Barefoot Research Articles

Intestinal parasitic infections and risk analysis among urban refugees in the Klang Valley, Malaysia.

Global studies show intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) have been introduced and spread with refugee inflows from low to high socio-economic countries. However, there is relatively limited information on the prevalence of infections among the community. A 2-year cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for infections among urban refugees in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. A total of 418 faecal samples were collected and examined by microscopy. Faecal screening revealed moderate levels (32.3%) of infections in the community. Three nematode (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm) and three protozoan species (Entamoeba, Giardia and Cryptosporidium) were recorded, with the highest prevalence being A. lumbricoides (20.6%) followed by T. trichiura (10.3%), while other infections were <5%. Statistical analysis found that young males with less education were more likely to be infected with helminths. Additionally, living near waste disposal sites, the presence of stray animals, eating with bare hands, bare footedness, poor handwashing practices and no anthelmintic treatment constituted significant risk factors for helminth infections. Protozoan infections were linked to drinking tap water or from water dispensers and poor handwashing practices. These findings emphasize the importance of health education in addition to introduction of biannual anthelmintic treatment to promote community health and well-being.

Increased Barefoot Stride Variability Might Be Predictor Rather than Risk Factor for Overuse Injury in the Military.

Footwear usage could be a promising focus in reducing musculoskeletal injury risk in lower extremities commonly observed among the military. The goal of this research was to find potential gait-related risk factors for lower leg overuse injuries. Cases (n = 32) were active-duty infantry soldiers who had suffered an overuse injury in the previous six months of service before enrolling in the study. The control group (n = 32) included infantry soldiers of the same age and gender who did not have a history of lower leg overuse injury. In the gait laboratory, individuals were asked to walk on a 5-m walkway. Rearfoot eversion, ankle plantar/dorsiflexion and stride parameters were evaluated for barefoot and shod conditions. Barefoot walking was associated with higher stride time variability among cases. According to the conditional regression analysis, stride time variability greater than 1.95% (AUC = 0.77, 95% CI (0.648 to 0.883), p < 0.001) during barefoot gait could predict lower leg overuse injury. Increased barefoot gait variability should be considered as a possible predictive factor for lower leg overuse injury in the military, and gait with military boots masked stride-related differences between soldiers with and without lower leg overuse injury.

Clinico-microbiological and Risk Factor Analysis of Strongyloides stercoralis Infections in South India

Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted nematode infection. It is implicated in causing hyper infection syndrome in immunosuppressed patients. This infection can also present without symptoms. The study aims to analyze the demographic data and risk factors associated with acquiring this infection and detectStrongyloides stercoralis in the stool sample by microscopy and modified agar plate culture. Combining microscopy and culture can facilitate detecting the infection in cases of low worm burden. Evaluation of socio-demographic information and risk factors will help in implementing control measures. A total of 986 stool samples were received. All the samples were examined by saline and Iodine mount examination. All the stool samples were cultured by the modified agar plate method. The risk factors, patient demographic details and clinical features were analyzed for significant association using the Chi-square test and a p-value &lt; 0.05 was considered significant) by quick calls graph pad software. The overall prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection was 22(1.23%), and all these cases were diagnosed on stool examination by the demonstration of rhabditiform larva ofStrongyloides stercoralis and adult females by modified agar plate culture. The positivity for Strongyloides larva was high among males, patients from rural areas and individuals working in agricultural settings. There was a significant association between walking barefoot and the demonstration of the larva. Patients presenting from endemic regions, even with vague, nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms, especially with risk factors like Diabetes mellitus, should be screened for this infection and treated. Awareness, proper hygiene practices, and appropriate treatment are necessary to prevent this soil-transmitted helminthic infection.

