Analysis of the use of insoles in the dynamic stability of the lower limbs in recreational runners: An exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: The use of insoles, which is increasingly widespread, can promote changes in biomechanics during running. RESEARCH QUESTION: Can the use of insoles with various patterns of infracapital support influence factors related to the dynamic stability of the lower limbs during running on a treadmill in recreational runners? METHODS: This is controlled single-blind repeated measures. Static baropodometric data were collected, as well as kinematic data for the lower limbs and electromyographic data for the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius muscles, for twelve recreational runners on a treadmill using four models of insoles (neutral and with forefoot elements - infracapital bar). RESULTS: Neutral insoles were able to reduce laterolateral displacement, increase the displacement of the mass to the posterior, and increase the lateral rotation of the left knee and medial rotation of the right hip. Insoles with a 2 mm total infracapital bar were able to move the mass to the posterior, increase laterolateral displacement and activate the gluteus medius. Insoles with a 2 mm medial infracapital bar were able to increase the displacement of the mass to the posterior, increase the adduction of left hip and the medial rotation of right hip, and activate the gluteus medius. Insoles with a 4 mm medial infracapital element were able to move the body mass to the posterior and to the left, increase laterolateral displacement, increase the adduction of left hip, the medial rotation of right hip and the abduction of right knee. SIGNIFICANCE: The insoles evaluated in the present study were able to modify biomechanical variables of recreational runners related to dynamic stability during running on a treadmill and static baropodometric variables.

Prevalence of zoonotic intestinal parasites in domiciled dogs living in the urban area of Alfenas, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Companion animals can carry pathogens that cause many infectious diseases in humans. In this sense, the present study aims to analyse the prevalence of zoonotic intestinal parasites in domiciled dogs living in the urban area of Alfenas, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, from February 2017 to July 2018. To collect data, four regions of the city were considered as strata and their respective neighbourhoods as conglomerates, and one neighbourhood per stratum was selected. Stool samples were collected from 336 domiciled dogs and processed using the spontaneous sedimentation technique. The dog owners filled a questionnaire with information on the animals' living conditions. The parasites identified were Ancylostoma sp. and Toxocara canis, with higher prevalence of the former in male dogs, and of the latter in female dogs. Dogs of defined breed, small size, and age >1 year old exhibited the highest infection rates. To teach concepts of parasite transmission and prevention, the researchers developed educational actions with 6- to 10-year-old children who studied at schools from the selected neighbourhoods, as well as distributed informative folders to the dog owners. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of potentially zoonotic intestinal parasites in 2.98% of the domiciled dogs living in Alfenas. Insufficient administration of deworming drugs (p=0.018) was the risk factor that significantly correlated with the occurrence of parasitic infection in the studied dog population. Educational actions favoured adoption of personal hygiene habits and good animal care practices to promote dog health and welfare and human health.