Effect of circadian rhythm and menstrual cycle on physical performance in women: a systematic review.

The literature has extensively investigated potential factors influencing women's performance, including the menstrual cycle and the circadian rhythm. However, review articles exploring the combined influence of both factors remain lacking in the literature. The study aimed to systematically review the literature on the relationship between the circadian rhythm and menstrual cycle on physical performance in women. The review followed the PRISMA guidelines. The search was performed on the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar databases. Of the 1205 records identified, four articles met the inclusion criteria. From four articles, two studies found a significant interaction between the time of day and phase of the menstrual cycle with physical performance. The isometric strength increased in the afternoon in the mid-luteal phase (versus the morning in the mid-luteal phase, p < 0.05), and the maximum cycling power was higher in the afternoon in the mid-follicular phase (versus the morning in the mid-follicular phase, p < 0.01). Our findings suggest that the time of day and the menstrual cycle phase affect physical performance, with the daytime potentially having a more significant influence. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited studies and diverse methodologies used to monitor the menstrual cycle phase. This review reinforces the need for further investigation to understand better the combined effects of the circadian rhythm and menstrual cycle on women's physical performance. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=380965, identifier CRD42022380965.

Effect of exercise detraining in cognitive functions of older adults: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Provide a synthesis of the current literature about the effects of detraining on cognitive functions in older adults. METHODS: The PICOS acronym strategy was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and PsycINFO database. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses statement had been followed in the present study, in which the search was conducted on October 2023. The study selection consisted in original articles including older adults, detraining after training exercise period, use of tests or scales to measure cognitive function. The Downs and Black checklist had been used to assess the studies quality. Sample characteristics, type of previous training, detraining period, cognitive functions measurements and main results were extracted by 2 investigators. RESULTS: From 1927 studies, 12 studies were included, being 11 studies identified via systematic research, and 1 study by citation search. Older adults, ranged from 60 to 87 years old, were assessed after detraining. The cognitive functions most evaluated were global cognition and executive functions. One study evaluated both cognitive outcome and cerebral blood flow. Most of the studies demonstrated a decline in the cognitive function after detraining. CONCLUSION: Exercise detraining period, ranging from 10 days to 16 weeks, can effect negatively the cognitive function in older adults.

The effect of space travel on human reproductive health: a systematic review.

With increasing possibilities of multi-year missions in deep space, colonizing other planets, and space tourism, it is important to investigate the effects of space travel on human reproduction. This study aimed to systematically review and summarize the results of available literature on space travel, microgravity, and space radiation, or Earth-based spaceflight analogues impact on female and male reproductive functions in humans. This systematic review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and Space Biomedicine Systematic Review methods. The search was performed using three databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Medline Complete. During the database search, 364 studies were identified. After the study selection process, 16 studies were included in the review. Five studies included female participants, and the findings show an increased risk of thromboembolism in combined oral contraceptive users, decreased decidualization, functional insufficiency of corpus luteum, and decreased progesterone and LH levels related to space travel or its simulation. Male participants were included in 13 studies. In males, reproductive health considerations focused on the decrease in testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin levels, the ratio of male offspring, sperm motility, sperm vitality, and the increase in sperm DNA fragmentation related to space travel or its simulation. Results of this systematic review highlight the need to focus more on the astronaut's reproductive health in future research, as only 16 studies were found during the literature search, and many more research questions related to reproductive health in astronauts still need to be answered.

Centre of pressure changes during stance but not during gait in young women after alcohol intoxication.

