Comparison between virtual and hybrid education for psychological factors and academic stress in freshman nursing students: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted several changes in the learning methods of students. The purpose of this study was to establish whether a relationship between levels of resilience, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and academic stress in both hybrid and virtual learning education exist. METHODS: A descriptive and observational case-control study was carried out in universities that offer nursing designation. A total sample of 140 freshman nursing students was recruited. Concretely, 70 participants were recruited from an university receiving hybrid education and 70 participants were recruited from another university receiving virtual learning education. Nursing students self-reported the following questionnaires: the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, the 10 CD-Risk Connor-Davidson Risk Resilience Scale, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory and the Academic Stress Coping Scale. RESULTS: Significant differences (P = 0.001) showed higher depression levels for students who received virtual education versus received hybrid education. Differences in Rosenberg test for self-esteem and Beck Anxiety Inventory for anxiety (P > 0.05) were not found. CONCLUSION: Students who received online education presented higher depression levels which could be due to they had not face-to-face relationships with teachers or classmates, whereas the hybrid education group received a different type of direct interaction with teachers and peers.

Repeatability and reliability of the footwear assessment tool in Spanish patients: A transcultural adaptation.

BACKGROUND: The footwear assessment tool was designed to advise an appropriate footwear for each situation and patient. Footwear alterations structures can influence in musculoskeletal disorders, developing foot ulcers, increase the peak plantar pressure, bacterial growth, low back pain. METHODS: To validate the study 101 subjects were recruited. The study was tested by two expert podiatrists using the tool for the assessment of footwear characteristics that is composed by five domains, fit, general features, general structure, motion control properties and cushioning system. Each domain analyzes different shoe items. RESULTS: An excellent agreement between the test-retest. A suitable Cronbach's α was suggested for the five domains of fit (α = 0.952), general features (α = 0.953), general structure (α = 0.947), motion control properties (α = 0.951), and cushioning system (α = 0.951). Test-retest reliability was excellent for all domains. There were no significant differences between any domain (p > 0.05). There was only statistically significant difference in the item forefoot height (p = 0.011). For all the domains items there were no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The tool for the assessment European footwear is a suitable repeatability and reliability footwear tool that can be used in Spanish language subjects.

Fit factor compliance of masks and FFP3 respirators in nurses: A case-control gender study.

AIMS: To determine the fit factor and compliance with American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements of surgical masks and filtering respirators in male versus female nurses. DESIGN: A case-control gender study performed from 2016 to 2019. METHODS: A gender and age matched-paired sample of 74 nurses was recruited and divided into men (n = 37) and women (n = 37). FFP3 filtering respirators and surgical masks fit factors were compared between male and female nurses by Mann-Whitney U tests. These measurements were tested to pass or fail according to the OSHA (≥100) and AIHA (≥50) criteria by Fisher exact tests for a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Global fit factor mean (standard deviation) was 2.86 (2.73) and 3.55 (6.34) for male and female nurses wearing surgical masks (p = .180), respectively, and nobody passed neither OSHA nor AIHA criteria (p = 1.00). Nevertheless, global fit factor were 30.82 (28.42) and 49.65 (43.04) for male and female nurses wearing FFP3 respirators, respectively, being significantly lower and worse in male nurses (p = .037). According to OSHA criteria, only 2.70% and 13.51% of male and females nurses, respectively, passed with non-significant difference (p = .199), meanwhile 21.62% and 48.64% of male and female nurses, respectively, passed AIHA criteria showing significant differences (p = .027) wearing FFP3 respirators. CONCLUSIONS: All male and female nurses wearing surgical masks failed to pass OSHA and AIHA criteria. Global fit factor of the proposed FFP3 filtering respirators was decreased and worse in male than female nurses. IMPACT: Our recommendation is to avoid surgical masks use for protective purposes and use the proposed FFP3 filtering respirators among nurses. Each nurse should be fit tested for its own respirator with special caution in male nurses due to their lower fit factor achieved and most of them failed to pass OSHA and AIHA criteria, especially during COVID-19 pandemic.

