Skin Bioimpedance Analysis to Determine Cellular Integrity by Phase Angle in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Oxidative stress has been proposed as a significant part of the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia, and the phase angle in bioelectrical impedance analysis has been explored as a potential technique to screen oxidative abnormalities. This study recruited 35 women with fibromyalgia and 35 healthy women, who underwent bioelectrical impedance analysis and maximum isometric handgrip strength tests. Women with fibromyalgia showed lower bilateral handgrip strength (right hand: 16.39 ± 5.87 vs. 27.53 ± 4.09, p < 0.001; left hand: 16.31 ± 5.51 vs. 27.61 ± 4.14, p < 0.001), as well as higher body fat mass (27.14 ± 10.21 vs. 19.94 ± 7.25, p = 0.002), body fat percentage (37.80 ± 8.32 vs. 30.63 ± 7.77, p < 0.001), and visceral fat area (136.76 ± 55.31 vs. 91.65 ± 42.04, p < 0.01) compared with healthy women. There was no statistically significant difference in muscle mass between groups, but women with fibromyalgia showed lower phase angles in all body regions when compared with healthy control women (right arm: 4.42 ± 0.51 vs. 4.97 ± 0.48, p < 0.01; left arm: 4.23 ± 0.48 vs. 4.78 ± 0.50, p < 0.001; trunk: 5.62 ± 0.77 vs. 6.78 ± 0.84, p < 0.001; right leg: 5.28 ± 0.56 vs. 5.81 ± 0.60, p < 0.001; left leg: 5.07 ± 0.51 vs. 5.69 ± 0.58, p < 0.001; whole body: 4.81 ± 0.47 vs. 5.39 ± 0.49, p < 0.001). Moreover, whole-body phase-angle reduction was only predicted by the presence of fibromyalgia (R2 = 0.264; ß = 0.639; F(1,68) = 24.411; p < 0.001). Our study revealed significantly lower phase angle values, lower handgrip strength, and higher fat levels in women with fibromyalgia compared to healthy controls, which are data of clinical relevance when dealing with such patients.

Ultrasonographic reliability and repeatability of simultaneous bilateral assessment of diaphragm muscle thickness during normal breathing.

Background: The diaphragm is considered the main muscle involved in breathing and also linked to trunk stabilization functions. Up to date, rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) has been the most used technique to evaluate unilaterally the transcostal diaphragm thickness. Nevertheless, the inspiratory activity of both hemi-diaphragms is bilaterally performed at the same time, and its simultaneous evaluation with a thoracic orthosis could improve its assessment as well as its re-education with visual biofeedback of both hemi-diaphragms at the same time. The purpose was to evaluate the reliability and repeatability of simultaneous thickness measurements of both hemi-diaphragms bilaterally during normal breathing using a thoracic orthosis that allowed bilateral fixation of both right and left ultrasound probes. Methods: The study was conducted in 46 healthy subjects, whose diaphragm thickness was measured bilaterally and simultaneously in the anterior axillary line during relaxed breathing with a designed thoracic orthosis and 2 ultrasound tools. Intra-examiner (same examiner), inter-examiner (2 examiners), intra-session (1 hour) and inter-session (1 week) reliability and repeatability between each pair of measurements of diaphragm muscle thickness were analyzed during normal breathing. Results: Reliability and repeatability for intra-session evaluations using the thoracic orthosis were excellent to evaluate simultaneous thickness of both hemi-diaphragms by bilateral probes fixation (intraclass correlation coefficient =0.919-0.997; standard error of measurement =0.002-0.007 cm; minimum detectable change =0.006-0.020 cm), without systematic errors (P>0.05) between each pair of measurements. Nevertheless, inter-session evaluations varied from good to excellent using the bilateral probes fixation (intraclass correlation coefficient =0.614-0.984; standard error of measurement =0.006-0.028 cm; minimum detectable change =0.017-0.079 cm), although some systematic errors were presented (P<0.05). Conclusions: Good to excellent reliability and repeatability was shown for simultaneous thickness measurements of both hemi-diaphragms bilaterally during normal breathing. Despite systematic errors were presented for some inter-examiner assessments, the use of the thoracic orthosis that allowed bilateral fixation of ultrasound probes could be recommended for simultaneous hemi-diaphragms breathing re-education by visual biofeedback.