Phenotypical characterization, and antibiotics susceptibility patterns of skin bacteria found in podoconiosis patients in the North West Region of Cameroon

BackgroundPodoconiosis, a non-infectious disease originating from long-term exposure of bare feet to irritant red clay soil is a lifelong, disabling disease with no specific diagnostic tool, classified into 5 stages based on the severity of leg swelling (lymphoedema). Secondary bacterial infections have been suggested to cause acute dermatolymphangioadenitis (ADLA) attacks and drive disease progression. Although the North West Region of Cameroon has a proven history of podoconiosis endemicity, the bacterial composition of lymphoedema due to this condition has not been studied. Thus, this study investigated the leg bacterial diversity of patients who suffered from the lymphoedema and their susceptibility pattern to selected antibiotics.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out in which podoconiosis affected and non-lymphoedema individuals living in the same community were purposively selected. Samples were collected by swabbing the skin between the toes and around the anklebone, then cultured and sub-cultured on nutrient agar to obtain pure isolates. The cultured isolates were then morphologically and biochemically classified using microscopy and analytic profile index test kits, respectively. The disk diffusion technique was used to determine antibiotic susceptibility.ResultsThirty-three participants were recruited, and 249 bacterial isolates were characterized into 29 genera, 60 species; with 30 (50%) being gram positive rods, 19 (31.7%) gram positive cocci, and 11 (18.3%) gram negative rods. Thirteen gram positive rods, fifteen gram positive cocci, and eight gram negative rods of bacterial species were found only in podoconiosis individuals among which Cellulomonas spp / Microbacterium spp. (2.8%), Staphylococcus lentus (3.3%), and Burkholderia cepacia (4.0%) dominated. 90% (90%) of the bacterial isolates were sensitive to doxycycline, whereas ampicillin had a high level of intermediate resistance, and penicillin G had the greatest resistant profile.ConclusionOur findings show that 94 (37.8%) out of 249 described bacterial isolates were exclusively found in the legs of podoconiosis individuals, and their susceptibility pattern to antibiotics was similar to that of others.

Trauma and Injuries Pattern During Hajj, 1443 (2022): A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction Trauma and injuries are common among pilgrims during Hajj, the biggest mass gathering event. Trauma and injury causes vary from falling and pressing in crowdsto being burned by boiled water and road traffic accidents (RTA). Time to reach the hospitalduring highly condensed areasin Hajj are challenges for the public health authorities and the healthcare system to achieve optimum control, management, and outcome. This study aims to explore the pattern of trauma and injuries during Hajj as it is crucial to improve future preventive measures and care quality. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in one hospitalin each of the Mena and Arafat (Al-Mashaar's areas) in Makkah City,Saudi Arabia, from July 8 to10, 2022. Data was collected through interviews with patients who visit the hospitals or enter the emergency department and are diagnosed with trauma or injuryduring the Hajj season of 1443 Hijri date (2022). Results A total of 264 people volunteered to participate in the survey. The mean age by years was 43.5 ± 10.7, and the majority (56%) were between 41 and 64.There were multiple nationalities - the most common nationality was Egyptian (25%), followed by Saudi (10%). The commonest type of trauma was cutting wounds (50%), and the commonest cause was falling (39%), followed by foot twisting (31%). There were 142 cases in Arafat and 122 cases in Mena in the study duration.Tissue contusions are higher in Arafat. Fractures (5%) were in both areas but higher in Mena with burns and sprains. Friction blister injuries were only in Menaand were statistically associated with walking barefoot (p<0.01), which was associated with Egyptians (p<0.05). Also, thigh chafingis only in Mena, while eye traumas and abrasion are only in Arafat. There were four causes of injury that are statistically significantly associated with the area (p<0.05): foot twisting in Arafat, pressing in overcrowding, stoning, and burning in Mena. Moreover, all the RTA cases (n=4) were in Arafat, and all the stoningand burning by boiling water were in Mena. Admission was only for burning (n=2) and falling (n=2) cases and only in Mena emergency hospital; otherwise, all trauma cases were discharged after receiving management - no deaths among the study sample.Injuries in Mena are likely to happen in the evening and night (n=91), while in Arafat, it is more likely intwo periods (n=113), in the early morning and afternoon. This difference is statistically significant between the two areas (p<0.05).Most pilgrims (n=129/253) reach the hospital in 16 to 30 minutes. A statistically significant association exists between the duration and the area (p<0.05). Most patients in Arafat (88%) reach the hospital in less than 30 minutes, while only 50% take the same duration in Mena. Conclusion The Hajj season of 1443 H (2022) has a similar trauma pattern and improved outcomes compared to previous seasons.Discovering and digging into the causes of traumas and injuries should be optimized in future research for better control and customized prevention measures. Establishing new and remodeling current prevention measures is recommended for more control.

