Dorsiflexion Range Research Articles

Investigating the Effects of Intrinsic Foot Muscle Exercises on Dynamic Balance after Sub-Acute Ankle Sprain

Introduction: This study compares the efficacy of routine treatment plus short foot exercises (SFE) with routine treatment alone on dynamic balance and pain in subjects with sub-acute ankle sprain. Materials and Methods: A total of 32 patients (18-45 years old) with primary ankle sprain were randomly enrolled into the control group performing routine treatment alone or the SFE group performing routine treatment plus SFE. The dynamic balance was assessed using the star excursion balance test. Pain and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion were assessed using the numeric pain rating scale and a goniometer. The outcomes were evaluated at the baseline and after the end of treatment. The groups were compared using the one-way analysis of variance/analysis of covariance test. The effect sizes also were calculated to determine the efficacy of the SFE. Results: Dynamic balance in the SFE group had a significant increase in the anterior, lateral, medial, and anteromedial directions compared to the control group (P=0.001, P=0.002, P=0.014, P=0.0001). No significant differences were observed between the groups in other directions of the star excursion balance test (P>0.05). Additionally, pain intensity was lower significantly in the SFE group than in the control group (P=0.0001). In the SFE group ankle dorsiflexion range was significantly more than the control group (P=0.025). The effect sizes also showed a high efficacy favoring SFE. Conclusion: The combination of routine treatment and SFE can be an effective intervention for managing ankle sprain.

Comprehensive corrective exercise program improves ankle function in female athletes with limited weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion: A randomized controlled trial.

Limited ankle dorsiflexion range of motion is one of the most important risk factors for lower limb injury, which changes the biomechanics and the neuromuscular control of the lower limb muscles. This study aims to test the effectiveness of a comprehensive corrective exercise program (CCEP) on the range of motion, proprioception, dynamic balance, and muscle activation in female athletes with limited weight-bearing lunge ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. 30 female athletes aged 15 to 25 years with dorsiflexion under 34° were randomized to two groups. The intervention group (n = 15) received eight weeks of CCEP including soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, stretching, and strengthening, and the control (n = 15) group did not receive any intervention. range of motion, proprioception, dynamic balance, and muscle activation were assessed before and after the intervention. The training group showed clinically acceptable and statistically significant changes in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ES = 0.714), balance (ES = 0.423), and proprioception (ES = 0.253; P < 0.05). There were significant changes in the activity of the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles in the dynamic overhead squat test (descending and ascending phases) and the activity of the medial gastrocnemius in the descending phase decreased significantly (P < 0.05). No significant change was observed in the activity of the peroneus longus muscle (P > 0.05). The findings show that CCEP appears to be beneficial in increasing dorsiflexion range of motion, proprioception, balance, and decreasing ankle muscle activity among individuals with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Improving the dorsiflexion range of motion may be promising for reducing ankle sprain injury.

VR-Aided Ankle Rehabilitation Decision-Making Based on Convolutional Gated Recurrent Neural Network.

Traditional rehabilitation training for stroke patients with ankle joint issues typically relies on the expertise of physicians. However, when confronted with complex challenges, such as online decision-making or assessing rehabilitation progress, even seasoned experts may not anticipate all potential hurdles. A novel approach is necessary-one that effectively addresses these complexities without solely leaning on expert experience. Previous studies have introduced a rehabilitation assessment method based on fuzzy neural networks. This paper proposes a novel approach, which is a VR-aided ankle rehabilitation decision-making model based on a convolutional gated recurrent neural network. This model takes various inputs, including ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, angular velocity, jerk, and motion performance scores, gathered from wearable motion inertial sensors during virtual reality rehabilitation. To overcome the challenge of limited data, data augmentation techniques are employed. This allows for the simulation of five stages of rehabilitation based on the Brunnstrom staging scale, providing tailored control parameters for virtual training scenarios suited to patients at different stages of recovery. Experiments comparing the classification performance of convolutional neural networks and long short-term memory networks were conducted. The results were compelling: the optimized convolutional gated recurrent neural network outperformed both alternatives, boasting an average accuracy of 99.16% and a Macro-F1 score of 0.9786. Importantly, it demonstrated a strong correlation (correlation coefficient r > 0.9) with the assessments made by clinical rehabilitation experts, showing its effectiveness in real-world applications.

Changes in Motor Strategy and Neuromuscular Control During Balance Tasks in People with a Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture: A Preliminary and Exploratory Study.