Background: Women are underrepresented in research focused on alcohol (e.g., Brighton, Moxham & Traynor, 2016; DOI 10.1097/JAN.0000000000000136) despite the changing patterns of alcohol consumption, which has been increasing in women in recent decades. The purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between habitual alcohol consumption and centre of pressure (CoP) parameters during stance and gait while intoxicated by alcohol. Methods: Thirty women (24.39 ± 2.93 years) participated in this study. All participants were asked to answer the AUDIT questionnaire. Stance and gait analysis were repeated under two conditions on a Zebris platform (FDM GmbH; Munich, Germany): when the participants were sober (0.00% breath alcohol concentration, BrAC) and when they were in an intoxicated state (0.11% BrAC). Participants were divided by their AUDIT score into a low-risk alcohol consumption group (n = 15; AUDIT score: 3 to 6) and a hazardous alcohol consumption group (n = 15; AUDIT score: 7 to 13). Results: No statistical difference was observed in stance and gait parameters when comparing the low-risk and hazardous groups under 0.00% BrAC and 0.11% BrAC conditions. A statistically significant difference was observed when comparing 0.00% BrAC and 0.11% BrAC conditions within each group. This significant difference was found in CoP path length and CoP average velocity during quiet stance. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in CoP parameters during gait. An alcohol intoxication of 0.11% BrAC was not sufficient to cause statistically significant impairments in butterfly parameters of gait.

Description of the menstrual cycle status, energy availability, eating behavior and physical performance in a youth female soccer team.

The aim of the study was to describe the menstrual status and perception, risk of low energy availability (LEA) and the presence of orthorexia nervosa (ON) in youth female from a soccer team. Also, verify the possible effect of LEA and ON on physical performance. Data from 19 female players (14.6 ± 1.42 yr) belonging to a soccer team from Cyprus was taken during pre-season. The menstrual cycle status was evaluated by specific questions, LEA by the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q), ON by the ORTO-R questionnaire and physical performance by jump, handgrip and cardiorespiratory exercise tests. Players were separated into the risk of LEA and ON. Comparison and correlation tests were performed with a significance set at p < 0.05. As the main results, 66.7% of players perceived that the menstrual period affects their performance in the game, 83.3% did not communicate with coaches about their menstrual cycle; the prevalence of risk of LEA was 26.3%; players with risk of LEA also presented higher scores ON; neither LEA nor ON presented a significant association with players performance. The findings highlighted that youth players perceived an impact of the menstrual period on performance, but did not communicate with the coach about it. Players with the risk of LEA and high values of ON seem not to be associated with a decrease in physical performance during the pre-season evaluation. Attention is required as the players were assessed once. Monitoring these parameters throughout the sports season is recommended to obtain better clarification about the topic.

Gender differences in the effect of a 0.11% breath alcohol concentration on forward and backward gait.

Alcohol contributes to a large number of diseases and health conditions related to injuries. The aim of our study was to evaluate gender differences in forward and backward gait when sober and at a breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) of 0.11%. Fifty females and fifty males participated in our study. The gait analysis was performed twice, when sober and after drinking a given amount of vodka mixed with orange juice. Under both conditions, participants were asked to walk forward and then backward on a Zebris platform. Multivariate analysis and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the differences between genders when walking forward and backward. The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was used to compare the differences between 0.00% BrAC and 0.11% BrAC. Spearman's Rho was used to analyze the relationship between the AUDIT score, anthropometrical characteristics and the subjective score of drunkenness and gait parameters. The results show different strategies to improve stability during gait in women and men when intoxicated with alcohol. When intoxicated, males in forward gait increase their stability by increasing their foot rotation, while females increase their step width. A decrease in balance-related variables was observed in females when walking backward with a BrAC of 0.11%. Additionally, females tended to perform an increase in balance-related gait variables when subjectively feeling more drunk in both forward and backward gait. Different strategies to maintain stability during gait were observed in women and men. The results of our study show that alcohol intoxication has a greater impact on gait in females who tended to perform an increase in balance-related variables with an increase in their subjective score of drunkenness.

The Prevalence of Menstrual Cycle Disorders in Female Athletes from Different Sports Disciplines: A Rapid Review.

The aim of this study was to rapidly review the literature on the prevalence of menstrual disorders in female athletes from different sports modalities. Articles were searched in the Web of Science and PubMed database in May 2022. A total of 1309 records were identified, and 48 studies were included in the final stage. The menstrual disorders described in the included studies were primary (in 33% of included studies) and secondary amenorrhea (in 73% of included studies) and oligomenorrhea (in 69% of included studies). The prevalence of menstrual disorders among the studies ranged from 0 to 61%. When data were pooled according to discipline (mean calculation), the highest prevalence of primary amenorrhea was found in rhythmic gymnastics (25%), soccer (20%) and swimming (19%); for secondary amenorrhea in cycling (56%), triathlon (40%) and rhythmic gymnastics (31%); and oligomenorrhea in boxing (55%), rhythmic gymnastics (44%) and artistic gymnastics (32%). Based on the results of this review, the study supports the literature of the higher prevalence of menstrual disorders in gymnastics and endurance disciplines. However, team sports modalities such as volleyball and soccer also presented a considerable percentage of menstrual disorders compared to the general population. It reinforces the importance of coaches and physicians paying attention to athletes' menstrual cycle as the occurrence of menstrual disorders can be associated with impairment on some health components.