Effect of Footwear Type on Biomechanical Risk Factors for Knee Osteoarthritis.

Regular walking in different types of footwear may increase the mediolateral shear force, knee adduction moment, or vertical ground-reaction forces that could increase the risk of early development of knee osteoarthritis (OA). To compare kinematic and kinetic parameters that could affect the development of knee OA in 3 footwear conditions. Controlled laboratory study. A total of 40 asymptomatic participants performed walking trials in the laboratory at self-selected walking speeds under barefoot (BF), minimalistic (MF), and neutral (NF) footwear conditions. Knee joint parameters were described using discrete point values, and continuous curves were evaluated using statistical parametric mapping. A 3 × 1 repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to determine the main effect of footwear for both discrete and continuous data. To compare differences between footwear conditions, a post hoc paired t test was used. Discrete point analyses showed a significantly greater knee power in NF compared with MF and BF in the weight absorption phase (P < .001 for both). Statistical parametric mapping analysis indicated a significantly greater knee angle in the sagittal plane at the end of the propulsive phase in BF compared with NF and MF (P = .043). Knee joint moment was significantly greater in the propulsive phase for the sagittal (P = .038) and frontal planes (P = .035) in BF compared with NF and MF and in the absorption phase in the sagittal plane (P = .034) in BF compared with MF and NF. A significant main effect of footwear was found for anteroposterior (propulsion, ↑MF, NF, ↓BF [P = .008]; absorption, ↑BF, MF, ↓NF [P = .001]), mediolateral (propulsion, ↑MF, NF, ↓BF [P = .005]; absorption, ↑NF, MF, ↓BF [P = .044]), and vertical (propulsion, ↑NF, BF, ↓MF [P = .001]; absorption, ↑MF, BF, ↓NF [P < .001]) ground-reaction forces. Knee power showed a significant main effect of footwear (absorption, ↑NF, MF, ↓BF [P = .015]; propulsion, ↑MF, NF, ↓BF [P = .039]). Walking in MF without sufficient accommodation affected kinetic and kinematic parameters and could increase the risk of early development of knee OA.

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

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

Foot Care Awareness among Diabetic Patients

Objective: To assess the awareness of the patient regarding foot care. Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted at Diabetes &amp; Endocrinology Ward, Chandka Medical College Hospital, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University, Larkana from 1st January 2022 to 30th June 2022. There were 200 patients enrolled in this study suffering from type-2 diabetic patients with an age more than 30 years were included. A well-structured questionnaire was designed for documenting the awareness related questions about foot care from each diabetic patient. Patients were classified as those who have visited physician for foot care or not, ulceration presence, and risk status. Results: The mean age of the cases were 50.7±10.4 years with more males having no foot ulceration while higher females suffering from foot ulcerations. The educational status presented higher level of primary education in both groups while this was followed by no education in foot ulceration diabetic patients. The knowledge scores presented higher number of patients above age 45 having the knowledge of foot care with 127 females presented. The awareness of self-foot care was observed in on 45 cases with highest in those having at least secondary education. There were 45.5% those diabetic patients having long time history of diabetes. There were 9% cases with previous history of foot ulceration. The awareness of foot care practice was observed in 37.5% of the total cases with only 4 those having foot ulceration. There was very poor hygiene awareness about feet in cases with foot ulceration. Awareness about not soaking the feet was only present in 24% of ulceration foot diabetic patients while 34% were not aware of risks with walking barefoot outside. Those patients whose feet were examined by physicians had significantly higher trend of walking barefoot. They also were less aware of drying toes web spaces as compared to the other groups. Practical implication Conclusion: Diabetic foot ulceration was observed significantly low in those patients who had knowledge regarding self-care. Keywords: Foot ulcers, Diabetes, Neuropathy, Guidelines, Amputation

