Barefoot Research Articles

Do Dynamic Plantar Pressures Differ Based on Sonographic Evidence of Metatarsophalangeal Joint Synovitis in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJs) are the most common location for synovitis in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), yet their association with plantar foot pressures has received very little attention. This study aimed to determine whether plantar pressures differed based on sonographic evidence of MTPJ synovitis in people with RA. Ultrasound was used to assess synovitis (grey scale synovial hypertrophy and power Doppler signal) in MTPJs 1 to 5 using the combined EULAR/Outcome Measures in Rheumatology scoring system. Peak pressure (PP) and pressure time integrals (PTIs) were assessed during barefoot walking for seven plantar foot regions (heel, midfoot, first metatarsal, second metatarsal, third to fifth metatarsals, hallux, lesser toes). Mixed-effects linear regression was used to determine the difference in PP and PTI between MTPJs with none/minimal synovitis and MTPJs with moderate/severe synovitis. Thirty-five participants with RA were included. Mean age was 66.3 years and mean disease duration was 22.2 years. Participants with sonographic evidence of moderate/severe synovitis at the first MTPJ had reduced PTI at the hallux compared with those with none/minimal synovitis at this joint (P = 0.039). Participants with moderate/severe synovitis at the second MTPJ and fourth MTPJ had reduced PP and reduced PTI at lesser toes compared with those with none/minimal synovitis in these joints (all P ≤ 0.048). No significant differences were observed for synovitis in other joints. These findings may be suggestive of an inverse relationship between plantar pressure and soft tissue pathology, which is consistent with an offloading strategy and reduced use of the toes during propulsion.

Barefoot walking is beneficial for individuals with persistent plantar heel pain: A single-blind randomized controlled trial

BackgroundA lack of data exist about the effectiveness of active treatments for persistent plantar heel pain (PPHP). ObjectivesTo compare short-term functional and clinical effects of a 4-week barefoot or shod treadmill walking program for people with PPHP. MethodsA single-blinded clinical trial randomized 52 participants with PPHP into either a barefoot walking group (BWG), or a shod walking group (SWG). All participants received therapeutic ultrasound. Outcomes were measured at baseline (t0), following 4 weeks of treatment (t1), and at 1-month follow-up (t2). The SF-36 functional questionnaire score was the main outcome. Secondary outcomes were self-reported and clinically-assessed pain provocation levels, pressure pain thresholds and pain tolerance. Treadmill walking time and speed were measured at t0 and t1; people also recorded the time spent walking each day in a diary. ResultsThe BWG exhibited significant improvements in all SF-36 items (except “emotional well-being”) (P < 0.05), whereas the SWG exhibited improvements only in “pain” and “health change” items (P = 0.0001; effect size 0.13–0.94). Greater improvements were observed in the BWG than the SWG for “physical function” (P = 0.019) and “role limitations due to physical health” items (P = 0.035). Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain, with greater improvements in the BWG (P = 0.0001; effect size 0.89). Only the BWG showed significant improvements in pain pressure thresholds (P < 0.05; effect size 0.70) and pain tolerance (P < 0.001; effect size 0.67). Both groups significantly increased their speed and time spent walking on the treadmill (BWG Δ=19.7 min and Δ=1.7 km/h; SWG Δ=16.7 min and Δ=1.1 km/h) and time outdoors (SWG ∆=38.2 min/week; BWG mean ∆=48.5 min/week) (P < 0.001). All clinical tests of pain were significantly less positive in the BWG at all time points (P < 0.05). ConclusionsBoth walking programs benefited people with PPHP by alleviating pain and improving function and quality of life. Greater improvements were observed in the BWG than the SWG overall.

