Dry needling of the flexor digitorum brevis muscle reduces postural control in standing: A pre-post stabilometric study.

There are studies that show the better balance after dry needling in lumbar pain. However, the postural control effects after foot dry needling are unknown. Our objective was to check if dry needling reduces postural control. Eighteen subjects with flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscle Myofascial trigger point were evaluated pre- and post-deep dry needling. We measured stabilometric variables in a pre-post study. We have found significant differences in three stabilometric variables: surface with eyes closed (29.36-53.21 mm2 ) (p = 0.000), medium speed of the laterolateral displacement with eyes closed (1.42-1.64 mm/s) (p = 0.004), and medium speed of the anteroposterior displacement with eyes closed (1.30-1.53 mm/s) (p = 0.025). Dry needling therapy application in FDB muscle reduces standing postural control with eyes closed.

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.

Exercise Physiology at "Conversational Level" Is Not Impaired in Healthy Young Subjects Wearing Masks or Respirators.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the use of both surgical masks and FFP2 respirators on the inspiratory muscle strength, metabolic parameters, heart rate, subjective perceived exertion, and dyspnea perception, before and during 30 min stable load exercise at "conversational level". METHODS: A randomized cross-over study was carried out. Nineteen healthy adults completed 3 conditions (without a mask, with a surgical mask or an FFP2 respirator) during a 30-min steady-state test at the lactate threshold intensity. Inspiratory muscle strength was measured before and after the test, and metabolic parameters, heart rate, subjective perceived exertion, and dyspnea perception were collected at baseline, during, and after the test. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in inspiratory muscle strength after the 30-min test in all conditions (control: 6.26 mm Hg, p < 0.5; surgical mask: 8.55 mm Hg, p < 0.01; FFP2 respirator: 12.42 mm Hg, p < 0.001), but without significant differences between them (p = 0.283). Data showed a statistically significant effect for time, but did not show a statistically significant interaction between condition and time for heart rate (p = 0.674), oxygen saturation (p = 0.297), blood lactate level (p = 0.991), rating perceived exertion (p = 0.734) and dyspnea (p = 0.532) comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: The present study findings suggested that inspiratory muscle strength and physiological parameters during "conversational level" exercise were not impaired under wearing masks in healthy, nonsmoking young adults.

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.

Effect of foot health and quality of life in patients with Parkinson disease: A prospective case-control investigation.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder, characterised by the presence of motor disturbances. Therefore, it can be related to musculoskeletal and orthopaedic problems, particularly in the foot status, that are linked to a negative effect on overall health, mobility and social function. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to analyse the impact of foot health and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease and people without Parkinson's disease, with normalised reference scores, in the light of the values recorded with regard to foot health status and overall health. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective case-control investigation. A sample of Parkinson's patients (n = 62) including 24 men and 38 women was recruited, and foot HQoL was measured using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire Spanish (Sp_FHSQ). RESULTS: The PD group recorded lower levels of foot health quality of life (HQoL) with lower scores on the Sp_FHSQ in general foot health, general health, physical activity, social capacity and vigour sub-scales. Regarding the rest of the sub-scales of the Sp_FHSQ, foot pain showed higher values in the PD group. Differences between the cases and control groups were analysed by means of a Mann-Whitney U test, showing statistical significance (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PD presents an increased negative impact on foot health and quality of life which appears to be related to the chronic neurodegenerative disease.

Impact of Footwear and Foot Deformities in patients with Parkinson's disease: A Case-Series Study.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common and complex neurological problem. Gait abnormalities are frequent in PD patients, and this increases the risk of falls. However, little is known about foot deformities and footwear in this vulnerable population. Here we investigate whether patients with PD use an appropriate shoe size and know if they have foot deformities or alterations. Methodology: A study of a series of observational descriptive cases in a convenience sample (n = 53 patients) diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. One trained investigator evaluated foot and ankle health. The footwear and foot measurements were obtained using a Brannock device. Results: The podiatric examination and footwear examination detected a high presence of podiatric pathologies and inappropriate footwear. This has a negative impact on the quality of life of these patients. Conclusions: This research detected an elevated number of people with foot deformities or alterations. Moreover, a high proportion of participants with PD wear inadequate footwear (in length, width, or both).

