Is plantar foot sensation affected in patients with gonarthrosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare pain, plantar foot sensation, postural control, fear of movement, and functional level between women patients with early-stage gonarthrosis and those with late-stage gonarthrosis. METHODS: A total of 62 women with gonarthrosis were included in the study. Patients were then divided into two groups: earlystage gonarthrosis group (31 women) and late-stage gonarthrosis group (31 women) according to Kellgren Lawrence criteria. Light touch-pressure sensation (Semmes Weinstein Monofilaments), two-point discrimination sensation (esthesiometer), and vibration sensation (128 Hz diapason) were used to evaluate plantar foot sensation. Pain intensity was assessed by the numeric rating scale, postural control by Berg balance scale, fear of movement by the Tampa kinesiophobia scale, functional mobility by the Timed Up and Go test and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score. RESULTS: Early-stage patients were found to have higher light-touch pressure sensation on 1st metatarsal head of dominant side, 5th metatarsal head of non-dominant side, heel of non-dominant side than late stage patients. Early-stage patients had a higher sensation of vibration than late stage patients. The patients in the early stage were found to have higher two-point discrimination sensation on middle of dominant side, heel of dominant side, trans-metatarsal of non-dominant side, middle of non-dominant side, heel of non-dominant side than late stage. Postural control of early-stage patients were found to be higher than late-stage patients. Early-stage patients had lower kinesophobia and higher functional levels than late-stage patients. CONCLUSION: The light touch sensation, vibration sensation, and two-point discrimination deteriorated by the progression of the disease should be important criteria in patients with gonarthrosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic Study.

Evaluation of Plantar Foot Sensation, Balance, Physical Performance, and Fear of Movement in Substance Use Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Neuropathologic changes may occur in the nervous system due to long-term substance use, leading to functional disability with altering of balance. We know little about substance-related mechanisms that can cause movement disorders. This study investigated the effects of plantar foot sensation and balance on physical performance as an effect of substance use in detoxified patients. METHODS: Twenty-three users of cannabis, volatile agents, or narcotic/stimulant agents alone or in combination for at least 1 year (mean age, 27.6 years) and 20 healthy volunteers (mean age, 24.6 years) were included. Participant evaluations were implemented immediately after the detoxification process with psychiatrist approval. Depression, state-trait anxiety, and fear of movement levels were evaluated with the Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, respectively. Plantar foot sensations were evaluated with light touch, two-point discrimination, and vibration examinations. Balance was assessed with balance software and a balance board and force platform. Balance path, balance path distance, and center of pressure were recorded. Physical performance was evaluated with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test in the final step. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in two-point discrimination of patients versus controls (P < .05). Significant differences were also found in balance values, particularly in the sagittal direction (P < .05). TUG test results of patients compared with controls showed a negative influence on physical function (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Detailed examination should be performed to understand movement disorders in substance users. Herein, substance users had impaired two-point discrimination and sagittal balance reciprocally. Thus, customized physiotherapy approaches to substance users should be considered to improve their movement disorders.