Ankle fractures can lead to issues such as limited dorsiflexion, strength deficits, swelling, stiffness, balance disorders, and functional limitations, which complicate daily activities. This study aimed to describe neuromuscular adaptations at 6 and 12 months post-surgery during static and dynamic balance tasks, specifically using the Y-Balance Test (YBT). Additionally, the relationship between neuromuscular patterns, balance, and musculoskeletal deficits was evaluated. In 21 participants (14 at 6 months and 21 at 12 months) with bimalleolar fractures, hip strength, ankle dorsiflexion, ankle functionality, and static and dynamic balance were assessed using electromyography of five lower limb muscles (tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, lateral gastrocnemius, biceps femoris, and gluteus medius). A significant interaction effect (limb × proximal [hip]-distal [ankle] muscle) (F = 30.806, p < 0.001) was observed in the anterior direction of the Y-Balance Test (YBTA) at 6 months post-surgery. During the YBTA and YBT posteromedial (YBTPM), it was found that a lower dorsiflexion range of movement was associated specifically at 6 months with greater activation of the lateral gastrocnemius. However, these differences tended to diminish by 12 months. These findings suggest that neuromuscular patterns differ between operated and non-operated limbs during the YBTA at 6 months post-surgery. The Y-Balance Test, particularly its anterior direction, effectively highlighted these neuromuscular changes. This is a preliminary study; further research is needed to explore these findings in depth.

Acute local and non-local morphological, sensory and fluid responses to stretching and foam rolling in young females

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare and examine the local and non-local effects of a foam rolling (FR) and static stretching (SS) intervention applied to the plantar flexor (PF). MethodsFourteen female participants were investigated. Each participant underwent three conditions in a random order at least 48h apart and at the same time of the day: Control (CC), SS, and FR. Each condition was performed unilaterally in the dominant PF for 4 sets (apart from CC). SS was performed for 30 s. The FR included 30 rolls (15 in each direction) over a period of 30 s. A rest of 30 s was provided between each set for all conditions. Outcome variables were ankle dorsiflexion range of movement (ROM), tissue hardness, localized bioimpedance analysis at 50 kHz (L-BIA), and pain pressure thresholds (PPT). Tissue hardness, L-BIA, and PPT were measured in the lower leg and thigh. Measures were assessed pre (T0), immediately post (T1), and 10-min after (T2) the intervention. ResultsNo differences were found for time for the CC or between the T0 of each condition. Concerning the lower leg, ROM improved for SS and FR from T0 to T1 while returning to baseline in T2. A significant increase in PPT was observed only for SS in T1. L-BIA showed a significant increase for both phase angle and impedance only for FR in T1. Tissue hardness did not change for any group at any time-point. Concerning the thigh, no measure at any time point showed significant differences. ConclusionBoth, FR and SS were able to acutely improve ankle ROM. The observed changes were probably caused by a change in viscoelastic properties and local pain perception, without any variation in tissue morphology. FR was the only intervention to improve the intracellular-to-extracellular ratio and decrease fluids. Non-local effects were not observed.

Y-Balance Test after ACL Reconstruction: The relationship with knee and hip muscle strength, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and postural stability

BackgroundY-Balance Test (YBT) assesses postural stability. When is applied to patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), it is not clear which variables influence its result. ObjectiveTo connect YBT and postural stability, quadriceps, hamstring, and gluteus complex muscle strength, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ADFROM). Study designCross-sectional. MethodsFifty-nine participants (52 males and 7 females) with ACLR ≥6 months were evaluated. YBT anterior, posterolateral, posteromedial, and composite, isokinetic peak torque of the knee, strength of the gluteal complex with Hip Stability Isometric Test, ADFROM with Weight-Bearing Lunge Test, postural stability with Stability Index of Biodex Balance System® were applied. ResultsIn the ACLR limb, the multivariate regression linear models pointed out an association between the quadriceps muscle strength and ADFRM with anterior, posteromedial and composite reaches (R2 = 0.30; 0.23; 0.26). Hamstring muscle strength and ADFRM with posterolateral (R2 = 0.13). In the uninjured limb, overall stability index and ADFRM with anterior reach (R2 = 0.25), strength of gluteal complex with posteromedial (R2 = 0.31), hamstring muscle strength, Overall and lateromedial stability indexes with posterolateral (R2 = 0.20), hamstring muscle strength, Overall stability index, ADFRM and strength of gluteal complex with composite (R2 = 0.32). ConclusionsThe quadriceps muscle strength and ADFRM are important variables for YBT performance in the ACLR limb. In the uninjured limb, ADFROM, the strength of the gluteal complex and hamstring, overall and lateromedial stability indexes are associated with YBT performance. We question the utility of the YBT to measure postural stability given the lack of association with other postural stability measures.