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.

Concurrent Validity and Reliability of Manual Versus Specific Device Transcostal Measurements for Breathing Diaphragm Thickness by Ultrasonography in Lumbopelvic Pain Athletes.

The use of rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) to evaluate diaphragm thickness during breathing in athletes who suffer from non-specific lumbopelvic pain presents some measurement errors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate intra- and inter-sessions, intra- and inter-rater reliabilities, and concurrent validity of diaphragm thickness measurements during breathing using transcostal RUSI with a novel thoracic orthotic device that was used to fix the US probe versus those measurements obtained using manual fixation. A total of 37 athletes with non-specific lumbopelvic pain were recruited. Intra- (same examiner) and inter-rater (two examiners) and intra- (same day) and inter-session (alternate days) reliabilities were analyzed. All measurements were obtained after manual probe fixation and after positioning the thoracic orthotic device to fix the US probe in order to correctly correlate both measurement methods. Both left and right hemi-diaphragm thickness measurements were performed by transcostal RUSI at maximum inspiration, expiration, and the difference between the two parameters during relaxed breathing. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), standard errors of measurement (SEM), minimum detectable changes (MCD), systematic errors, and correlations (r) were assessed. Orthotic device probe fixation showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.852-0.996, SEM = 0.0002-0.054, and MDC = 0.002-0.072), and most measurements did not show significant systematic errors (p > 0.05). Despite manual probe fixation with a reliability ranging from good to excellent (ICC = 0.714-0.997, SEM = 0.003-0.023, and MDC = 0.008-0.064 cm), several significant systematic measurement errors (p < 0.05) were found. Most significant correlations between both orthotic device and manual probe fixation methods were moderate (r = 0.486-0.718; p < 0.05). Bland-Altman plots indicated adequate agreement between both measurement methods according to the agreement limits. The proposed novel thoracic orthotic device may allow ultrasound probe fixation to provide valid and reliable transcostal RUSI measurements of diaphragmatic thickness during relaxed breathing thus reducing some measurement errors and avoiding systematic measurement errors. It may be advisable to measure diaphragm thickness and facilitate visual biofeedback with respect to diaphragm re-education during normal breathing in athletes with non-specific lumbopelvic pain.

Electromyographic Assessment of the Efficacy of Deep Dry Needling versus the Ischemic Compression Technique in Gastrocnemius of Medium-Distance Triathletes.

Several studies have shown that gastrocnemius is frequently injured in triathletes. The causes of these injuries are similar to those that cause the appearance of the myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). The ischemic compression technique (ICT) and deep dry needling (DDN) are considered two of the main MPS treatment methods in latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). In this study superficial electromyographic (EMG) activity in lateral and medial gastrocnemius of triathletes with latent MTrPs was measured before and immediately after either DDN or ICT treatment. Taking into account superficial EMG activity of lateral and medial gastrocnemius, the immediate effectiveness in latent MTrPs of both DDN and ICT was compared. A total of 34 triathletes was randomly divided in two groups. The first and second groups (n = 17 in each group) underwent only one session of DDN and ICT, respectively. EMG measurement of gastrocnemius was assessed before and immediately after treatment. Statistically significant differences (p = 0.037) were shown for a reduction of superficial EMG measurements differences (%) of the experimental group (DDN) with respect to the intervention group (ICT) at a speed of 1 m/s immediately after both interventions, although not at speeds of 1.5 m/s or 2.5 m/s. A statistically significant linear regression prediction model was shown for EMG outcome measurement differences at V1 (speed of 1 m/s) which was only predicted for the treatment group (R2 = 0.129; ß = 8.054; F = 4.734; p = 0.037) showing a reduction of this difference under DDN treatment. DDN administration requires experience and excellent anatomical knowledge. According to our findings immediately after treatment of latent MTrPs, DDN could be advisable for triathletes who train at a speed lower than 1 m/s, while ICT could be a more advisable technique than DDN for training or competitions at speeds greater than 1.5 m/s.