Earthing Method as Lifestyle Medicine to Reduce Hypertension in Pregnancy in Surakarta City, Central Java, IndonesiaEarthing Method as Lifestyle Medicine to Reduce Hypertension in Pregnancy

Hypertension in pregnancy is among the three highest complications in 1 in 10 pregnant women. It is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for mothers and babies (including seizures and low birth weight (LBW)). Earthing or grounding is a direct contact therapy between the body and the earth's surface (soil, grass, sand or stone), which allows the free transport of electrons from the earth's surface to spread to the body through the skin. The research objective was to analyze the effect of Earthing on hypertension in pregnancy. The research design was a pre-experimental with a one-group pretest and posttest, designed for one year of study. The population of pregnant women with hypertension in Surakarta City, Central Java, with the sampling technique used was purposive sampling, recruiting 20 respondents. Earthing duration 1 hour every day for 30 days. The statistical analysis results in a P-value of 0.000, t-count 25.065&gt;t-table 2.093, for systolic blood pressure and P-value 0.000, t-count 93.05&gt;t-table 2.093 for diastolic blood pressure. It indicates a significant difference in pregnant mothers' systolic and diastolic blood pressure before and after Earthing. It is recommended for mothers to perform Earthing or grounding as a lifestyle medicine at home by placing bare feet on the soil every day for 1 hour. It is beneficial to do Earthing/grounding throughout the pregnancy or by using Earthing device that connects the electrons in the earth to the skin.

Radiotherapy for Ledderhose disease: Results of the LedRad-study, a prospective multicentre randomised double-blind phase 3 trial

Background and purposeRadiotherapy is considered a treatment option for Ledderhose disease. However, its benefits have never been confirmed in a randomised controlled trial. Therefore, the LedRad-study was conducted. Materials and methodsThe LedRad-study is a prospective multicentre randomised double-blind phase three trial. Patients were randomised to sham-radiotherapy (placebo) or radiotherapy. The primary endpoint was pain reduction at 12 months after treatment, measured with the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary endpoints were pain reduction at 6 and 18 months after treatment, quality of life (QoL), walking abilities and toxicity. ResultsA total of 84 patients were enrolled. At 12 and 18 months, patients in the radiotherapy group had a lower mean pain score compared to patients in the sham-radiotherapy group (2.5 versus 3.6 (p = 0.03) and 2.1 versus 3.4 (p = 0.008), respectively). Pain relief at 12 months was 74% in the radiotherapy group and 56% in the sham-radiotherapy group (p = 0.002). Multilevel testing for QoL scores showed higher QoL scores in the radiotherapy group compared to the sham-radiotherapy group (p < 0.001). Moreover, patients in the radiotherapy group had a higher mean walking speed and step rate with barefoot speed walking (p = 0.02). Erythema, skin dryness, burning sensations and increased pain were the most frequently reported side effects. These side effects were generally graded as mild (95%) and the majority (87%) were resolved at 18 months follow-up. ConclusionRadiotherapy for symptomatic Ledderhose disease is an effective treatment resulting in a significant pain reduction, improvement of QoL scores and bare feet walking abilities, in comparison to sham-radiotherapy.

Foot Injuries at Music Festivals–One of the Most Common Presentations to On-site Medical Services

Introduction:Foot injuries are a common patient presentation at music festivals, and are resource-intensive patient encounters by virtue of their comparative volume. There are no published accounts devoted to these ubiquitous, typical, predictable festival injuries leading to presentation to on-site medical services for treatment.Method:A retrospective chart review was performed of visits to medical services for first aid or medical care involving feet at a multi-day music festival in Canada. Data extracted included demographics, injury characteristics, and type of footwear. Encounters were classified as initial or repeat visits, and repeat visits were assessed for having had previous dressings applied.Results:Over the five day festival period, foot care visits accounted for 416 of 1129 (37%) patient presentations for minor care. Most common injuries were blisters (51%), ankle sprains (10%), lacerations (8%), abrasions (6%), and bug bites (6%). Footwear was reported as shoes (28%), shoes and socks (28%), flip-flops (19%), sandals (28%) and bare feet only (5%). The most common blister sites were toes (48%) and the posterior heel (17%). 12% of cases were repeat visits, and 50% of repeat visits were for dressings failure.Conclusion:Foot injuries make up a significant portion of presentations, and often re-presentations, to medical services at music festivals. Preparation for these common injuries should include (1) a dedicated and purposeful bandage selection and supply, (2) provider training in best foot care practices, including bombproof, danceable dressings, and (3) educational resources to inform attendees of risks and provide preventative upstream measures that might allow them to avoid injury.