Subtalar joint pronation: Who is the real enemy, presence or severity: A cross-sectional study?

The study aims to compare static and dynamic postural stability, navicular drop, dorsiflexion range of motion, and jumping performance of individuals with neutral, prone, and hyperprone foot postures. Forty-eight participants between the ages of 18 and 40, were categorized into neutral (n=16), prone (n=16), and hyperprone (n=16) according to foot posture index (FPI). Static and dynamic postural control evaluations (with the Biodex Balance System SD), navicular drop test (NDT) weight-bearing lunge test, countermovement jump test without arm swing, and drop vertical jump tests have been completed. In the results, the average age of participants in the NG, PG, and HPG are 22.31 ± 2.75, 23.87± 3.72, and 22.37 ± 1.28 years and BMI are 22.6 ± 3, 23.4 ± 3.8, and 21.4 ± 2.24 (kg/m²), respectively. The demographic data of the participants showed a homogeneous distribution. There were no significant differences in none of the outcomes except the NDT. Navicular drop amount is positively correlated by the subtalar joint pronation. An increase in subtalar joint pronation does not have a significant effect on static and dynamic stability, jump performance, or dorsiflexion range of motion in healthy individuals.

Potential financial loss and risk factors for hamstring muscle injuries in elite male Brazilian soccer players: a season-long prospective cohort pilot study.

The aim of this pilot study was to analyze the potential financial loss and a range of potential risk factors for hamstring muscle injuries in elite Brazilian soccer. Thirty-four male players (age: 25 ± 6 years; stature: 180 ± 8 cm; body mass: 78 ± 9 kg; minutes played in matches: 2243 ± 1423 min) from an elite professional soccer club were monitored during a 12-month season. Muscle injury was identified by magnetic resonance imaging and the severity was defined according to the number of days away: minimal (1-3 days), mild (4-7 days), moderate (8-28 days), severe (>28 days). Potential financial loss due to the team's under achievements was determined. Dorsiflexion range of motion, eccentric knee flexor strength and isokinetic tests were performed during the pre-season. Association between dependent variables and the occurrence of injury was evaluated. Nine hamstring muscle injuries with moderate severity were found in 8 athletes. Recovery time was 22 days off the field on average. Potential financial loss was $-43.2 million USD and earnings on merit money was 21%. Previous injury, increased flexor deficit 60° /sec and increased flexor fatigue index 300°/sec were all associated with a greater chance of hamstring muscle injury. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was significantly lower in the injured group (35.6 ± 3° vs. 39.1 ± 4.9°; p = 0.017, effect size = -0.74). High financial burden was found in elite Brazilian soccer during one full season. Injured athletes had high hamstring fatigue index, knee flexor strength deficit, ankle range of motion restriction and previous hamstring muscle injury when compared to non-injured athletes. Therefore, preventive approaches in professional soccer players with previous hamstring injuries should be a priority.

Acute effects of the short-foot exercise in runners with medial tibial stress syndrome: A quasi-experimental study

ObjectivesAnalyze whether there are immediate changes in peak soleus activation and peak hindfoot eversion after short-foot exercise (SFE) in runners with medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). Secondarily, establish differences in peak soleus activation and peak hindfoot eversion between asymptomatic individuals and those presenting MTSS. DesignQuasi-experimental study. SettingUniversity Laboratory. ParticipantsThirty-two runners participated: 16 with MTSS and 16 in the no-pain group (NPG). Main outcome measuresSoleus activation was measured using electromyography, and hindfoot eversion via 3D kinematic analysis. Participants performed SFE, and running data were collected at 9,12 and 15 km/h pre- and post-intervention. ResultsSFE reduced peak soleus activation at 9 (p = 0.017) and 15 km/h (p = 0.019) for the MTSS group and at 15 km/h (p < 0.001) for the NPG, suggesting improved neuromuscular efficiency and potentially reduced tibial stress. SFE did not significantly affect peak hindfoot eversion. Significant correlations were found between ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and muscle activation (r = 0.585 to 0.849, p < 0.05). These findings suggest SFE could improve neuromuscular efficiency and reduce tibial stress, and highlights ankle flexibility's role in muscle activation. ConclusionsSFE significantly reduces soleus activation, potentially improving neuromuscular efficiency and decreasing tibial stress.