The Effect of Menstrual Cycle on Perceptual Responses in Athletes: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

This article aimed to investigate the effects of menstrual cycle phases on perceptual responses in athletes by means of systematic review and meta-analysis. The search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Sport Discus databases considering articles with two or more menstrual phases for comparison. The PECO criteria were used for the keywords "menstrual cycle," "athletes," and "perceptual responses" with their respective entry terms. Of 1.165 records identified, 14 articles were available for the final evaluation, while eight articles were eligible for a meta-analysis. The perceptual responses evaluated in the studies were: motivation, competitiveness, sleep quality, stress, muscle soreness, fatigue, perceived effort, mood, menstrual symptoms, perceived endurance, and readiness. The meta-analysis was conducted for perceived effort only. The results showed that the level of perceived exertion does not differ two phases of the menstrual cycle (MD = 3.03, Q = 1.58, df = 1, p = 0.209), whereas RPE was 19.81 ± 0.05 and 16.27 ± 0.53 at day 1-5 and day 19-24, respectively. Two studies found statistically significant changes in motivation and competitiveness during the cycle, with better outcomes in ovulatory phase compared to follicular and luteal. One study found an increase in mood disturbance in the pre-menstrual phase (vs. mid-cycle); one decreased vigor in the menstrual phase (vs. luteal); one increased the menstrual symptoms in the follicular phase (vs. ovulation), and one study reported increased fatigue and decreased sleep quality on luteal phase (vs. follicular). The remaining studies and variables were not affected by the menstrual cycle phase. Based on the results from the studies selected, some perceptual responses are affected in different menstrual cycle phases. A "favorable" subjective response in athletes was noticed when the ovarian hormones present an increase in concentration levels compared to phases with lower concentration. Different perceptual variables and methodological approaches limit the generalization of the conclusion.

How barefoot and conventional shoes affect the foot and gait characteristics in toddlers.

OBJECTIVES: Barefoot shoes have recently become a popular alternative to conventional shoes among the parents of pre-school children. As the long-term effect of habitual shoe-wearing on the foot is still unclear, the aim of this study was to compare the arch index, dynamic foot anthropometry and gait parameters in toddlers who had been habitually wearing barefoot shoes or conventional shoes since their first steps. METHODS: 30 toddlers- 15 habitually wearing barefoot shoes (BF group) and 15 habitually wearing conventional shoes (N-BF group)-participated in this study. Each child was measured twice during the study. The first data collection session occurred within one month after the first five consecutive unsupported steps were performed by the toddler. The second data collection session occurred seven months after this event. At each data collection session, the toddler was instructed to walk barefooted at its natural speed over an Emed® platform (Novel GmbH, Germany). The Emed ® software generated data regarding the arch index, dynamic foot anthropometry, foot progression angle, contact area, contact time, peak pressure and maximum force. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the differences between the 1st and 2nd data collections. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences between the BF and N-BF groups. RESULTS: The results of this study show a higher plantar arch and a smaller foot progression angle in the BF group. The forefoot width in both the BF and N-BF groups remained proportional to the foot length after seven months of independent walking. CONCLUSIONS: These findings may encourage parents and caregivers to introduce barefoot shoes or create a habitual barefoot time for their child.