Effect of Girisindura Malahara on Padadari - Case Study

Ayurveda is considered to be the oldest healing science. In Sanskrit, Ayurveda means “The Science of Life”. The incidence of skin disease is gradually increasing and Padadari is one of the most common diseases which is seen now a days. It is also called as Vidari, Dari, Cracked Fissure. Feet are the most often neglected and affected part of the body even though they are most important part of our body. Cracks or fissures on foot have no age limit and can affect anyone. Most of the time cracks are occupational like for farmers and for those who stand for longer duration. Excessive walking, walking bare foot, back open shoes, obesity, diabetic, psoriasis, unhygienic conditions, exposure to dust, dirt and microbes are some of the common causes for Padadari. In Ayurvedic classics there are various herbs mentioned as Vrunaropaka. Here in this study Girisindura Malahara has been used in the case of Padadari. The obtained results and outcomes are being shown. Hereby presenting the case of Padadari which was treated successfully.

Design of 3D printed pressure-reducing insoles based on changes in parameters of lattice structure

Uneven distribution of pressure on the bottom of the foot or excessive local pressure shall cause discomfort. And when it gets severe, this pressure would even damage the health of the human foot, especially for people like the elderly, diabetic patients and pregnant women. Decompression footwear can effectively reduce pressure on the foot and reduce the risk of injury. However, mass-produced pressure-reducing footwear lacks pertinence due to individual differences in human plantar pressure and foot shape data. This paper presents a design, using gradient lattice structures, for four kinds of 3D printed pressure-reducing insoles. It turns out that full contact insoles with non-uniform distribution of lattice structure did the best in reducing peak pressure of the whole foot, which was 60.42% lower than that of bare foot, 17.24% of flat insole with uniform distribution of lattice structure, 13.68% of mass-produced pressure-reducing footwear. The effect on pressure reduction is significant.

CULTURAL PROCESSIONS IN THE CENTRAL HIMALAYA: HISTORICAL AND SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

Cultural processions in the Central Himalaya are centuries-old practices. These are celebrated in the entire region and all seasons. Further, these processions are well-integrated with nature, places, culture, and society. This paper examines the cultural processions and their historical and spiritual significance in the Central Himalaya. The cultural processions take place when the idols of folk deities both male and female, including Dolies and Nishans, are carried by the devotees from their abodes to other cultural places. The priests, devotees, and a large number of people follow the processions. The Dolies and Nishans are decorated with colourful clothes and ornaments. Musical instruments such as Dhol, Damau, and Bhankore (Ransingha) are played. The devotees sing Jagars (folk songs) and dance. During the processions, all people wear colourful dresses. They walk barefoot about 10-12 kilometers in a day. The time of the profession varies from one day to six months, depending upon the existing culture. The route of the procession is pre-decided. Every day, the procession stays in the next village, which falls on the route and it continues till the procession ends. These processions have high historical importance and lead to spiritual attainment. &#x0D; Keywords: Cultural procession; Pilgrimage; Festival; Jagars; Central Himalaya

The Threads That Weave Me

The Threads That Weave Me

The Relationship Between Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections and Environmental Factors in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina: Cross-Sectional Study.