Central Sensitization and Catastrophism Symptoms Are Associated with Chronic Myofascial Pain in the Gastrocnemius of Athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare central sensitization symptoms, presence of central sensitivity syndrome (CSS), catastrophism, rumination, magnification, and helplessness symptoms between athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain and healthy athletes. Furthermore, to predict central sensitization symptoms based on sociodemographic and descriptive data, catastrophism features, and presence of gastrocnemius myofascial pain in athletes. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Outpatient clinic. SUBJECTS: Fifty matched paired athletes were recruited and divided into patients with chronic (more than three months) gastrocnemius myofascial pain (N = 25) and healthy subjects (N = 25). METHODS: Central sensitization symptoms and CSS presence (≥40 points) were determined by the Central Sensitization Questionnaire (CSQ). Catastrophism symptoms and rumination, magnification, and helplessness domains were measured by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Statistical significance was set at P < 0.01 for a 99% confidence interval. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) with a large effect size (d = 1.05-1.19) were shown for higher CSQ scores and PCS total and domain scores in athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain vs healthy athletes. Nevertheless, CSS presence (CSQ ≥ 40 points) did not show statistically significant differences (P = 0.050) between groups. A linear regression model (R2 = 0.560, P < 0.01) predicted higher CSQ scores based on PCS total score (R2 = 0.390), female sex (R2 = 0.095), and myofascial pain presence (R2 = 0.075). CONCLUSIONS: Greater symptoms of central sensitization, catastrophism, rumination, magnification, and helplessness were shown in athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain compared with healthy athletes. Nevertheless, there was not a statistically significant presence of CSS comparing both groups. Greater central sensitization symptoms were predicted by catastrophism symptoms, female sex, and presence of gastrocnemius myofascial pain in athletes.

Influence of Different Hardness Custom Foot Insoles in the Electromyography Activity Patterns of the Thigh and Hip Muscles during Motorcycling Sport: A Crossover Study.

: Nowadays, the use of insoles in sport practice have been recognized to decrease the foot and lower limb injury patterns. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of four types of hardness insoles (HI) in the activity patterns of the hip and thigh muscles (HTM) in motoriders during motorcycling sport. The study was a crossover trial. Subjects were elite motoriders. The mean age was 33 ± 5.14 years. Electromyography (EMG) of hip and thigh muscles (HTM) data was registered via surface while subjects were riding on an elite motorcycle simulator. Subjects had to complete different tests with randomly hardest insoles (HI): 1: only polypropylene (58° D Shore); 2: Polypropylene (58° D Shore) with selective aluminium in hallux and metatarsal heads (60 HB Brinell hardness); 3: Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) (52° A Shore); and finally, 4: Ordinary EVA (25° A Shore) as the control. EMG patterns of the HTM, riding on an elite motorcycle simulator, showed the lowest peak amplitude with the insoles with polypropylene and selective aluminium. Using the hardest insoles in our study (selective aluminium) the EMG amplitude peaks decreased in all HTM.

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.

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.

Electromyographic Evaluation of the Impacts of Different Insoles in the Activity Patterns of the Lower Limb Muscles during Sport Motorcycling: A Cross-Over Trial.

Customized foot insoles (CFI) have been recognized to reduce the prevalence of foot disorders in sport. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of four types of CFI on the activity patterns of the lower limb muscles (LLM) in healthy people during sport motorcycling. METHODS: This was a cross-over trial (NCT03734133. Participants were recruited from an outpatient foot specialist clinic. Their mean age was 33 ± 5.14 years. While participants were sport motorcycling in a simulator, the electromyography (EMG) function was registered for LLM via surface electrodes. Participants completed separate tests while wearing one of four types of CFI: (1) only polypropylene (58° Shore D), (2) selective aluminum (60 HB Brinell hardness) in metatarsal and first hallux areas and polypropylene elsewhere (58° Shore D), (3) ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) (52° Shore A), and (4) standard EVA (25° Shore A) as the control. RESULTS: The activity patterns of the LLM while sport motorcycling showed significantly lower peak amplitude for the selective aluminum CFI than the other types of CFI. CONCLUSION: EMG amplitude peaks for several LLM were smaller for the hardest CFI (selective aluminum 60 HB Brinell hardness) than the other CFIs (polypropylene 58° Shore D, EVA 52° Shore A, and standard EVA 25° Shore A), except for the fibularis longus in right curves that is increased when the knee touches the road increasing the stability.