Spatio-Temporal Gait Parameters in Association with Medications and Risk of Falls in the Elderly.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze factors affecting spatio-temporal gait parameters in elderly people of both genders and different ages with different risks of fall, fall history, and medications. Patients and Methods: A total of 210 community-dwelling older adults (156 females, 54 males; mean age 72.84±6.26 years) participated in this study. To assess the risk of falls, the Downton Fall Risk Index was used. An additional question about medication intake (all prescribed drugs) was asked. To assess the spatio-temporal gait parameters, the Zebris FDM platform was used. Gait parameters and Downton Fall Risk Index, stratified by participants' history of falls, multiple medication use (0/1/2+), gender, age, and medication categories, were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: When comparing different medication categories, a Downton Fall Risk Index score indicating a high risk of falls was observed in the psychotropic medication category (3.56±1.67). A gait velocity suggesting a higher risk of falls (≤3.60 km/h) was observed in the psychotropic (2.85±1.09 km/h) and diabetes (2.80±0.81 km/h) medication categories, in the age groups 70-79 years (3.30±0.89 km/h) and 80+ years (2.67±0.88 km/h), and in participants using two or more medications (3.04±0.93 km/h). Conclusion: The results of this study confirm previous observations and show that higher age and multiple medication negatively affect the gait, and that the higher risk of falls is associated with psychotropic and diabetes medication use. These results provide important information for future fall preventive programs for the elderly that would be especially beneficial for elderly people taking psychotropic and diabetes medication.

Associations between Fat Mass and Fat Free Mass with Physical Fitness in Adolescent Girls: A 3-Year Longitudinal Study.

The main purpose of the study was to examine the longitudinal associations between fat mass and fat free mass with health-related physical fitness. Two-hundred and forty 15-year old adolescent girls were measured at the baseline and after a period of 3 years (17 years). Health-related physical fitness included the following tests: (1) explosive power of the lower extremities (standing broad jump); (2) muscle endurance of the trunk (sit-ups in 60 s); (3) flexibility (sit-and-reach test); (4) muscle endurance of the lower extremities (squats in 60 s); (5) aerobic endurance (the 800 m run test); and (6) speed endurance (the 400 m running test). Fat mass and fat free mass were assessed using the bioelectrical impedance method. Longitudinal associations were analyzed with linear mixed model estimates. After adjusting for body mass index, fat mass was negatively associated with standing broad jump (ß = −1.13, p < 0.001), sit-ups in 60 s (ß = −0.27, p < 0.001), and squats in 60 s (ß = −0.27, p < 0001), while positive associations with the 800 m running test (ß = 0.02, p < 0.001) and the 400 m running test (ß = 0.02, p < 0.001) were observed. On the other hand, fat free mass was positively associated with standing broad jump (ß = 1.14, p < 0.001), sit-ups in 60 s (ß = 0.28, p < 0.001), and squats in 60 s (ß = 0.28, p < 0001), while the 800 m running test (ß = −0.02, p < 0.001) and the 400 m running test (ß = −0.02, p < 0.001) exhibited negative associations. This study shows that fat mass and fat free mass components are longitudinally, but oppositely associated with health-related physical fitness in adolescent girls.

Changes in plantar pressure, contact area and contact time symmetry during the gait 4 weeks before and 12 and 24 weeks after unilateral total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Foot to ground pressure changes in total hip arthroplasty patients' gait are not widely described, although they are sensitive to gait abnormalities and the distribution of plantar pressures may differ before and after the surgery. This study aimed to analyse longitudinally differences in plantar pressure during gait in total hip arthroplasty patients compared to healthy controls. METHODS: Eighteen males participated in this study. Eight males, who underwent unilateral total hip arthroplasty, participated at the data collection three times: 4 weeks before the surgery, 12 and 24 weeks after, and ten healthy controls. All participants were asked to walk over Emed platform. To compare differences between the affected and unaffected limbs, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the difference between total hip arthroplasty patients and healthy controls. FINDINGS: Statistically significant differences between the affected and unaffected limb were observed only during the preoperative measurement in peak pressure at MH4 area and in the contact area at MH4 and big toe. When comparing total hip arthroplasty patients and controls, a difference in the contact time at MH2, MH3 and MH4 areas 12 weeks after surgery and at MH2 and MH4 24 weeks after the surgery were observed. INTERPRETATION: The shorter contact time at forefoot areas may indicate an alteration in the propulsive phase of the gait of both the affected limb and unaffected limb in total hip arthroplasty patients as a result of decreased terminal hip extension during the stance phase described in previous studies.