Lali's Flip-Flops by Farhana Zia

Reviewed by: Lali's Flip-Flops by Farhana Zia Kara Forde Zia, Farhana Lali's Flip-Flops; illus. by Stephanie Fizer Coleman. Peachtree, 2023 [32p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781682634936 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9781682635131 $11.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 3-7yrs After a morning of household chores, Lali heads to the market with her hard-earned coins jingling in her pocket as she follows a "twisty-curvy, dusty, stony, prickly, sizzly-wizzly path" that hurts her bare feet. On the way, she encounters Hen, Goat, and Bird, who respectively ask Lali to bring back "lentils to peck, peck, peck," "berries to munch, munch, munch," and "ribbons to weave, weave, weave." When she arrives at the bustling market, however, Lali speeds past the relevant merchants and goes straight to a cart filled with squishy, comfy flip-flops. As she leaves the market, her pockets no longer jingle, but the "slappity-slap" of Lali's new shoes accompany her skipping, prancing, and twirling on her way home—until she shows up empty-handed and realizes she has let down her animal friends. Zia's zesty text uses strategic repetition, bouncy rhythms, and entertaining onomatopoeia to create a spirited tale with broad read-aloud appeal. Coleman's digital illustrations employ [End Page 311] spare backgrounds combined with a bright color palette comprised of oranges, pinks, and greens to keep young readers focused on the action and Lali's boundless energy. No specific location is indicated by the text, but the art cues this story's context as culturally South Asian, as Lali wears a bindi and the merchants' outfits are a mixture of South Asian and western styles. Even though Lali prioritized her comfort over the requests of her creature companions, a little hard work, a spirit of generosity, and another journey ensures that everyone, including Lali, has a treat to enjoy. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

Medals, Rings, and Olympic Dreams: A Review Essay of Antonio Sotomayor and Cesar R. Torres, eds., Olimpismo

Medals, Rings, and Olympic Dreams: A Review Essay of Antonio Sotomayor and Cesar R. Torres, eds., <i>Olimpismo</i>

Efficacy of Hinged Ankle–Foot Orthosis on Gait Improvement of Children with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Literature Review

Purpose: The purpose is to study the effect of hinged ankle–foot orthosis (HAFO) on gait kinematics and temporospatial parameters of children with diplegic cerebral palsy. Methods: A literature search has been conducted from 2005 to 2022 to find the studies measuring the effect of HAFO on children with diplegic spastic cerebral palsy (CP) during gait through various bibliographic databases: PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, O and P Virtual Library and Google Scholar. Results: We found 96 pieces of potentially relevant literature from which only six studies met the inclusion criteria were included. One hundred and fifty-three participants, with a mean age of 8.6 years (4–17 years), were investigated, of which 128 were spastic diplegic CP. Among spastic diplegic, 45 individuals were identified as walking with true equinus gait and 34 with jump gait. Gait parameters of participants were evaluated with ankle–foot orthoses (AFO) (hinged, solid and supramalleolar orthosis), and barefoot walking conditions showed improvement in some kinematic and spatial-temporal parameters, making their gait closer to that of typically developing children. Conclusion: HAFO was found very satisfactory, as it improves dynamic stability and ankle range of motion resulting in a more natural gait in children with spastic diplegic CP.

Knowledge and Practice of the Preventive and Care Methods for Diabetic Foot Among the Caregivers of Diabetic Patients in Saudi Arabia.