Effects of Myofascial Induction Therapy on Ankle Range of Motion and Pressure Pain Threshold in Trigger Points of the Gastrocnemius-A Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: The myofascial induction technique (MIT) has been shown to increase shoulder range of motion (ROM) in breast cancer survivors and decrease pain pressure threshold over the radial nerve in patients with epicondylalgia. To the authors' best knowledge, no study on trigger points and MIT has been published to date. The effect on ROM of latent trigger points is also unknown. METHODS: A total of 20 twins with one latent trigger point of the gastrocnemius muscle were evaluated pre- and post-MIT in the calf. We measured static footprint variables in a pre-post study. RESULTS: We found differences in PPT (p = 0.001) and no differences in ROM with knee flexed (p = 0.420) or stretched (p = 0.069). CONCLUSIONS: After Calf MIT, latent myofascial trigger points improve PPT but no change in ankle dorsiflexion with knee bent or knee flexed were found in non-restriction healthy subjects.

Influence on Depression, Anxiety, and Satisfaction of the Relatives' Visit to Intensive Care Units prior to Hospital Admission for Elective Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Intensive care units (ICUs) may produce stress on the relatives of patients that have long-term physiological and psychological implications. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the relatives´ visit prior to hospital admission(s) on the patient's scheduled cardiac surgery regarding depression, anxiety, and satisfaction of the patient's family in an ICU. Methods: A randomized clinical trial [NCT03605420] was carried out according to the CONSORT criteria. Thirty-eight relatives of ICU patients were recruited at an ICU and randomized into study groups. Experimental group participants (n = 19) consisted of relatives who received 1 ICU visit prior to the patient's admission. Control group participants (n = 19) consisted of patients' relatives who received standard care alone. A self-report test battery, including the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), was completed by the patient's relative prior to the patient's ICU admission and again three and 90 days after ICU discharge. Furthermore, the Family Satisfaction with Care in the Intensive Care Unit (FS-ICU) and Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) were administered to help determine the respondents' satisfaction three days after the patient's ICU discharge. Results: Statistically significant differences in FS-ICU results were found between control and experimental groups; no statistically significant differences were found in IES-R, HADS, and CCFNI results. Thus, members in the control group were more satisfied with the time elapsed to raise their concerns (p=0.005), emotional support provided (p=0.020), quality of care (p=0.035), opportunities to express concerns and ask questions (p=0.005), and general satisfaction with the ICU's decision-making (p=0.003). Conclusions: Relatives' satisfaction during patients' ICU admission may be impaired after their prior visit to the hospital admission. Relative's anxiety and depression scores did not seem to be significantly affected. Relatives´ visit prior to elective cardiac surgery hospital admission impaired their satisfaction in an ICU and may not be advisable for healthcare practice.

A 120-second stretch improves postural control and plantar pressure: quasi-experimental study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: There are no studies on long-term bilateral calf stretching in relation to balance and plantar pressure. OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate that there is better control of posture and pressures after continuous stretching of the posterior calf muscles. DESIGN AND SETTING: Pre and post-intervention study conducted in a private clinic. METHODS: We measured static footprints and stabilometry before and after continuous passive plantar flexor stretching of duration 120 seconds, among 24 healthy subjects. RESULTS: We found differences in Y displacement with eyes closed (P = 0.010), but not among other variables with eyes closed: X displacement (P = 0.263); surface (P = 0.940); laterolateral speed displacement (P = 0.279); and anteroposterior speed displacement (P = 0.914). There were also no differences in eyes-open variables: X displacement (P = 0.341); Y displacement (P = 0.491); surface (P = 0.167); laterolateral speed displacement (P = 0.852); and anteroposterior speed displacement (P = 0.079). The plantar pressures in the heel (maximum pressure, P = 0.048; mean pressure, P = 0.001) and in the midfoot (maximum pressure, P = 0.004; mean pressure, P = 0.004) were reduced, but not in the forefoot (maximum pressure, P = 0.391; mean pressure, P = 0.225). The surface became larger in the forefoot (P = 0.000) and midfoot (P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Continuous static stretching of plantar flexors for 120 seconds improved stance balance and reduced plantar pressures (maximum and mean) in the rearfoot and midfoot. It also increased the surface in the midfoot and forefoot. TRIAL REGISTRATION: at clinicaltrials.gov, under the number NTC03743168.