Could the Evaluation of Muscle Strength Imbalances Be Used as a Predictor of Total Hip Arthroplasty?

Loss of muscle strength characterizes the period before total hip arthroplasty (THA). Little is known about whether muscle strength imbalances caused by muscle strength decline could be considered another clinical predictor for THA. This study aimed to determine whether muscle imbalances may be used as a clinical predictor for THA surgery. Thirty-six participants were enrolled in the study. Eighteen patients had THA (THA group), while 18 were healthy elders (CON group). Ipsilateral (H/Q) and bilateral (% Def) muscle imbalances of the knee were assessed. THA patients showed impairment of the extensors on the affected extremity compared to those unaffected. A comparison between the groups proved there were weakened flexors in the THA group on both extremities. A comparison of the imbalances revealed a significant bilateral imbalance of the extensors and ipsilateral imbalance of both extremities in the THA group. We computed two logistic regressions using bilateral and ipsilateral imbalance as the predictors of THA surgery. We found that bilateral extensor imbalance may be used as a predictor for THA (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.22). A decrease of the bilateral extensors imbalance by 8% decreases the probability of THA by 8%. The most interesting finding is that the evaluation of the bilateral extensor imbalance may be used as another clinical predictor for THA.

The Impact of Different Periods of Walking Experience on Kinematic Gait Parameters in Toddlers.

This study aimed to analyse the kinematic differences in gait between three groups of toddlers who differed in their weeks of independent walking (IW) experience, but not in anthropometrical characteristics, to determine the relationship between walking experience without the side effect of morphological differences on gait parameters. Twenty-six toddlers participated in this study. Depending on the week of their IW, toddlers were divided into three groups: Group 1 (1-5 weeks of IW), Group 2 (6-10 weeks of IW), and Group 3 (11-15 weeks of IW). Each toddler walked barefooted over a 2-m long pathway, and 3D kinematic data were obtained. A decrease in the upper limb position, hip flexion, and step width, i.e., changes towards the adult gait pattern, were observed in Group 3. Less experienced walkers exhibited a wider step width despite no statistically significant difference in body mass and height between groups. Results of this study show no statistically significant difference in step length between groups, suggesting that step length is more related to height than to the walking experience. The increased step length in more experienced walkers reported in previous studies may therefore be a result of different heights and not walking experience.

Special footwear designed for pregnant women and its effect on kinematic gait parameters during pregnancy and postpartum period.

During pregnancy, an array of changes occurs in women body to enable the growth and development of the future baby and the consequent delivery. These changes are reflected in the range of motion of trunk, pelvis, lower limbs and other body segments, affect the locomotion and some of these changes may persist to the postpartum period. The aim of this study was to describe the changes affecting the gait during pregnancy and to determine the effect of tested footwear on kinematic gait characteristics during pregnancy as previous studies indicate that special orthopaedic insoles and footwear might be useful in prevention of the common musculoskeletal pain and discomfort related to pregnancy. Participants from the control group (n = 18), without any intervention, and the experimental group (n = 23), which was wearing the tested shoes, were measured at their 14, 28 and 37 gestational weeks and 28 weeks postpartum to capture the complete pregnancy-related changes in gait. The gait 3D kinematic data were obtained using Simi Motion System. The differences between the control and experimental group at the first data collection session in most of the analysed variables, as well as relatively high standard deviations of analysed variables indicate large individual differences in the gait pattern. The effect of tested footwear on kinematic gait pattern changes may be explained by its preventive effect against the foot arches falling. In the control group, changes associated previously with the foot arches falling and hindfoot hyperpronation were observed during advanced phases of pregnancy and postpartum, e.g. increase in knee flexion or increase in spinal curvature. For the comprehensive evaluation of the tested footwear on pregnancy gait pattern, future studies combining the kinematic and dynamic plantographic methods are needed.