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are widely distributed throughout the world. Various factors, including the environment, socioeconomic characteristics, and access to water and sanitation, play an important role in the spread and persistence of these parasites within communities. They, in turn, affect the growth and development of members of the community, especially children. Studies in the northern provinces of Argentina have shown variable prevalence of STHs, but the factors associated with their presence have not been completely elucidated. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the socioeconomic and environmental factors related to STH infection in indigenous villages located in Puerto Iguazú (Misiones), Argentina. Between 2018 and 2019, stool samples were collected from individuals ≥1 year residing in 3 villages: Mini-Marangatú, Yriapú, and Fortín Mbororé. Standard parasitological methods were used to determine STH prevalence. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess participants' habits, customs, and household characteristics, and environmental data were obtained through satellite imagery. Multilinear regression with Akaike information criterion stepwise variables was used to explore relevant associations. A total of 342 individuals from the 3 villages participated in this study. The prevalence of STHs varied across villages: 89.6% (43/48), in Mini-Marangatú, 80.8% (101/125) in Yriapú, and 68.5% (115/169) in Fortín Mbororé. Notably, there was a significant difference in hookworm infection among the villages (P=.02). The analysis highlighted the significant influence of specific environmental factors on STH presence and spatial distribution, particularly in relation to hookworm infection. Vegetation patterns represented by the Vegetation Heterogeneity Index, created ad hoc for this study, emerged as a critical factor, with 2 significant predictors related to it (P=.002 and P=.004) alongside impervious surface density with a significant predictor (P<.001). The multilinear regression model yielded a high F test score (F108=4.75, P<.001), indicating a strong fit (R2=0.5465). Furthermore, socioeconomic factors, including walking barefoot in houses with dirt floors and overcrowding, were significantly correlated with hookworm infection intensity (P<.001 and P=.001, respectively). We also used the multilinear regression model to calculate hookworm infection intensity (F110=21.15, P<.001; R2=0.4971). Our study underscores the complexity of STH transmission, as villages with similar living conditions and environmental characteristics displayed varied STH prevalence and spatial distribution. Specific environmental factors, such as vegetation pattern and impervious surface density, played major roles in STH presence, demonstrating the crucial relationship between environmental factors and hookworm infection distribution. Moreover, our findings emphasize the significant influence of socioeconomic factors on hookworm infection intensity. By gaining insights into this complex interplay, our research contributes to a better understanding of STH transmission characteristics, thereby informing targeted public health interventions for effective control.

Walking with individualized 3D-printed minimal footwear increases foot strength and produces subtle changes in unroll pattern

IntroductionThis 5-month follow-up study, involving 66 subjects (38 intervention, 28 control; 34 females, 32 males), evaluated the biomechanics of walking while wearing bespoke, 3D-printed footwear.MethodsA 3D scanner was used to obtain foot shape, which was subsequently modified to yield a suitable instep and additional room in the forefoot and toe areas, to allow for potential shape changes of the foot. Shoes were manufactured using TPU laser sintering. Pre (T0) and post (T1) the intervention, plantar pressures were collected using a plantar pressure plate (3 trials per foot) and toe flexor strength (5 trials per foot) was measured using a dynamometer, for control and intervention groups. Plantar pressure peak patterns and center-of-pressure (CoP) timing was analysed using 2D and 1D Statistical Parametric Mapping, respectively. Toe strength changes were expressed in percent and per individual as: 100 x ((strength@T1strength@T0) / strength@T0).ResultsPeak pressure distribution did not differ between control and intervention populations, or between T0 and T1. Center-of-pressure unroll differed between barefoot and shod conditions at T0 for the intervention group. When barefoot, the intervention group at T1 showed a more lateral CoP in early stance and a more anterior CoP in late stance compared to T0. In the intervention group, toe strength increased significantly by 48.5% between T0 and T1.DiscussionOverall, the results indicate that the bespoke, 3D-printed footwear did not significantly affect peak pressure distribution compared to barefoot walking. However, center-of-pressure patterns during gait were influenced, particularly in the intervention group, with analysis indicative of barefoot subjects' CoP moving faster in early and mid-stance than when shod. Additionally, the intervention led to a significant increase in toe strength. These findings contribute to our understanding of the biomechanical effects of customized 3D-printed footwear and highlight the potential benefits of such interventions in improving foot function and strength.

Three-dimensional ankle kinematics of the full gait cycle in patients with chronic ankle instability: A case-control study