Background Diabetic foot syndrome is a complex and multifactorial disease process involving neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, osteomyelitis, diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), and amputation. DFUs are a common and burdensome manifestation of the syndrome, responsible for diabetes-related morbidity and mortality. Successful management of DFU requires collaboration between patients and caregivers. This study assesses the knowledge, experience, and practices of the caregivers of diabetic foot patients in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve knowledge and practices in certain subgroups of caregivers. Method The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the proficiency and practicality of caregivers who provide care to patients with diabetic foot in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To accomplish this, a cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers of diabetic foot patients who were aged 18 years or older and living in Saudi Arabia. The participants were randomly chosen to ensure that the sample was representative. The data collection process involved the distribution of a structured online questionnaire via various social media platforms. Prior to the distribution of the questionnaire, the participants were informed about the study's objectives, and their informed consent was obtained. Additionally, adequate measures were taken to ensure the confidentiality of the participants and their caregiving status. Results Among the initial pool of 2990 participants, 1023 individuals were excluded from the study due to their status as non-caregivers of diabetic patients or being under the age of 18 years. Consequently, the final sample size consisted of 1921 caregivers. The majority of the participants were female (61.6%), married (58.6%), and had a bachelor's degree (52.4%). The findings revealed that 34.6% of caregivers were attending to patients with diabetic foot, of which 8.5% reported poor foot status and 9.1% reported amputation. Caregivers reported examining the patient's feet in 75.2% of cases, and the feet were cleaned and moisturized by either the patient or caregiver. Nails were trimmed by 77.8% of caregivers, and 49.8% of them did not permit patients to walk barefoot. Moreover, knowledge of diabetic foot care was positively correlated with being female, having a post-graduate degree, having personal experience with diabetes, caring for a patient with diabetic foot, and having prior experience in treating diabetic foot. Conversely, lower knowledge levels were associated with divorced or unemployed caregivers and those residing in the northern region. Conclusion The present study highlights that caregivers of diabetic foot patients in Saudi Arabia possess a satisfactory level of knowledge and follow appropriate practices regarding foot care. Nonetheless, it is imperative to identify specific subgroups of caregivers who may require additional education and training to improve their knowledge and practices concerning diabetic foot care. The results of this study could potentially inform the design of tailored interventions aimed at reducing the significant burden of morbidity and mortality attributed to diabetic foot syndrome in the Saudi Arabian context.

The Relationship Between the Effects of Lateral Wedge Insoles and Kinematic Chain Dynamics Between the Hindfoot and Lower Leg in Patients With Osteoarthritis of the Knee.

Purpose We aim to determine whether kinematic chain dynamics of the hindfoot and lower leg are involved in the effect of a lateral wedge insole (LWI) on reducing lateral thrust among patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Participants and methods Eight patients with knee osteoarthritis were included in the study. Evaluation of the kinematic chain and gait analysis was performed using an inertial measurement unit (IMU). The dynamics of the kinematic chain were calculated as linear regression coefficients of the external rotation angle of the lower leg relative to the inversion angle of the hindfoot during repeated inversion and eversion of the foot in the standing position (kinematic chain ratio (KCR)). Walk tests were performed under four conditions: barefoot (BF), neutral insole (NI) with an incline of 0 degrees, and LWI with an incline of approximately 5 and 10 degrees (5LWI and 10LWI, respectively). Results The mean (± standard deviation (SD)) KCR was 1.4 ± 0.5. The KCR was significantly correlated with the change in 5LWI lateral thrust acceleration relative to BF (r = 0.74). A significant correlation was also observed between changes in the hindfoot evolution angle and lower leg internal rotation angle with a 10LWI with respect to BF and NI, and changes in lateral thrust acceleration. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that the kinematic chain is involved in the effects of an LWI in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Soil-transmitted helminthes infection and related factors among primary school students at Ea Po commune, Cu Jut district, Dak Nong province

Background: Soil-transmitted helminth infection is a common and a significant health problem in poor and developing countries. Children are the most commonly infected with soil-transmitted helminths. Objectives: To determine the proportion of soil-transmitted helminth and related factors to soil-transmitted helminth infection in primary school students in Ea Po commune, Cu Jut district, Dak Nong province, in 2021. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was caried out on 440 primary school students attending two primary schools. Participants were interviewed and collected the fecal to detect soil-transmitted helminths by the Kato technique. Results: The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infection among primary school students was 17.5%. Ethnicity, hand washing before eating, barefoot walking, and toilet were related factors to soil-transmitted helminth infection. Conclusion: These results reinforce the need to take more effective actions to address soil-transmitted helminth infection in children. Key words: prevalence, related factors, soil-transmitted helminths.