The differences in postural stability between cross-country and Alpine skiers with intellectual disabilities.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyse differences in postural stability between athletes with ID competing in Alpine and Cross country (XC) skiing to assess the effect of special sports training on postural stability in persons with ID. METHODS: Athletes with ID were divided into four groups by their discipline: Alpine skiers (n = 9), XC skiers 2.5 to 10 km (n = 10), XC skiers 500 to 1000 m (n = 18) and XC skiers 50 and 100 m (n = 10). All participants were asked to stand barefooted on the Zebris FDM platform (Medical GmbH, Germany) with their eyes open and closed. To compare differences between groups one-way ANOVA with Tukey HSD test was used. To compare the difference between the eyes open and closed, t-test was used. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed no significant differences between Alpine and XC skiers in analysed variables. The analysis of COP velocity showed superior postural stability in XC skiers 2.5 to 10 km compared to XC skiers 500 and 1000 m. In XC skiers 500 and 1000 m, XC skiers 2.5 to 10 km and Alpine skiers a significant increase in COP velocity was observed when having the eyes closed. In XC skiers 50 and 100 m, no statistically significant differences between the eyes open and closed conditions were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Despite different sports training, no difference between Alpine and XC skiers in postural stability was observed. When comparing XC skiers, better postural stability was observed in skiers running longer distances, suggesting that this sports training enhances balance skills needed in everyday life.

Assessment of distribution of plantar pressures and foot characteristics during walking in pregnant women.

PURPOSE: The main purpose of this research was to analyse the distribution of plantar pressures and foot characteristics during walking between weeks 27 and 36 of pregnancy. The secondary purpose was to test the effect of the customized orthopaedic shoes that were worn by the experimental group. METHODS: Pregnant women (n = 73) were divided into 2 groups, control group (n = 38) and experimental group (n = 35) which completed 5 gait trials on a walkway (1.55m) at a self-selected velocity of gait, where force, pressure and remaining foot characteristics were sampled and displayed by Novel database pro m (version 25.3.24). RESULTS: Analysis of foot characteristics did not reveal important changes. Analysis of the distribution of plantar pressures revealed few changes in the pre- and post-measurement of the experimental and control groups between weeks 27 and 36 of pregnancy. In the last measurement, there is a significant increase of peak pressure only in the midfoot area of the left foot (151.1 ± 41.2 kPa) and in the hindfoot area of the right foot (346.3 ± 104.1) of the experimental group. The control group exhibits similar pressure development for both of foot. CONCLUSIONS: Monitored parameters demonstrated in certain areas notably development of force and contact area. Results of foot characteristics did not reveal a significant changes. As both groups registered similar values in certain areas in a comparison of pre/post measurement characteristics, the influence of specific orthopaedic shoes cannot be conclusively demonstrated in the experimental group.

The relationship between body composition and foot posture index in Special Olympics athletes.

PURPOSE: In Special Olympics, athletes' foot deformities, abnormal postural patterns and overweight and obesity were observed to be more common than in the general population. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between body composition and foot posture index. Additionally, the effect of gender and other factors on the body composition and foot posture index in athletes with intellectual disability (ID) were analyzed. METHODS: 131 athletes with ID participated in this study: 36 table tennis players, 66 cross country skiers and 29 downhill skiers. Their body composition was assessed using the bioimpedance analysis InBody 230 (Biospace, Korea). The foot screening included the assessment of foot posture index, which evaluates the degree of pronated, supinated and neutral position of the foot, gait speed and the last part of the procedure consisted of a short questionnaire, providing the information about the type of housing, age, and the usage of orthotics. RESULTS: A low correlation between body composition and some of the foot posture index criteria was observed. The mean foot posture index score in athletes with ID was observed to be slightly pronated, as also described in the general population, with no statistically significant difference between female and male athletes. The gender differences were observed only in body composition. CONCLUSIONS: The high body weight and body fat percentage observed in this study highlight the need for healthy lifestyle education in athletes with ID.

The effect of aging and gender on plantar pressure distribution during the gait in elderly.