Impact of chronic kidney diseases in feet health & quality of life: A case-series study.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is examine Quality of Life in subjects with chronic kidney disease utilizing Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 101 subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD) was studied in specialized clinics, in Extremadura (Spain). An observational descriptive study. The FHSQ was utilized to assess specific foot health (first section) and overall health (second division). The differences between clumps they were assessed using a t-test to independent samples. RESULTS: 59.40% (n = 60) were men and 40.59% (n = 41) women. The mean age was 68.77 ± 14.07. In first division of the FHSQ, a less score was registered in footwear domain (39.25) and in general foot health domain (46.37). In second division, less scores were resulted in general health domain (72) and vigour domain (60.43). CKD women got less scores in every domain. Women with CKD obtained significantly less scores in dimensions of foot pain, foot function, footwear, general foot health, general health and physical activity and there was no difference contrasted with men in the dimensions of social capacity and vigour. CONCLUSIONS: The studied CKD population has problems their feet. Quality of life of CKD subjects is negatively impacted by health of their feet, difficulties with footwear, their overall health, and lack of vitality. Women with CKD show lower values of quality of life contrasted to male patients, associated with inability to perform physical activity, lack of energy and tiredness.

Transcultural adaptation and validation of Italian Selfcare diabetic foot questionnaire.

The Italian Selfcare diabetic foot questionnaire, (SDFQ-IT) is considered a diabetic foot self-care evaluation tool with 16 questions for assessing diabetic foot health disorders. To date, SDFQ has been validated in different languages, but an Italian version was lacking. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to translate and validate the Italian version of the SDFQ-IT (SDFQ-IT). A suitable method was developed for the translation protocol and cross-cultural validation from Spanish to Italian. Regarding the total marks from each sub-scale, agreement degrees, and confidence were analysed using the Cronbach's α and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. In addition, the mean ± SD differences between pre and post-tests were calculated and completed using the Bland and Altman distribution plots. Excellent agreement between the two versions based on Cronbach's α was demonstrated. Three sub-scales consisting of knowledge of foot hygiene, the appropriate use of footwear and socks, and podiatric self-care were added together to obtain the total score. Excellent retest reliability was shown for the total score. Test/retest reliability was excellent for the self-care domain, and shock and shoe sub-scales. There were no significant differences among any domain (P > .05). There were no statistically significant differences (P = .000) for the mean ± SDs differences between pre-and post-tests (92.9200 ± 12.914) [89.25-96.59] and 92.9200 ± 13.012 [89.22-96.62] points, respectively). Bland and Altman plots or clinically pertinent variations were not statistically significantly different. The SDFQ-IT is considered a strong and valid questionnaire with adequate repeatability in the Italian community.

Is a Combination of Exercise and Dry Needling Effective for Knee OA?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of adding dry needling (DN) to an exercise program on pain intensity and disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN: Double-blind randomized clinical trial with one-year follow-up. SETTING: Older adults in a multicenter study. SUBJECTS: Sixty-two patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly allocated into one of two groups: exercise plus DN (exercise + DN; N = 31) or exercise plus sham DN (exercise + sham DN; N = 31). METHODS: Participants received six sessions of either DN or sham DN over the leg muscles related to knee pain from osteoarthritis plus a supervised exercise program. We evaluated between-group differences in terms of the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score. We used the EuroQol Group 5-Dimension Self-Report Questionnaire, Barthel Index, Timed Up & Go Test, and Global Rating of Change Scale to examine between-group differences for health-related quality of life, functional status evaluation, balance assessment, and clinical progress, respectively. RESULTS: The groups were not different in terms of pain intensity (0.32 points, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.12 to 1.18, P = 0.92) or WOMAC score (0.29 points, 95% CI = -6.16 to 6.74, P = 0.92) at one year. Both groups presented within-group differences at all follow-up periods (F = 28.349, P < 0.0001, ηp2 = 0.32) on secondary outcomes. Nevertheless, 90.3% of the DN group had reduced medication consumption vs only 26.3% in the sham DN group. CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of DN to an exercise program does not reduce pain or disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Fear Avoidance Beliefs and Kinesiophobia Are Presented in Athletes who Suffer from Gastrocnemius Chronic Myofascial Pain.