ObjectivesThe ankle kinematic characteristics of chronic ankle instability (CAI) at different gait phases and dimensions were not directly and overall explained. These characteristics have yet to be established. This study aimed to observe ankle kinematic changes of CAI, and explore their mechanisms, at different gait phases and dimensions in full gait cycle. MethodsA three-dimensional (3D) motion capture system measured the 3D ankle movements of 53 individuals with CAI (meanage = 25.11 ± 6.01years, meanheight = 170.77 ± 7.80 cm, meanmass = 64.28 ± 9.28 kg) and 53 healthy controls (meanage = 24.66 ± 6.32 years, meanheight = 169.98 ± 9.00 cm, meanmass = 63.11 ± 9.62 kg) during barefoot walking overground at a self-selected speed. Once the acquisition results were processed with visual 3D software, the kinematics data were exported, and the eight phases of the gait cycle were identified. ResultsAs compared with the control group, individuals with CAI displayed a significantly smaller plantarflexion in toe off (P = 0.049, Cohen's d = 0.387), a significantly increased inversion in heel strike (P = 0.007, Cohen's d = 0.271) and initial swing (P = 0.035, Cohen's d = 0.233), mid-swing (P = 0.019, Cohen's d = 0.232) and end-swing (P = 0.021, Cohen's d = 0.214), and significantly smaller eversion in mid stance（P = 0.010, Cohen's d = 0.288）and heel off (P = 0.033, Cohen's d = 0.089). Significant between-group differences in ankle kinematics were observed in the sagittal and frontal planes, but not in the horizontal plane, during walking. ConclusionWhen walking, patients with CAI have altered sagittal- and frontal-plane kinematics during different stance and swing phases. These kinematic changes require multi-dimensional, dynamic, continuous functional assessment and specialized rehabilitation intervention.

Structural equation modeling of female gait attractiveness using gait kinematics

In our social lives, movement’s attractiveness greatly affects interpersonal cognition, and gait kinematics mediates walkers’ attractiveness. However, no model using gait kinematics has so far predicted gait attractiveness. Thus, this study constructed models of female gait attractiveness with gait kinematics and physique factors as explanatory variables for both barefoot and high-heel walking. First, using motion capture data from 17 women walking, including seven professional runway models, we created gait animations. We also calculated the following gait kinematics as candidate variables to explain walking’s attractiveness: four body-silhouette-related variables and six health-related variables. Then, 60 observers evaluated each gait animation’s attractiveness and femininity. We performed correlation analysis between these variables and evaluation scores to obtain explanatory variables. Structural equation modeling suggested two models for gait attractiveness, one composed of trunk and head silhouette factors and the other of physique, trunk silhouette, and health-related gait factors. The study’s results deepened our understanding of mechanisms behind nonverbal interpersonal cognition through physical movement and brought us closer to realization of artificial generation of attractive gait motions.

Determinants of podoconiosis among residents of Machakle District East Gojjam Zone Amhara Region Ethiopia.

Podoconiosis (endemic non-filarial elephantiasis) is a chronic disease characterized by the development of persistent swelling of plantar foot initially; which progresses to the dorsal foot and lower leg slowly or in a number of acute episodes to reach the knee. About 4 million people are said to be affected by the disease worldwide and it is deemed a serious public health problem in at least 10 African countries including Ethiopia. Therefore this study aimed to identify the determinants of podoconiosis among residence in Machakel district. Unmatched case control study design was conducted at Machakel district from August 30 to September 30, 2022. The sample size calculated using Epi-info software yielded 211 controls and 106 cases (317 study participants). Simple random sampling technique was used to select the cases using registration books of the district. Data were entered to Epi info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 22 for statistical analysis. Binary logistic regression was used to identify explanatory variables. A total of 312 study participants (104 cases and 208 controls) were included giving a response rate of 98.42%. Bare foot (AOR, 5.83 [95% CI: 2.34-14.50]), female sex (AOR, 4.25 [95% CI: 2.22-8.14]), family history of podoconiosis (AOR: 3.01(95% CI: 1.41-6.42) and age group 41-60 (AOR: 5.05(95% CI: 2.35-10.83), and 61-80 AOR 15.74 95% CI: (5.56-44.55) were determinants of Podoconiosis. Barefoot, sex, family history of podoconiosis and age were determinants of Podoconiosis. District health office should encourage at risk populations especially older people and individuals with family history of podoconiosis about shoe wearing practice all the time and not to expose their skin and feet.

