Biomechanical Effect on Jack's Test on Barefoot Position, Regular Socks, and Biomechanics Socks.

The proper dorsal flexion movement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) is crucial for an accurate gait. Restricted movement can disrupt the windlass mechanism, and Jack's test is a tool to assess such alterations. Although running socks are commonly used, their influence on the windlass mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to measure the resistance to passive dorsal flexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) under three different conditions: barefoot, wearing regular socks, and wearing biomechanical socks, using a digital force gauge. METHODS: The research involved a sample size of 30 subjects (14 men and 16 women), and Jack's test was conducted using a digital force gauge and a lever system. Three conditions were measured, barefoot, with a regular sock, and with the biomechanical socks. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed when using biomechanical socks with orthopedic corrections during Jack's test, as measured with the digital force gauge (13.33 N ± 3.54, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of biomechanical socks with a kinetic wedge, reinforced mesh in the medial longitudinal arch, and padding in the heel area results in a reduction of the force required, measured in newtons, to perform dorsal flexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) during Jack's test compared to being barefoot or wearing regular socks.

Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in University Students at the University of Extremadura: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide. The aim of our study was to detect people susceptible to DM among a university population aged 18 to 45 years and analyze the existence of modifiable risk factors in order to implement prevention programs, in addition to analyzing BMI data related to the variables under study. We proposed a descriptive, cross-sectional study following the recommendations of cross-sectional studies (STROBE), with a sample of 341 subjects, students enrolled at the University of Extremadura, carried out by two researchers. The research protocol was approved by the Bioethics Committee of the University of Extremadura (165/2021). The study considered the Findrisk questionnaire in Spanish, validated by the Blackboard Study, a stadiometer to measure height, a bioimpedance meter to evaluate weight and body composition parameters, and a blood pressure monitor to measure blood pressure. The results indicated that the participants had a low risk of suffering T2DM. The highest Findrisk test scores were found in those with a BMI value above 25, lower physical activity, poor dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, and increased fat mass. Our future research will be the implementation of T2DM prevention programs, acting on modifiable factors.

Assessment of Diabetic Foot Prevention by Nurses.

Diabetic foot is a severe complication of diabetes, with serious consequences such as amputations and high mortality rates as well as elevated economic costs. To evaluate whether or not nursing staff follow the recommendations of national and international organizations regarding diabetic foot prevention, a cross-sectional and observational descriptive study was carried out using an ad hoc self-administered questionnaire validated by seven experts, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.731. Of the total 164 participants, 157 met the inclusion criteria. Findings showed that 96.58% asked their patients to remove their footwear, 78.34% performed thorough examinations, and 80.25% assessed the risk of developing diabetic foot. Participants educated their patients in self-care and evaluated skills related to diabetic foot control either frequently (84.07%) or very frequently (62.42%), and only 19.11% of them carried out group activity workshops. Significant statistical differences were found in the performance of activities in the groups by participant age intervals, whether working in primary health care or a hospital, having specific training, and the participant's DM patient ratio. We obtained high percentages of compliance in the assessed activities in comparison to other studies. Nevertheless, we believe it is necessary to encourage screening in specialized care, skills testing, and the implementation of educational group activities and workshops.

Onychomycosis in Two Populations with Different Socioeconomic Resources in an Urban Nucleus: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Onychomycosis is one of the most common foot conditions. Mixed onychomycosis and onychomycosis caused by non-dermatophyte moulds are increasing in incidence, especially in vulnerable populations, hence the importance of this study, which presents the prevalence of onychomycosis in a population of homeless people, comparing the findings with a sample of a well-resourced population. The total sample consisted of 70 participants, divided into two separate groups, a homeless population and a second group in which we included people attending a private clinic. The average age of the sample is [49.19 ± 28.81] with an age range of 18 to 78 years. In the homeless group, the most prevalent infectious agents were non-dermatophyte fungi, with a total of 48%, compared to 28% in the group housed. The most common site of infection in both groups was the nail of the first finger. We, therefore, conclude that there is a difference in the infecting agent in the homeless population and the population with homes.

Efficacy of an Online Educational Intervention in Reducing Body Weight in the Pre-Diabetic Population of 18-45 Years Old, a Randomized Trial Protocol.

Aim: to analyze the efficacy of an educational online intervention focused on lifestyle changes in reducing body weight from baseline to 6 months in the pre-diabetic population of 18−45 years old in Extremadura (Spain). Methods: a single-blind, multicenter randomized parallel-comparison trial with two intervention groups in a 1:1 ratio will be carried out. Participants will be randomly assigned to intervention A or B with 37 cases in each group according to inclusion criteria of being enrolled or working at Extremadura University, scoring >7 points on the Findrisc test and not having diagnosed diabetes mellitus or physical disabilities. Intervention-A group will have access to online information about healthy diet and exercise. Intervention-B group will have access to a six-session educational program regarding behavioral changes in diet and exercise habits. They will complete follow-up activities and have a personal trainer and motivation. The primary outcome will be identifying changes in body weight from baseline to 1 and 6 months and between groups. The secondary outcomes will be accomplishing regular physical activity (>30 min/day or >4 h/week), decreasing sugary food intake or avoiding it altogether, increasing vegetable/fruit intake and lowering HbA1c levels to non-diabetic status when necessary.

Effectiveness of a Central Discharge Element Sock for Plantar Temperature Reduction and Improving Comfort.

U-shaped plantar cushions could help reduce stress affecting the central forefoot without the need for an orthosis, but they are yet to be integrated as an element in socks. The objective of this study was to verify the effectiveness of a sock with a central discharge element in terms of plantar temperature and comfort. The sample comprised 38 subjects (13 men and 25 women). Their plantar temperatures were measured with a thermographic camera in a basal situation and after each of two 10-minute walks around an indoor circuit during which they wore either control or experimental socks at random (the same design, weight, and fiber, but with the plantar cushioning element added). After the walks, each subject responded to a comfort questionnaire (five-point Likert scale), blindly scoring the two socks. The highest temperatures (28.3 ± 2.7 °C) were recorded in the zone of the second and third metatarsal heads. With the experimental socks, the observed temperature increase in the central forefoot zone was significantly less than with the control socks (31.6 vs. 30.6 °C, p = 0.001). The subjects found the experimental socks to be more comfortable than the controls (4.63 ± 0.5 vs. 4.03 ± 0.5, p < 0.001). The discharge element included in the experimental socks was effective since it reduced the contact zones and excess friction with the ground, thereby lessening overheating by more than 1 °C. Furthermore, the experimental socks were perceived as being more comfortable by the subjects who had mild and occasional foot discomfort.