure superficial temperature in structural composites and walls. These tools were cheaper than other thermographic devices used to measure superficial human muscle tissue temperature. In addition, infrared thermography has been previously used to assess skin temperature related to muscle tissue conditions in the triceps surae of athletes. Nevertheless, the reliability and repeatability of an infrared thermography device designed for materials, such as the Manual Infrared Camera PCE-TC 30, have yet to be determined to measure skin temperature of the triceps surae muscle tissue of athletes. Objective: The purpose was to determine the procedure's intra- and inter-session reliability and repeatability to determine skin temperature within the Manual Infrared Camera PCE-TC 30 thermography device in the triceps surae muscle tissue of athletes, which was initially designed to measure the superficial temperature of materials. Methods: A total of 34 triceps surae muscles were bilaterally assessed from 17 healthy athletes using the Manual Infrared Camera PCE-TC 30 thermography device to determine intra- (at the same day separated by 1 h) and inter-session (at alternate days separated by 48 h) reliability and repeatability of the skin temperature of the soleus, medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles. The triceps surae complex weas measured by a region of interest of 1 cm2 through five infrared thermography images for each muscle. Statistical analyses comprised intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimum detectable change (MCD), systematic error of measurement, correlation (r), and Bland-Altman plots completed with linear regression models (R 2). Results: Intra- and inter-session measurements of the proposed infrared thermography procedure showed excellent reliability (ICC(1,2) = 0.968-0.977), measurement errors (SEM = 0.186-0.232 °C; MDC = 0.515-0.643 °C), correlations (r = 0.885-0.953), and did not present significant systematic error of measurements (P > 0.05). Adequate agreement between each pair of measurement moments was presented by the Bland-Altman plots according to the limits of agreement and non-significant linear regression models (R 2 = 0.000-0.019; P > 0.05). Conclusions: The proposed procedure to determine skin temperature within the Manual Infrared Camera PCE-TC 30 thermography device presented excellent intra- and inter-session reliability and repeatability in athletes' triceps surae muscle tissue. Future studies should consider the SEM and MDC of this procedure to measure the skin temperature of soleus, medial, and lateral gastrocnemius muscles to promote triceps surae muscle prevention and recovery in athletes.

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

BACKGROUND: Harderness insoles decrease plantar pressure and reduce the foot injury incidence in sport. The purpose of our study was to analyze the plantar pressure variation in moto riders after riding in a real speed circuit with a custom foot 520 Shore EVA insole. METHODS: A crossover randomized trial study was performed (consent no. #050520165316). Riders were assessed by an expert motorsport senior podiatry. The participants' mean age was 35 ± 3.29. Participants completed a 20 min training riding with their own motorcycle in a real speed circuit. Plantar pressures were registered with a baropodometric platform evaluating an Ethyl Vinyl Acetate custom foot insole (CFI) manufactured with 3 mm thickness and 52° Shore A hardness. The Plantar pressures were registered before riding, after riding without EVA insole, and after riding with EVA insole. RESULTS: Total Plantar pressures in right and left foot, and total surface area decrease after riding with EVA insoles. CONCLUSION: The use of an EVA insole with 520 shore A hardness riding on a motorcycle in speed circuit decreased the total plantar pressures and surface areas values.

Accuracy and Repeatability of Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters Measured with an Inertial Measurement Unit.

In recent years, interest in finding alternatives for the evaluation of mobility has increased. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) stand out for their portability, size, and low price. The objective of this study was to examine the accuracy and repeatability of a commercially available IMU under controlled conditions in healthy subjects. A total of 36 subjects, including 17 males and 19 females were analyzed with a Wiva Science IMU in a corridor test while walking for 10 m and in a threadmill at 1.6 km/h, 2.4 km/h, 3.2 km/h, 4 km/h, and 4.8 km/h for one minute. We found no difference when we compared the variables at 4 km/h and 4.8 km/h. However, we found greater differences and errors at 1.6 km/h, 2.4 km/h and 3.2 km/h, and the latter one (1.6 km/h) generated more error. The main conclusion is that the Wiva Science IMU is reliable at high speeds but loses reliability at low speeds.

Intramedular transfer of the flexor digitorum brevis tendon for the correction of clawtoe/hammertoe deformity: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: A literature review did not reveal any studies concerning the intramedullary transfer of the flexor digitorum brevis tendons (FDB) technique with a single longitudinal incision through the proximal phalanx of the toes. The main goal of this investigation was to demonstrate whether the FDB tendons of the toes are long enough to enable intramedullary transfer to the dorsal area of the proximal phalanx. METHODS: We examined whether the technique would allow the surgeon to transfer the FDB tendons through the proximal phalanx of the toes. The technique transfers the FDB tendons through the proximal phalanx dorsal area of the toes using an intramedullary transfer of the FDB tendons. The intramedullary transfer of the FDB tendons was performed through a single dorsal incision. RESULTS: The FDB tendons for the second, third, and fourth toes were performed in 100% of the feet. No ruptures in any toe in which the surgical technique was performed was noted, and no proximal phalanges of the second, third, and fourth toes were fractured. CONCLUSIONS: Transfer of FDB tendons via the intramedullary approach of the proximal phalanx of the second, third, and fourth toes is possible. The FDB tendons have sufficient length for transfer via an intramedullary transfer and were carried out in 100% of the second toes. For a successful transfer, it is essential to perform a thorough resection of the extensor digitorum longus aponeurosis since it has expansions intimately attached to the plantar base of the proximal phalanx of the toe.

Effectiveness between Dry Needling and Ischemic Compression in the Triceps Surae Latent Myofascial Trigger Points of Triathletes on Pressure Pain Threshold and Thermography: A Single Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Deep dry needling (DDN) and ischemic compression technic (ICT) may be considered as interventions used for the treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) in latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). The immediate effectiveness of both DDN and ICT on pressure pain threshold (PPT) and skin temperature of the latent MTrPs of the triceps surae has not yet been determined, especially in athletes due to their treatment requirements during training and competition. OBJECTIVE: To compare the immediate efficacy between DDN and ICT in the latent MTrPs of triathletes considering PPT and thermography measurements. METHOD: A total sample of 34 triathletes was divided into two groups: DDN and ICT. The triathletes only received a treatment session of DDN (n = 17) or ICT (n = 17). PPT and skin temperature of the selected latent MTrPs were assessed before and after treatment. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between both groups were shown after treatment, showing a PPT reduction (p < 0.05) in the DDN group, while PPT values were maintained in the ICT group. There were not statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) for thermographic values before and treatment for both interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study suggested that ICT could be more advisable than DDN regarding latent MTrPs local mechanosensitivity immediately after treatment due to the requirements of training and competition in athletes' population. Nevertheless, further studies comparing both interventions in the long term should be carried out in this specific population due to the possible influence of delayed onset muscle soreness and muscle damage on PPT and thermography values secondary to the high level of training and competition.