Assessment and indicators of kinematic behavior and perceived fatigability.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between upper limb kinetics and perceived fatigability in elderly individuals during an upper limb position sustained isometric task. METHODS: A total of 31 elderly participants, 16 men (72.94±4.49 years) and 15 women (72.27±6.05 years), performed a upper limb position sustained isometric task. Upper-limb acceleration was measured using an inertial measurement unit. Perceived fatigability was measured using the Borg CR10 scale. RESULTS: Higher mean acceleration in the x-axis throughout the activity was associated with higher final perceived fatigability scores. Moderate correlations were observed between perceived fatigability variation and mean acceleration cutoffs in all axes during the second half of the activity. In women, significant correlations were found between all perceived fatigability cutoffs and mean acceleration in the y- and x-axes. However, in men, the relationships between perceived fatigability variation and mean acceleration were more extensive and stronger. CONCLUSION: The acceleration pattern of the upper limb is linked to perceived fatigability scores and variation, with differences between sexes. Monitoring upper limb acceleration using a single inertial measurement unit can be a useful and straightforward method for identifying individuals who may be at risk of experiencing high perceived fatigability or task failure.

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.

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.

Hallux Limitus Influence on Plantar Pressure Variations during the Gait Cycle: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Hallux limitus is a common foot disorder whose incidence has increased in the school-age population. Hallux limitus is characterized by musculoskeletal alteration that involves the metatarsophalangeal joint causing structural disorders in different anatomical areas of the locomotor system, affecting gait patterns. The aim of this study was to analyze dynamic plantar pressures in a school-aged population both with functional hallux and without. METHODS: A full sample of 100 subjects (50 male and 50 female) 7 to 12 years old was included. The subjects were identified in two groups: the case group (50 subjects characterized as having hallux limitus, 22 male and 28 female) and control group (50 subjects characterized as not having hallux limitus, 28 male and 22 female). Measurements were obtained while subjects walked barefoot in a relaxed manner along a baropodometric platform. The hallux limitus test was realized in a seated position to sort subjects out into an established study group. The variables checked in the research were the surface area supported by each lower limb, the maximum peak pressure of each lower limb, the maximum mean pressure of each lower limb, the body weight on the hallux of each foot, the body weight on the first metatarsal head of each foot, the body weight at the second metatarsal head of each foot, the body weight at the third and fourth metatarsal head of each foot, the body weight at the head of the fifth metatarsal of each foot, the body weight at the midfoot of each foot, and the body weight at the heel of each foot. RESULTS: Non-significant results were obtained in the variable of pressure peaks between both study groups; the highest pressures were found in the hallux with a p-value of 0.127 and in the first metatarsal head with a p-value 0.354 in subjects with hallux limitus. A non-significant result with a p-value of 0.156 was obtained at the second metatarsal head in healthy subjects. However, significant results were observed for third and fourth metatarsal head pressure in healthy subjects with a p-value of 0.031 and regarding rearfoot pressure in subjects with functional hallux limitus with a p-value of 0.023. CONCLUSIONS: School-age subjects with hallux limitus during gait exhibit more average peak plantar pressure in the heel and less peak average plantar pressure in the third and fourth metatarsal head as compared to healthy children aged between 7 and 12 years old.

The Effectiveness of Hard Insoles for Plantar Pressure in Cycling: A Crossover Study.