Value Chain Analysis of Banana in Dhanusa

Banana is one of the most commercial fruits of tropics distributed in terai to mid hills of Nepal and has been expanding in commercial scale with good potentiality of job creation, income generation and development of several enterprises in its forward and backward linkages. It has ample scope of import substitution from as Nepal imports huge amount of banana in recent years from India. This study has aimed to accomplish the objectives of assessing comprehensive value chain analysis, value chain alliance and financing of banana sub-sector in line with the PAF’s future strategy. Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used to collect and analysis primary and secondary data pertaining to the study from different sources using FGD, desk review, KII and field observation. The major strengths for this sub-sector are good potentiality for scale up to meet excess domestic demand which has been limiting by some weakness like lower productivity, smaller volume of production, heterogeneous quality of the produce, Lack of collective marketing, poor bargaining power and haphazard use of pesticides. It was estimated that banana sub-sector can generate annual income of about NRs. 95.8 millions in national level from PAF intervention areas, contributed from NRs. 31.9 million initial investments. Insurance premium cost required to bear by the farmers after getting subsidy from government was estimated about NRs. 0.4 million. Additionally, banana producers require loan fund of about NRs. 11 million to operate the business besides their own PAF CO fund of about NRs. 21.3 million. These estimates were made from the viewpoint of generating about one thousand plus employment in the production of this commodity in PAF area. The estimated volume of physical product was about 1526 MT which can sustain 2 SMEs with the full time employment of 21 persons. Return to investment was estimated at 196.3%, which is sufficiently large to reflect the financial feasibility of banana production. Market share of banana production from 5005 benefited households in the PAF area will account 0.6% of total national market with B: C ratio of 3. The balance fund available for funding in studied PAF based CO is NRs. 1.5 million and is lending operational loan in different productive purpose including banana production to its member at 12% rate of interest. It was estimated that farmers can absorb loan size of up to NRs.100000 per year per farmer based on their risk bearing potential. The COs operating in Dhanusa district have planned to form a district level cooperative coordinating all 17 community organizations in the district for the purpose of enhancing loanable fund. None of the farmers have adopted the insurance scheme and deprived sector loan facility in the study area. But, banana growers are now gradually thinking about the adoption of such insurance scheme and loan facility to expand area under banana plantation. Key gaps in the inputs and services provision level of value chain are lacking supply of timely and quality inputs, little or no monitoring of market, lacking bare foot agro-vets and small volume of investment. Similar gaps for production stage are lack of business and technical management skills, saplings and Small volume of credit. Whereas, collectors are facing the problem of heterogeneous quality of the product producing at scattered geographical region, collecting the product with-out completing pesticides waiting period and daily price fluctuation. Consumers at end market are facing the problem of high price, unhygienic market environment, high residue of pesticides, lacking label and branding of the product. The study has identified some suggestions in terms intervention areas from its findings. Possible intervention for value chain, marketing level are to train leader commercial farmers in marketing of inputs and outputs, dissemination of marketing information from electronic media likes mobile based apps, develop loan product for market related activities, introduction of collective marketing, establishment of linkage with big markets and star hotels and establishment of quality standard for PAF branding. Value chain financing at the level of processing industries, intermediaries, collectors and traders can be intervened through training and education to traders operating in different stages of value chain, establishment of warehouse, introduce loan product appropriate for intermediaries, lobbying with financial institutions to release loan for processing industry, foster collaborations with line ministries and allied departments and introduce technology and digital platform to promote market linkage. To the sum up, different value chain activities of banana sub-sector are potential for scaling up with possible adoption of different suggestions on technical, financial, alliance and administrative aspects in joint efforts of different stakeholders working in this sub-sector.

Comparison of Gait and Functional Outcomes Between Open and Arthroscopic Treatment of Adolescent and Young Adult Femoroacetabular Impingement.