Novel Ultrasound Anatomical Measurement of the Deep Transverse Metatarsal Ligament: An Intra-Rater Reliability and Inter-Rater Concordance Study.

Insufficient space below the Deep Transverse Metatarsal Ligament (DTML) could be an etiological factor for Morton's Neuroma (MN). To date, there is a lack of studies measuring the space below the DTML. For this reason, this study assesses the intra- and inter-rater concordance and reproducibility of measurements of the space below the DTML between the third and the fourth metatarsal heads (M3 and M4) using ultrasound imaging to assess and verify the reliability and reproducibility of measurements of the space under the DTML. Forty feet from twenty patients were examined using ultrasound by three trained evaluators at two different times. The two measurements taken on each foot were: base (b)­distance between M3 and M4, and height (h)­distance between the DTML and the plantar skin surface. This was a quantitative, observational, analytical study. The concordance rate between observers for measurements of height and base were 98.5% and 99.5%, respectively. The mean area obtained of the space was 54.6 mm2 and 57.2 mm2 for both the left and right foot (p > 0.05). Reproducibility over time calculated in pre- and post-measurements showed an intraclass correlation coefficient of 1.00 (95%CI: 0.99−1.00), which leads us to conclude that the measurements are perfectly reproducible. Both measurements (height and base) of the space under the DTML, performed by ultrasound, are reliable and reproducible.

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

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.

Women's Foot Health-Related Quality of Life in Ballet Dancers and Nondancers.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence and severity of symptoms related to muscle and joint pain seem to be high in most dancers. HYPOTHESIS: There will be a worse quality of life related to foot health for ballet dancers compared with nondancers. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. METHODS: A sample of 156 women was recruited from a clinic of podiatric medicine and surgery. Self-reported data were measured by the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ), which has 33 questions that assess 8 health domains of the feet and general health, namely, foot pain, foot function, general foot health, footwear, general health, physical activity, social capacity, and vigor. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were shown for foot pain, foot function, foot health, and general health, which together revealed a worse foot health-related quality of life (lower FHSQ scores) but a better general health (higher FHSQ scores) for ballet dancers compared with nondancers. The remaining domains did not show statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). According to multivariate linear regression models (P < 0.05), the practice of ballet dance (group) was the only independent variable that predicted the dependent variables, such as foot pain (R2 = 0.052;ß = +8.349), foot function (R2 = 0.108; ß = +11.699), foot health (R2 = 0.039; ß = +10.769), and general health (R2 = 0.019; ß = -6.795). CONCLUSION: Ballet dancers showed a negative impact on quality of life related to foot health but better overall quality of life (general health) compared with nondancers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Paying attention to a dancer's foot health could provide important benefits for the dancer's foot health and physical practice of dance.

Anatomic and Histological Features of the Extensor Digitorum Longus Tendon Insertion in the Proximal Nail Matrix of the Second Toe.

BACKGROUND: Anatomic and histological landmarks of the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) tendon insertion in the proximal nail matrix may be key aspects during surgery exposure in order to avoid permanent nail deformities. OBJECTIVE: The main purpose was to determine the anatomic and histological features of the EDL's insertion to the proximal nail matrix of the second toe. METHODS: A sample of fifty second toes from fresh-frozen human cadavers was included in this study. Using X25-magnification, the proximal nail matrix limits and distal EDL tendon bony insertions were anatomically and histologically detailed. RESULTS: The second toes' EDLs were deeply located with respect to the nail matrix and extended superficially and dorsally to the distal phalanx in all human cadavers. The second toe distal nail matrix was not attached to the dorsal part of the distal phalanx base periosteum. CONCLUSIONS: The EDL is located plantar and directly underneath to the proximal nail matrix as well as dorsally to the bone. The proximal edge of the nail matrix and bed in human cadaver second toes are placed dorsally and overlap the distal EDL insertion. These anatomic and histological features should be used as reference landmarks during digital surgery and invasive procedures.