BACKGROUND: Hard insoles have been proposed to decrease plantar pressure and prevent foot pain and paresthesia due to repetitive loading. The aim of this research was to analyze the effect of three different hard insoles in cycling on healthy subjects. METHODS: A crossover randomized trial was carried out. The mean age of the subjects was 35 ± 3.19 years, and all of them were men. While the subjects were cycling on a stationary bicycle, their plantar pressure was recorded with nine in-shoe sensors placed in nine specific foot areas to test a standard ethylene-vinyl-acetate 52° Shore A hardness insole, a polypropylene 58° Shore D insole, and a polypropylene 580 Shore D insole with selective aluminum 60 HB Brinell hardness in the metatarsal head and hallux. RESULTS: The maximum plantar pressure decreased significantly with the polypropylene insole containing selective aluminum in the metatarsal head and hallux areas. The maximum plantar data of the polypropylene aluminum insole in the M2 area (5.56 kgF/cm2), fifth metatarsal styloid process (6.48 kgF/cm2), M3-M4 area (4.97 kgF/cm2), and hallux (8.91 kgF/cm2) were of particular interest compared to the other insoles. CONCLUSIONS: The use of insoles made of polypropylene with aluminum in the metatarsal head and hallux areas decreases the maximum plantar pressure in cycling compared to standard EVA and polypropylene insoles.

Indoor air quality in a training centre used for sports practice.

Background: One of the measures for controlling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was the mass closure of gyms. This measure leads us to determine the differences between indoor and outdoor air quality. That is why the objective of this study was to analyse the indoor air quality of a sports centre catering to small groups and rehabilitation. Methods: The study was conducted in a single training centre, where 26 measurements were taken in two spaces (indoors and outdoors). The air quality index, temperature, relative humidity, total volatile compounds, carbon monoxide, ozone, formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter were measured indoors and outdoors using the same protocol and equipment. These measurements were taken twice, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, with all measurements made at the same time, 10 am and 6 pm, respectively. Additionally, four determinations of each variable were collected during each shift, and the number of people who had trained in the room and the number of trainers were counted. Results: In the different variables analysed, the results show that CO2 and RH levels are higher indoors than outdoors in both measurement shifts. Temperatures are higher outside than inside and, in the evening, than in the morning. TVOC, AQI and PM show less variation, although they are higher outdoors in the morning. CO is highest indoors. HCHO levels are almost negligible and do not vary significantly, except for a slight increase in the afternoon outside. Ozone levels are not significant. All the variables showed practically perfect reliability in all the measurements, except for ozone measured outside in the morning. On the other hand, the variables exhibit variations between indoors and outdoors during the morning and afternoon, except for the three types of PM. Also, the data show that all the main variables measured inside the sports training centre are similar between morning and afternoon. However, outside, temperature, relative humidity and HCHO levels show significant differences between morning and afternoon while no differences are observed for the other variables. Conclusion: The indoor air quality of the training centre assessed was good and met current regulations; some of its components even exhibited better levels than fresh air. This article is the first to measure indoor air quality in a sports training centre catering to rehabilitation and small groups.

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.