PURPOSE: The effect of age on structural foot characteristics as well as on the plantar pressure distribution has been shown previously. However, the number of studies focused also on gender gait differences of elderly is lacking. The purpose of this study was to compare dynamic gait characteristic in younger and older elderly and to investigate the gender differences as the life-long load and footwear choice differ in males and females. METHODS: 61 healthy elderly participants were divided by age and gender into four groups: males 60-69, males 70-79, females 60-69 and females 70-79 years old. Plantar pressures were recorded during barefoot walking at naturally chosen speed using Emed-at (Novel GmbH, Germany). Three steps of the left foot of each participant were used for further analysis, furthermore, hallux angle, foot progression angle, and arch index were calculated by the Emed software from obtained foot- prints. To compare the differences between the analyzed groups, effect size obtained by Cohen's d was used. RESULTS: Comparing the two age male groups, higher mean pressure was found in the 70-79 age group in region MH4, MH5 and mid-foot, suggesting a greater lateral load and decreased longitudinal arch of the foot. Comparing female groups, the higher mean pressure was found in the older age group in region MH1. In all other regions, the mean pressures were reduced in the older groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the effect of aging on plantar pressure distribution during the gait is affected by gender and should be considered when evaluating the gait of elderly.

Changes in lower extremity blood flow during advancing phases of pregnancy and the effects of special footwear / Mudanças no fluxo sanguíneo das extremidades inferiores nas fases avançadas da gravidez e os efeitos de calçado especial

Background: During pregnancy, a number of changes affecting venous blood flow occur in the circulatory system, such as reduced vein wall tension or increased exposure to collagen fibers. These factors may cause blood stagnation, swelling of the legs, or endothelial damage and consequently lead to development of venous disease. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of special footwear designed to improve blood circulation in the feet on venous blood flow changes observed during advancing phases of pregnancy. Methods: Thirty healthy pregnant women participated in this study at 25, 30, and 35 weeks of gestation. Participants were allocated at random to an experimental group (n = 15) which was provided with the special footwear, or a control group (n = 15). At each data collection session, Doppler measurements of peak systolic blood flow velocity and cross-sectional area of the right popliteal vein were performed using a MySonoU6 ultrasound machine with a linear transducer (Samsung Medison). The differences were compared using Cohen's d test to calculate effect size. Results: With advancing phases of pregnancy, peak systolic velocity in the popliteal vein decreased significantly in the control group, whereas it increased significantly in the experimental group. No significant change in cross-sectional area was observed in any of the groups. Conclusions: Findings in the experimental group demonstrated that wearing the footwear tested may prevent venous blood velocity from reducing during advanced phases of pregnancy. Nevertheless, there is a need for further investigation of the beneficial effect on venous flow of the footwear tested and its application

Contexto: Durante a gravidez, uma série de mudanças que afetam o fluxo venoso ocorrem no sistema circulatório, tais como menor tensão da parede venosa ou aumento da exposição a fibras de colágeno. Esses fatores podem causar estagnação sanguínea, inchaço das pernas ou dano endotelial e, consequentemente, levar ao desenvolvimento de doença venosa. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do uso de calçados especiais projetados para melhorar a circulação sanguínea dos pés sobre as mudanças no fluxo venoso observadas nas fases avançadas da gravidez. Métodos: Trinta gestantes saudáveis participaram deste estudo às 25, 30 e 35 semanas de gestação. As participantes foram aleatoriamente designadas a um grupo experimental (n = 15) que recebeu calçados especiais, ou um grupo controle (n = 15). A cada sessão de coleta de dados, foram obtidas medidas Doppler do pico de velocidade do fluxo sanguíneo sistólico e da área transversal da veia poplítea direita, utilizando-se um aparelho de ultrassom MySonoU6 com transdutor linear (Samsung Medison). As diferenças foram comparadas utilizando-se o teste d de Cohen para calcular o tamanho do efeito. Resultados: Nas fases avançadas da gravidez, o pico da velocidade sistólica na veia poplítea diminuiu significativamente no grupo controle, porém aumentou significativamente no grupo experimental. Não houve mudanças significativas na área transversal da veia poplítea em nenhum dos grupos. Conclusões: Os achados do grupo experimental demonstraram que o uso dos calçados especiais testados pode evitar que a velocidade do fluxo venoso diminua nas fases avançadas da gravidez. No entanto, mais estudos são necessários para investigar os efeitos benéficos sobre o fluxo venoso do uso dos calçados testados e suas aplicações