Effects of a visit prior to hospital admission on anxiety, depression and satisfaction of patients in an intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of a vists prior to hospital admission on anxiety, depression and satisfaction of patients admitted electively to an intensive care unit (ICU). DESIGN: A randomised clinical trial [NCT03605407]. SETTING: A sample of 38 patients was recruited who were to be electively admiited to ICU divided into experimental (n = 19 patients receiving one visit prior to hospital ICU admission for surgery) and control (n = 19 patients not receiving a visit prior to hospital ICU admission for surgery) groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) were self-reported by patients before ICU admission, at 3-days and 90-days after ICU discharge. Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) and Family Satisfaction with Care in the Intensive Care Unit (FS-ICU) were used to measure the users' satisfaction before ICU admission and 3-days after ICU discharge. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between experimental and control groups for FS-ICU, but not for HADS, IES-R and CCFNI. Indeed, control group patients were more satisfied with regard to emotional support, ease of getting information, control feeling, concerns and questions expression ability and overall score for decision-making satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The visit prior to hospital admission did not seem to modify anxiety or depression, but may impair satisfaction of ICU patients.

Quality of life related to foot health status in women with fibromyalgia: a case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: To date, the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) has not been applied to women who suffer from fibromyalgia. The main purpose of this study was to compare both foot and general health-related quality of life between women with fibromyalgia and healthy matched women. We hypothesized that women with fibromyalgia may present an impaired quality of life related to foot and general health. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of 208 women, mean age of 55.00 ±8.25 years, was recruited from an outpatient clinic and divided into 2 groups, 104 women with fibromyalgia (for the case group) and 104 healthy matched women (for the control group). Demographic data and the domains of the FHSQ scores were registered. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) between case and control groups were found for both all specific foot domains (pain, foot function, foot health and footwear) and all general wellbeing domains (general health, physical activity, social capacity and vigor), showing a worse foot and general health-related quality of life (with lower scores for all FHSQ domains) in the women with fibromyalgia compared to healthy matched women. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired foot and general health-related quality of life was observed in women who suffered from fibromyalgia compared to healthy matched women.

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.

Fibularis tertius muscle in women & men: A surface anatomy cross-sectional study across countries.

The fibularis tertius muscle (FTM) is a rare anatomic variation. The prevalence of this exclusively human structure, which is found in the anterior compartment of the leg, is often underestimated, and it is believed that foot and ankle conditions are more difficult to manage in patients with an FTM. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of the FTM palpation and determine whether its presence is associated with an individual's sex, because the exact prevalence in males and females is unclear. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out. The study included 481 people (23.49% men and 76.51% women) with a mean age of 23.51±5.369 years, who were recruited from a Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Clinic (Spain). Data on routine demographic and clinical factors were recorded, and the presence or absence of the FTM was determined based on surface visual or palpated localization of the tendon (using a consistent protocol). The FTM was present in 38.25% (184/481) of the participants. Furthermore, FTM were present in 38.6% (142/481) of females and 37.2% (42/481) of males. The study revealed that the presence of the FTM varies between individuals and does not depend on an individual's sex. Significant differences in the prevalence of the FTM between countries should be carefully evaluated rather than generalizing the results of this Spanish study to other non-Spanish populations. Larger numbers of participants should be enrolled in future studies in order to meet the statistical criteria.

Relationship of Depression Scores and Ranges in Women Who Suffer From Fibromyalgia by Age Distribution: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia may be defined as a chronic widespread pain condition that generates a functional impairment with various symptoms, such as depression. PURPOSE: The main aim of this research was to compare the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores and depression ranges in women who suffered from fibromyalgia with respect to healthy controls, overall and by age distributions. METHODS: A case-control observational study was performed. Two hundred women with a mean age of 58.61 ± 15.65 years old were recruited. The women were divided into case (women with fibromyalgia) and control (healthy women) groups. The BDI scores and depression ranges were collected. RESULTS: The depression ranges and BDI scores mean ± SD showed statistically significant differences (p < .001) between participants with fibromyalgia (19.30 ± 11.21 points; moderate depression) and healthy controls (6.37 ± 5.35 points; no depression). Regarding the age distributions, statistically significant differences were shown between fibromyalgia and control groups for adults (p < .001; 19.06 ± 6.55 vs. 4.69 ± 4.48 points) and older adults (p = .001; 20.25 ± 13.79 vs. 7.63 ± 5.47 points), respectively. ANOVA of the BDI scores with two factors and interaction (fibromyalgia presence and age distribution) determined no interaction between the two factors (p = .534) and statistically significant differences of BDI scores for fibromyalgia presence (p < .001; R2  = 35.50%), but not for age distribution (p = .144). LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Measurable differences in higher BDI scores and depression ranges were shown in women who suffered from fibromyalgia with respect to healthy controls, regardless of age distribution. Greater probabilities (odds ratio = 15.88) of suffering from some level of depression (according to BDI scores) were found in women with fibromyalgia in comparison with healthy women. Although these findings did not seem to be influenced by age distribution, interventions targeting depression in practice, research, policy, management, or education must equally include adult and older adult women who suffer from fibromyalgia.