Cavovarus deformity of one foot with planovalgus deformity of the contralateral foot (Wind-swept heels): A case report

Normal alignment of the arches and adequate stability is essential for the foot to function correctly. Pes planus and pes cavus are fairly common foot deformities, but it is uncommon to see both in the same patient simultaneously. This study aimed to describe the clinical presentation and prognosis of an uncommon combination of bilateral foot abnormalities named “windswept heels” resembling windswept knees. A 43-year-old female employee experienced frequent pain in her right foot and swelling and pain in her left foot, mainly when walking barefoot. She had a severe cavovarus deformity of the right foot with pressure callosities on the lateral side, clawing of the toes, and a positive Coleman’s block test. With the loss of the medial arch, severe heel valgus, and forefoot abduction, the left foot developed a planovalgus deformity. The left foot’s talus-first metatarsal angle and the right foot’s calcaneal inclination angle increased on weight-bearing radiographs. The left foot underwent staged surgical treatments, including medial sliding calcaneal osteotomy, gastrocnemius recession, and cotton osteotomy. For the right foot, lateral sliding calcaneal osteotomy, plantar fasciotomy, and peroneus longus tendon transfer. The American Orthopaedics Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS) was used to measure the clinical and functional outcomes. At 1 year, her AOFAS scale was 85 compared to 59 before surgery. Since this presentation resembles the windswept knee deformity, we propose calling this disorder windswept heel deformity.

Multimedia Elements in the Motion Tracking Effect of Taekwondo Martial Arts Learning Media

Taekwondo is a modern martial art originating from traditional Korean martial arts. That is the art or type of self-discipline or Pencak silat that uses bare hands and feet. The basics of taekwondo consist of offensive and defensive movement techniques that use the body to confront the enemy. Taekwondo focuses more on kicks than punches. Kicking techniques are generally more complex than the hands, but kicking techniques are the main because their strength is greater than the strength of the hand. With proper and correct training methods, the quality of kicks can be significantly improved. In taekwondo, it is not just a means of self-defense. With the development of today's technology, it may be more effective to provide taekwondo training materials. Video media has the advantage of being easy to learn. Watching videos to learn movement techniques does not have to be during practice. It can be done anywhere. In addition, you can play the video repeatedly and slow down to see the train technology. From the opinion of experts, it can be concluded that the media is a sub tool used to convey information to students as recipients of information designed to increase student interest in learning. In the research and development carried out, Taekwondo training is packaged in VCD format as a medium to be displayed via an LCD projector during learning.

Monitoring the Status of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases in Non-Endemic Implementation Units: A Case Study of Borgu in Northcentral Nigeria.

Nigeria remains the most endemic country in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) for soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH). In line with ongoing monitoring plans, we present findings from a recent analysis of STH epidemiological data in Borgu, one of the non-endemic implementation units for STH in the northcentral region of Nigeria. An overall prevalence of 8.8% was recorded for STH infection, which corresponds to a 51.9% decline from the 18.3% reported in 2013. All the infected participants (36 out of 410) had a low intensity of infection. However, more than two-thirds (69%) of the children do not have access to latrine facilities, and 45% of them walk barefoot. Prevalence was significantly associated with community, age, and parental occupation. About 21-25% reduced odds were reported in some of the study communities, and children whose parents were traders had 20 times lower odds of infection compared to those whose parents were farmers. The ongoing preventive chemotherapy program for lymphatic filariasis in the area could be responsible for the huge reduction in prevalence and intensity estimates for STH. It is therefore important to invest in monitoring transmission dynamics in other non-endemic areas to arrest emerging threats through the provision of complementary interventions including WASH facilities and other health educational tools.