Management of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) through an arthroscopic or surgical hip dislocation (SHD) approach has been shown to have similar clinical success and patient-reported outcomes. However, there are limited data comparing functional outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare gait and functional outcomes of adolescent/young adult patients with FAI treated by either an arthroscopic or open SHD approach. We identified prospectively enrolled adolescent/young adult patients (≤20 years old) who underwent surgical treatment for FAI through an SHD or arthroscopic approach. Participants were evaluated in a movement science lab preoperatively and postoperatively (minimum 8 months postoperatively) with barefoot walking and a 30-second single-limb balance trial on the affected side. Participants also completed the Harris Hip Score at the same timepoints. Differences from preoperative to postoperative were determined using a paired-samples t test for each surgical technique, and differences between the SHD and arthroscopic groups were determined using an independent samples t test (α=0.05). Fifty-five participants (42F, 16.2±1.4y) were tested and grouped by surgical intervention. The SHD and arthroscopy groups consisted of 28 and 27 participants, respectively, with no significant difference between the SHD and arthroscopic cohorts in age (16.4±1.2 vs. 15.9±1.5y, respectively, P=0.218) or sex distribution (78.6% vs. 74.1% females, respectively, P=0.75). Each group demonstrated significant postoperative improvement in Harris Hip Score (SHD: 64.8±16.4 to 81.8±17.8; arthroscopy: 57.0±16.7 to 84.7±19.7; preoperatively to postoperatively, respectively, both P<0.001). During gait, increased maximum hip flexion was observed following surgical intervention for the SHD group (32.3±5.7 vs. 36.1±5.2, P=0.003). No other clinically significant changes were detected in the SHD or arthroscopic groups preoperatively to postoperatively in trunk, pelvis, or hip kinematics in the coronal plane. During the balance task, neither cohort demonstrated markers of clinically significant abductor dysfunction. However, post operatively, the arthroscopy group was able to balance longer than the SHD group (18.8±7.8 vs. 14.2±2.7s, respectively, P=0.008), although no differences were detected in trunk or pelvis position in the coronal plane during balance. Both open SHD and arthroscopic treatment of FAI resulted in improved clinical outcomes with no clinically significant abductor dysfunction 1 year post operatively. However, further study is needed to determine whether more dynamic tasks can potentially elicit subtle differences between the groups. Level II-prospective study.

Differences in the center of pressure movement during standing with running shoes of different constructions: A cross-sectional study

PurposeThis study examined the differences in the center of pressure movement in a one-leg standing position with bare feet, thin-soled shoes, and thick-soled shoes. MethodsIn total, 21 male university students participated in this study. The task involved standing on one leg with the dominant foot for 30 s, and the center of pressure movement was measured using a grab coder (G-620; ANIMA, Tokyo, Japan). Three shoe-wearing states, including bare feet, thin-soled shoes, and thick-soled shoes, with the eyes closed and open in each condition. Statistical analysis was performed, with the significance level set as 5%. ResultsIn the multiple comparison results, the anteroposterior (AP) locus length, AP locus length per second, and maximum amplitude in the AP direction were significantly larger with thick-soled shoes than with bare feet in the closed eyes state. The locus length per unit area was significantly smaller with the thick-soled shoes than with the barefoot condition. Other items did not differ significantly between the shoe-wearing states. ConclusionThick-soled shoes caused a greater center of pressure movement in the AP direction in the static one-leg standing position than did the barefoot state. Our findings suggest that the condition with thick-soled shoes was more unstable in static environments.

Comparison of Different Kinematic Values of Lower Extremities during Gait between Individuals with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain and Healthy Persons