Association between sex differences on foot health related to the quality of life in a sample of sedentary people.

Sedentary (sitting) time may produce many anatomical and physiological consequences which are supposedly associated with a decreased quality of life (QoL) related to foot health. Accordingly, this study aimed to analyze the QoL impact on the overall health and the foot health among male and female sedentary people. A total of 312 participants with an age mean of 39.81 ± 15.40 years completed all phases of the study. In addition, self-reported data were registered. The participants' sedentary lifestyle was determined using the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) physical activity questionnaire. Furthermore, the scores obtained from the Portuguese version of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire were registered. Sedentary people in the equivalent metabolic energy had 301.09 ± 72.22 (min/week). In the first section, values were higher for foot pain and foot function and lower for general foot health and footwear. In the second section, values were higher for general health and vigor and lower for physical activity and social capacity. The differences between the sex groups of the study were statistically significant for footwear (P = 0.008), physical activity (P= 0.002), social capacity (P = 0.001) and vigor (P = 0.001) showing a worst QoL related to foot health in favor of male subjects in comparison with females. The rest of the domains did not show any statistically significant difference (P ≥ .01). The sedentary population evidenced a negative impact on the QoL related to foot health. This problem may be associated with this lifestyle, especially for males.

Association between sex differences on foot health related to the quality of life in a sample of sedentary people

SUMMARY Sedentary (sitting) time may produce many anatomical and physiological consequences which are supposedly associated with a decreased quality of life (QoL) related to foot health. Accordingly, this study aimed to analyze the QoL impact on the overall health and the foot health among male and female sedentary people. A total of 312 participants with an age mean of 39.81 ± 15.40 years completed all phases of the study. In addition, self-reported data were registered. The participants' sedentary lifestyle was determined using the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) physical activity questionnaire. Furthermore, the scores obtained from the Portuguese version of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire were registered. Sedentary people in the equivalent metabolic energy had 301.09 ± 72.22 (min/week). In the first section, values were higher for foot pain and foot function and lower for general foot health and footwear. In the second section, values were higher for general health and vigor and lower for physical activity and social capacity. The differences between the sex groups of the study were statistically significant for footwear (P = 0.008), physical activity (P= 0.002), social capacity (P = 0.001) and vigor (P = 0.001) showing a worst QoL related to foot health in favor of male subjects in comparison with females. The rest of the domains did not show any statistically significant difference (P ≥ .01). The sedentary population evidenced a negative impact on the QoL related to foot health. This problem may be associated with this lifestyle, especially for males.

RESUMO O tempo sedentário (sentado) pode produzir muitas consequências anatômicas e fisiológicas que supostamente estão associadas a uma redução de qualidade de vida (QoL) relacionada à saúde do pé. Por conseguinte, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o impacto da QV sobre a saúde geral e a saúde do pé entre pessoas sedentárias masculinas e femininas. Uma amostra de 312 participantes com idade média de 39,81 ± 15,40 anos completou todas as fases do processo de estudo. Além disso, os dados autorrelatados foram registrados. O comportamento sedentário dos informantes foi determinado usando o questionário de prospecção prospectiva de câncer e nutrição (Epic). Além disso, os resultados obtidos com a versão em português do Questionário de Status de Saúde do Pé (PFHSQ) foram registrados. As pessoas sedentárias no equivalente de energia metabólica apresentaram 301,09 ± 72,22 (min/semana). Na primeira seção, os valores foram maiores para a dor no pé e função do pé e diminuíram a saúde e o calçado do pé geral. Na segunda seção, os valores foram maiores para saúde geral e vigor e menores para atividade física e capacidade social. As diferenças entre os grupos sexuais do estudo foram estatisticamente significativas para o calçado (P = 0,008), atividade física (P = 0,002), capacidade social (P = 0,001) e vigor (P = 0,001), mostrando uma pior QV relacionada à saúde do pé a favor dos sujeitos do sexo masculino em relação aos participantes sedentários femininos. O restante dos domínios não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significante (P ≥ 0,01). A população sedentária evidenciou um impacto negativo na QoL relacionada à saúde dos pés. Esse problema pode estar associado a este comportamento, especialmente no sexo masculino.