OBJECTIVE: To compare and predict kinesiophobia and fear avoidance beliefs between athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and healthy athletes. DESIGN: Case-control. SETTING: Outpatient clinic. SUBJECTS: Fifty athletes were divided into athletes with chronic gastrocnemius MPS (N = 25) and healthy athletes (N = 25). METHODS: Kinesiophobia symptoms total and domain scores (harm and activity avoidance) and levels were determined by the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11). Fear avoidance beliefs total and domain scores (physical and working activities) were measured by the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ). RESULTS: Significant differences (P < 0.05) with a large effect size (d = 0.81-4.22) were found between both groups, with greater kinesiophobia symptom scores for the TSK-11 activity avoidance domain and total scores, and greater fear avoidance beliefs scores for the FABQ physical and working activities domains and total scores of athletes with gastrocnemius MPS with respect to healthy athletes. TSK-11 total score showed a prediction model (R2 = 0.256) based on the FABQ total score. The FABQ total score showed a prediction model (R2 = 0.741) based on gastrocnemius MPS presence (R2 = 0.665), levels of kinesiophobia (R2 = 0.052), and height (R2 = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Greater kinesiophobia levels, greater total and activity avoidance domain scores (but not for the harm domain), and greater fear avoidance beliefs total and domain scores (work and physical activity) were shown for athletes with gastrocnemius MPS vs healthy athletes. Higher kinesiophobia symptoms were predicted by greater fear avoidance beliefs in athletes. Greater fear avoidance beliefs were predicted by the presence of gastrocnemius MPS, higher levels of kinesiophobia, and lower height in athletes.

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.

Foot health-related quality of life in hemophiliacs: A case-control study.

Background: Haemophilia is considered as a chronic genetic disease related with alteration in coagulation mechanism which affects to health related quality of life (HQoL). Purpose: The goal compared marks of HQoL, in haemophiliacs with respect non haemophilic subjects. Methods: A population of 74 subjects, were recruited from association of haemophilic illness separated in haemophilic subjects (n = 37) and no haemophilic (n = 37). For subjects who suffered haemophilia were enlisted from the association of haemophilic illness after a seminar of 45 minutes to them and to their relatives about foot health. Control subjects, were recruited from their relatives who live with the patient. The marks of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire Spanish S_FHSQ sub-scales were recompiled. Results: All S_FHSQ domains as foot pain, foot function, tootwear, general foot health, general health, physical activity and social capacity showed lower scores in the haemophilic than non-haemophilic group (P <0.01) except for vigour (P = 0.173). Regarding the rest sub-scale marks of S_FHSQ, showed no significant difference P <0.01. Conclusion: Subjects with a haemophilia showed significant worse foot QoL in all S_FHSQ domains except vigour domain compared with non-haemophilic subjects.

Fit factor of masks used by Physicians in Clinical Settings.

Background: Usually, physicians use filtering respirators in clinical settings to a lesser extent than other simpler surgical masks. The study aim was to determine the fit factor of surgical and other types masks commonly used in clinical settings compared with FFP3 filtering respirators. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out recruiting a total sample of 78 physicians. Fit factor was measured to determine particles count into masks compared to particles count outside of the masks meanwhile physicians carried out a protocol composed by 8 exercises as well as the global fit factor total scores. First, fit factor was analyzed with the usual surgical masks used by physicians in clinical settings. Second, fit factor was determined with the proposed FFP3 filtering respirators. Results: Most participants (97%) used surgical masks. Statistically significant differences (P<0.001) with an effect size from moderate to large (d=0.61-1.00) were shown for fit factors in the different exercises and total scores between surgical and other masks (3.2±5.0) and FFP3 filtering respirators (40.7±37.8). Generally, FFP3 filtering respirators showed a higher fit factor in the different exercises and total scores compared to the commonly used surgical and other types masks in clinical settings. Conclusions: Despite most physicians used surgical masks in clinical settings, filtering FFP3 masks showed a higher fit factor in the different exercises and total scores compared with the used surgical masks and filtering respirators such as FFP1, FFP2 and other types in clinical settings.