Objective: The primary purpose of the present study was to compare the differences in lower extremity kinematic parameters in individuals who have chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) with healthy control subjects (CTRL) during subphase of the stance phase. The secondary purpose was to compare the average walking speed of individuals who had CNLBP with CTRL during stance phase. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted with 26 patients, 13 of 26 were participants with CNLBP and the other 13 were CTRL. To study the subject’s walking characteristics, 3D motion analysis was applied. Each subject was attached to 47 retroreflective markers and asked to walk barefoot on a 10-meter walkway at the preferred walking speed. The independent t-test and Mann Whitney U-test were used to compare joint excursions of each subphase of the stance phase and the average walking speed between two groups. Results: The CNLBP group had significantly lower forefoot motion in the sagittal plane during the initial contact phase than CTRL group, (p=0.017). They exhibited significantly lower hip motion in the sagittal plane (p=0.043), and lower knee motion in the transverse plane (p=0.007) during the forefoot contact phase as well. The CNLBP group exhibited significantly increased rearfoot motion in the frontal plane (p=0.002) during the foot flat phase. Moreover, the CNLBP group had significantly lower hip motion in the sagittal plane during the push-off phase (p=0.033). Conclusion: Individuals with CNLBP might modify their walking characteristics of the lower extremities and walk slower when compared with healthy persons to accommodate the pain they were dealing with. Keywords: Lower Extremity; Kinematics; Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain; Gait; Gait Speed

Sexual dimorphism and determination using foot outlines, foot print angles, and foot indices.

Sex determination is one of the fundamental procedures in the forensic investigation during personal identification. Foot dimensions, prints, indices, and angles are assessment tools used by podiatrists and forensic anthropologists. The arch index remains a tool for clinical evaluation of the incidence of pes planus by clinicians. This cross-sectional study was performed to investigate sexual dimorphism and discriminate sex using foot and footprint dimensions, foot angles, and foot indices among the Ebira ethnic group of Nigeria. Bilateral foot outlines and prints were obtained from 317 females and 283 males using a digital Vernier caliper, improvised footpad, and A4 paper. The results revealed that in the right foot and print, the males' bare right foot length (BRFL), bare right foot breadth (BRFB), right arch index (RAI), right Chippaux-Smirak index (RCSI), right footprint angle (RFPA), right ball angle (RBA), and all the measurements of the corresponding toes in the prints are significantly greater (p < 0.05) than the females. The same trend was also observed in the left footprint except for the left ball angle (LBA). The stepwise, binary logistics regression model for sex determination showed that bare left foot breadth (BLFB) and bare right foot length (BRFL) were the single best predictors of sex with an accuracy of 72.5% and 71.7% accuracy. Other foot variables marginally increased the percentage accuracy at each step. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis confirmed the sexing potential of the bare left foot breadth and bare right foot length to be 79%. Sexual dimorphism exists in all the foot dimensions, arch indices, Chippaux-Smirak indices, footprint angles, and ball angles, except the left ball angle. The sexual dimorphism in the foot variables forms the basis of sex determination, with left foot breadth and right foot length as the best sex predictors. Therefore, 25cm can be regarded as the cut-off point for foot length and 9cm as the cut-off point for foot breadth among this tribe.

Biomechanical analysis of barefoot walking and three different sports footwear in children aged between 4 and 6 years old.

The technological transformation and advertising utilized in the footwear industry significantly impact purchasing decisions. The gait properties, barefoot and with shoes, change depending on the footwear structure. The aim of this work is the biomechanical analysis of walking barefoot and with different sports shoes in a controlled group of 12 children between 4 and 6 years old. Kinematic and spatiotemporal variables were analyzed using a BTS motion capture analysis system with the Helen Hayes protocol. Previously, a survey was carried out with 262 families with children between 4 and 6 years old to justify the choice of footwear for this study. No significant differences were found between any of the measured conditions. The kinematic results showed significant differences in the ankle (right sagittal plane p = 0.04, left p < 0.01; right frontal plane p < 0.01, left p < 0.01), knee (right and left sagittal plane p < 0.01) and hip (right sagittal plane p < 0.01, left p = 0.04; right frontal plane p = 0.03). Additionally, the post hoc analysis revealed significant differences between barefoot gait and different footwear. The footwear used for this study and each one's various characteristics are not preponderant in the spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters of the children's gait. Thus, the footwear purchase may be conditioned by its design or composition and other properties may not be relevant.