Analysis of Static Plantar Pressures in School-Age Children with and without Functional Hallux Limitus: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: The presence of hallux limitus in adulthood is frequently encountered in clinical practice, generating other biomechanical, structural, and functional compensations in dynamics secondary to blockage of the main pivot in the sagittal plane, the first metatarsophalangeal joint. In addition, the presence of functional hallux limitus (FHL) in school-age children is also increasing. Currently, there is a lack of scientific literature about this condition in the pediatric population, and early diagnosis is necessary to reduce future biomechanical disorders and avoid the development of foot arthritis. The purpose of this research was to identify static plantar pressures in school-age children with and without hallux limitus. METHODS: A total sample of 106 children aged between six and twelve years old was divided into two groups: the case group (53 subjects with functional hallux limitus) and the control group (53 subjects without functional hallux limitus). Data were acquired with the participants in a standing barefoot position on the pressure platform, and the hallux limitus functional test was performed in a sitting position to classify the individuals into the determined study group. The variables analyzed in the research were: plantar pressure, bilateral forefoot and rearfoot surface area, bilateral forefoot and rearfoot ground reaction forces, bilateral forefoot and rearfoot distribution of body weight, total left and right surface area, maximum pressure of the left foot and right foot, medium pressure of the left foot and right foot, ground reaction forces of the left foot and right foot, and the weight of each foot. RESULTS: Age was the only descriptive quantitative variable that showed a significant difference between the two study groups, with a p-value of 0.031. No statistically significant differences were found between groups in the bilateral forefoot and rearfoot surface area, ground reaction forces, distribution of body weight, or maximum and medium plantar pressure in the left and right foot. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in the location of the maximum pressure were observed, particularly in older participants with FHL, but these results were not significant. The findings of this study did not show significant differences between the static plantar pressures of school-age individuals with and without functional hallux limitus.

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.

Orthopaedic Simulation of a Morton's Extension to Test the Effect on Plantar Pressures of Each Metatarsal Head in Patients without Deformity: A Pre-Post-Test Study.

BACKGROUND: the area beneath the metatarsal heads is a common location of foot pain, which is often associated with high plantar pressures. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the application of a Morton's extension on the pressure in the metatarsal bones of the foot using a pressure platform. METHODS: twenty-five subjects without musculoskeletal pathology were selected for this study, and an experiment was conducted with them as the subjects, before and after application of a Morton's extension. The foot regions were divided into the forefoot (transversely subdivided into six areas corresponding to the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth metatarsal heads, and the hallux), midfoot, and rearfoot, and then the maximum and average pressures exerted at each region were measured before and after placing a Morton's extension. MAIN FINDINGS: we found a pressure reduction, with a p-value less than (p < 0.05), in the head of the second and third metatarsals in statics and dynamics. CONCLUSIONS: we can conclude that the Morton's extension produces a variation in plantar pressures on the lesser metatarsals. The application of a Morton's extension may be beneficial for the management of forefoot pathology. This study will help clinicians consider various tools to treat forefoot disorders. NCT05879094 (ClinicalTrial.gov (accessed on 18 May 2023)).

Assessment and indicators of hallux limitus related with quality of life and foot health in school children.

Background: Functional Hallux Limitus (FHL) is a dynamic foot dysfunction characterized by a limitation of hallux dorsiflexion when the first metatarsal head is under load. FHL plays a role in the development of osteoarthrosis in the first metatarsophalangeal joint (IMTPJ). Forefoot disorders can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, leading to dysfunction and pain. The aim of this project was to evaluate the quality of life of school-aged individuals with and without FHL using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). Methods: A case-control study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes in paediatric age. A total sample of 116 children between 6 and 12 years old was used to conduct this research. The sample was divided into two groups: (i) the healthy group (n = 58) and the FHL group (n = 58). The FHSQ was completed and the FHL test was performed in a seated position to classify the patients into the selected group. Results: Non-significant changes were observed when the mean values of the FHSQ domains were compared between the groups with and without FHL, except for the "general foot health" domain (p = 0,024) associated with the specific foot health section (section 1) of the Questionnaire. For the domains linked with the general well-being section (section 2), there was not a statistically difference in the mean of the scores obtained between the two school-aged groups with and without FHL, being slightly lower in the group with the presence of FHL for the overall health and physical function domains. Both the healthy and case groups obtained and identical range of scores (10-100) for the "foot pain" domain. Nevertheless, the mean of the score was lower for the participants with FHL. Conclusions: The perception of the quality of general foot health was poorer in the school-aged group with FHL. Variables such as foot pain and footwear are likely contributors influencing the perception of foot health quality. The school-aged population with FHL faces a decline in the quality of foot life. Ensuring adequate foot control in children and implementing future foot programs for this population are imperative for enhancing school children's perception of foot health and managing the development of pain and footwear-related issues.

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.

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

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.