Evaluation of podiatric disorders in a sample of children with intellectual disabilities: an analytical cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Intellectual disabilities (IDs) usually derive from neurodevelopmental disabilities. They limit intellectual functioning and cause adaptive behaviors and orthopedic problems. These disabilities have harmful effects on health, everyday practical skills and social functioning, and they diminish quality of life. The goal of our research was to perform podiatric evaluations on schoolchildren with and without ID and ascertain their records of foot disorders. DESIGN AND SETTING: Analytical cross-sectional study conducted at a podiatric clinic in the city of Piedras Blancas, province of Asturias, Spain. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study on 82 schoolchildren affected by ID, compared with 117 healthy schoolchildren, was conducted at a podiatric clinic. Demographic data, clinical characteristics and measurements relating to podiatric examinations were recorded among the participants who completed all phases of the tool that was used in the study process. RESULTS: Almost 90% of the schoolchildren with and without ID presented foot disorders relating to smaller toes, nail disorders, flat feet or lower-limb alterations. CONCLUSIONS: The participants showed elevated prevalence of foot disorders. Podiatric evaluations are a significant means for preventing the appearance of medical conditions and/or foot problems, and they also improve general health.

Evaluation of foot health related quality of life in individuals with foot problems by gender: a cross-sectional comparative analysis study.

OBJECTIVE: Foot problems (FP) may be considered to be a prevalent conditions in people but there is limited evidence of their effect on the quality of life (QoL) related to foot health in men and women. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of FPs on both overall foot health and QoL, stratified by gender. DESIGN: A cross sectional study. SETTING: Clinic of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at University of A Coruña in the city of Ferrol (Spain). SUBJECTS: The sample consisted of 1647 participants with FP; the total population of the sample had a mean age of 43.24±19.89 years, with mean ages 44.09±21.36 years and 42.94±19.34 years for men and women, respectively. METHODS: Measurement of sociodemographic characteristics include age, sex and body mass index. The Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) was used to evaluate the general health and foot health. Differences between groups were evaluated by means of a t-test for independent samples. RESULTS: Women with FP showed significantly lower scores in the domains of Foot Pain, Foot Function, Footwear, General Foot Health, Physical Activity and Vigour, and there was no difference compared with men in the domains of Overall Health and Social Capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Women with FP present a negative impact on QoL related to foot health as compared with men except in the domains of Overall Health and Social Capacity, which appears to be associated with the presence of foot conditions.

Subacute Clinical Features After Arthroscopy Surgical Reconstruction of Complete Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical features in the subacute phase after surgical reconstruction of complete anterior cruciate ligament rupture (ACLR) with respect to healthy participants. METHODS: A case-control observational study was performed. A total sample of 80 participants was recruited from an outpatient clinic and divided into case (n = 40 patients after ACLR reconstruction in subacute phase) and control (n = 40 healthy participants) groups. Outcomes, including pain intensity, range of motion (ROM), stability, and functionality were assessed by the visual analogue scale, universal goniometer, the Star Excursion Balance Test, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, respectively. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences (P > .05) for sex, side, age, and body mass index between patients with ACLR after reconstruction surgery and healthy participants. Statistically significant differences (P < .001) with a large effect size (Rosenthal r) from -0.86 to -0.93 were shown for ROM (median ± interquartile range [IQR], -70.00° ± 10.00°) and Star Excursion Balance Test (mean ± standard deviation, -38.31 cm ± 4.52 cm) reduction, as well as higher visual analogue scale (median ± IQR, 7.00 ± 1.00) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (median ± IQR, 68.77 ± 6.29) scores in favor of the ACLR reconstructed group, with respect to the healthy control group. CONCLUSIONS: Measurable clinical differences of functionality, stability, and ROM should be considered during the evaluation of patients at a subacute period after complete ACLR reconstruction surgery with respect to healthy matched controls.