EFFECT OF NIMBADI MALHAR IN PADADARI (CRACKED HEELS): A CASE STUDY

Ayurveda is both a science of life and a system of medicine. Ayurved treats diseases by treating root causes. Padadari is one of the Kshudraroga described by Acharyas. Padadari means cracked heels or fissures at heel region. It occurs in patients who are travelling a lot which aggravates the Vata Dosha [1]. Also, the Causative factors of Padadari are intake of Vata Dosha aggravating foods dry, sharp, rough, hot and spicy food, like junk food, deep fried, oily food, excess spices and consuming raw food in large amounts. Certain activities like ex-cessive walking, walking with hard improper footwear, bare foot walking, exposure to cold water, standing for a longer duration. In summer, rainy, autumn and winter seasons, Obesity, Diabetes. According to Ayurveda, treatment for Padadari includes internal medication and external applications. For external applications, Vranaropana Dravyas were chosen to make Malahar. Preparation of Malahara was easy and affordable. The contents of Malahara were Neem, Yashtimadhu, Bakuchi, Shudh Gandhak. Local application was given to pa-tients. Follow up was every 15days.Malahar shows good results. We hereby present the following case of Pa-dadari which was successfully treated.

Rancang Bangun Aplikasi Teknik Dasar Taekwondo Menggunakan Animasi 3D Berbasis Android

Taekwondo, essentially a form of self-discipline and a martial art utilizing techniques with bare feet and hands, originated as a ceremonial practice in Korean culture. Over time, it transformed into a crucial self-defense system for Korean warriors. In the contemporary context, Taekwondo has become widely popular, attracting individuals eager to learn but hindered by a lack of foundational knowledge. The application developed in this study serves as a valuable resource for users to grasp the fundamental movements of Taekwondo, encompassing kicks, punches, stances, and techniques. This initiative aims to make the learning process more accessible, allowing individuals to engage with Taekwondo lessons conveniently at any time and from any location. The research involves a collaborative effort with a Taekwondo instructor affiliated with the State Polytechnic Lampung, ensuring the incorporation of authentic martial arts knowledge into the application.

Foot Sole Contact Forces vs. Ground Contact Forces to Obtain Foot Joint Moments for In-Shoe Gait-A Preliminary Study.

In-shoe models are required to extend the clinical application of current multisegment kinetic models of the bare foot to study the effect of foot orthoses. Work to date has only addressed marker placement for reliable kinematic analyses. The purpose of this study is to address the difficulties of recording contact forces with available sensors. Ten participants walked 5 times wearing two different types of footwear by stepping on a pressure platform (ground contact forces) while wearing in-shoe pressure sensors (foot sole contact forces). Pressure data were segmented by considering contact cells' anteroposterior location, and were used to compute 3D moments at foot joints. The mean values and 95% confidence intervals were plotted for each device per shoe condition. The peak values and times of forces and moments were computed per participant and trial under each condition, and were compared using mixed-effect tests. Test-retest reliability was analyzed by means of intraclass correlation coefficients. The curve profiles from both devices were similar, with higher joint moments for the instrumented insoles at the metatarsophalangeal joint (~26%), which were lower at the ankle (~8%) and midtarsal (~15%) joints, although the differences were nonsignificant. Not considering frictional forces resulted in ~20% lower peaks at the ankle moments compared to previous studies, which employed force plates. The device affected both shoe conditions in the same way, which suggests the interchangeability of measuring joint moments with one or the other device. This hypothesis was reinforced by the intraclass correlation coefficients, which were higher for the peak values, although only moderate-to-good. In short, both considered alternatives have drawbacks. Only the instrumented in-soles provided direct information about foot contact forces, but it was incomplete (evidenced by the difference in ankle moments between devices). However, recording ground reaction forces offers the advantage of enabling the consideration of contact friction forces (using force plates in series, or combining a pressure platform and a force plate to estimate friction forces and torque), which are less invasive than instrumented insoles (which may affect subjects' gait).