Pressure and Traction Technique Improves Postural Control More Than Tactile Stimulation in Foot Plantar Fascia: A Randomized Single-Blind Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To check the acute effects of manual pressure and traction technique on balance and plantar footprint variables. DESIGN: A single-blind clinical study with 2 groups. SETTING: Private practice. PARTICIPANTS: Healthy participants (N=40; 28 female and 12 male) were recruited to carry out a single-blind study. INTERVENTIONS: Experimental group performed a bilateral plantar fascia manual pressure and traction technique. Control group performed a tactile stimulation. The position of the participant, the therapist, and the time of application of the techniques (5min) were the same for both interventions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We measured stabilometry variables and static footprint. The footprint variables were divided in rear, middle, and front foot areas. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in stabilometry variables. There was an improvement in experimental group at X displacement with eyes open (P=.014) and surface eyes closed (P=.046) variables. CONCLUSIONS: After technique the experimental group improved the stabilometry variables, specifically surface with eyes closed and X displacement with eyes open. The static footprint variables have not shown differences after the technique compared with the control group.

QardioArm Blood Pressure Monitoring in a Population With Type 2 Diabetes: Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: Home blood pressure monitoring has many benefits, even more so, in populations prone to high blood pressure, such as persons with diabetes. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to validate the QardioArm mobile device in a sample of individuals with noninsulin-dependent type 2 diabetes in accordance with the guidelines of the second International Protocol of the European Society of Hypertension. METHODS: The sample consisted of 33 patients with type 2 diabetes. To evaluate the validity of QardioArm by comparing its data with that obtained with a digital sphygmomanometer (Omron M3 Intellisense), two nurses collected diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate with both devices. RESULTS: The analysis indicated that the test device QardioArm met all the validation requirements using a sample population with type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: This paper reports the first validation of QardioArm in a population of individuals with noninsulin-dependent type 2 diabetes. QardioArm for home monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate met the requirements of the second International Protocol of the European Society of Hypertension.

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.

Neuroticism Traits and Anxiety Symptoms are Exhibited in Athletes With Chronic Gastrocnemius Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

San-Antolín, M, Rodríguez-Sanz, D, Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo, R, Losa-Iglesias, ME, Martínez-Jiménez, EM, López-López, D, and Calvo-Lobo, C. Neuroticism traits and anxiety symptoms are exhibited in athletes with chronic gastrocnemius myofascial pain syndrome. J Strength Cond Res 34(12): 3377-3385, 2020-Common psychological factors, such as anxiety or neurotic personality traits, seem to be associated with pain suffered by athletes. Gastrocnemius muscles present a high prevalence for injury in athletes. These muscles are a region in which myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) frequently develops. Myofascial pain syndrome is characterized by the presence of active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). This study compared different personality and anxiety symptoms between athletes with and without active MTrPs in the gastrocnemius. A case-control study was conducted in an outpatient clinic. Athletes who performed moderate or vigorous physical activity according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were included. Fifty paired-matched athletes with and without active MTrPs in their gastrocnemius muscles (n = 25 in each group) were recruited. Different personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, psychoticism, and sincerity) and anxiety (state and trait) were evaluated by the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, respectively. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) with an effect size from moderate to large (d = 0.75-1.29) were found for greater neuroticism and sincerity traits in addition to state and trait anxiety in athletes with gastrocnemius MPS compared with healthy controls. In conclusion, athletes with gastrocnemius active MTrPs exhibited higher neuroticism and anxiety symptoms compared with healthy athletes. Mental health may play a key role in athletes with myofascial pain, and future studies should be performed to determine whether neuroticism-related and anxiety-related psychological care could be a key intervention in athletes with gastrocnemius active MTrPs to improve athletic performance and rehabilitation or prevent injuries.