Long-term effectiveness of Ni-Ti memory alloy tripod fixator in treatment of Kienböck disease

To investigate the long-term effectiveness of Ni-Ti memory alloy tripod fixator in the treatment of Kienböck disease. The clinical data of 22 patients with Kienböck disease who were treated with Ni-Ti memory alloy tripod fixator between January 2011 and September 2013 and followed up more than 10 years was retrospectively analyzed. There were 14 males and 8 females with an average age of 45 years (range, 20-64 years). The Lichtman staging was stage Ⅲb. According to AO/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF) classification, there were 6 cases of type B1, 2 cases of type B2, 10 cases of type B3, and 4 cases of type C2. The disease duration ranged from 18 to 50 months, with an average of 30.7 months. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were recorded. Wrist height ratio and scapholunate angle were measured by wrist anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films before and after operation. The grip strength of bilateral hands was measured by Jamar dynamometer. The wrist pain was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and the wrist function was evaluated by Mayo score, and the radial deviation, ulnar deviation, dorsiflexion, and palmar flexion range of motion of wrist were measured. The operation time was 45-60 minutes, with an average of 52.21 minutes; the intraoperative blood loss was 50-60 mL, with an average of 58.63 mL. No nerve or blood vessel injury occurred during operation. All patients were followed up 10-13 years (mean, 11.3 years). X-ray films at 3 months after operation showed that the density of lunate bone was lower than that before operation. Satisfactory fusion of the scapho-trapezio-trapezoeid joint was achieved at 3-6 months after operation (mean, 4.5 months), and the wrist height ratio and the scapholunate angle after fusion significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). Wrist pain relieved, scaphoid rotation and dislocation improved, and no radiocarpal joint degeneration was found during follow-up, and no internal fixator loosening, breakage, or lunate bone necrosis occurred. At last follow-up, the wrist radial deviation, ulnar deviation, dorsiflexion, and palmar flexion range of motion, VAS score, and grip strength of the affected side significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05); the grip strength of the affected side recovered to 99.00%±1.25% of the healthy side. Mayo score ranged from 72 to 93, with an average of 85; 14 cases were rated as excellent, 5 good, and 3 satisfactory, the excellent and good rate was 86.4%. In the treatment of stage Ⅲb Kienböck's disease, the scapho-trapezio-trapezoeid joint usion using Ni-Ti memory alloy tripod fixator can effectively reduce pain, improve hand function, and prevent further deterioration, and achieve good long-term effectiveness.

Uphill Treadmill Running and Joint Mobilization Improve Dynamic Stability and Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion in Young Adults With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Four-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of uphill running and the combined effect of uphill running plus joint mobilizations on dynamic stability and ankle dorsiflexion in young adults with chronic ankle instability (CAI). DesignFour-arm randomized controlled trial. SettingA college rehabilitation center. ParticipantsIndividuals with CAI (N=73). InterventionsParticipants were randomly assigned to 4 groups: combined uphill running and joint mobilization (URJM), uphill running alone (UR), joint mobilization alone (JM), and control group. The URJM and UR groups received 20-minute running sessions, and the URJM and JM groups received ankle joint mobilizations, all 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Main Outcome MeasuresCumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) and Y-balance test (YBT) in anterior, posteromedial (PM), and posterolateral (PL) directions for dynamic stability; weight-bearing lunge test and non-weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion degree using a goniometer (NWBG) for dorsiflexion. ResultsThe UR group showed significant improvements in CAIT, YBT-PL, YBT-PM, and NWBG compared to the control group. The URJM group demonstrated large treatment effects in NWBG compared to both UR and JM groups. Responder analysis indicated that the UR, JM, and URJM groups had a higher likelihood of achieving clinically significant changes (exceeding minimal detectable change or minimal clinically important difference) in CAIT, YBT-PM, YBT-PL, and NWBG compared with the control group. Additionally, the combination of UR and JM was superior to either intervention alone for NWBG, with success rates 1.55 times greater than UR alone and 2.08 times greater than JM alone. ConclusionsA 4-week UR program improves the subjective feeling of instability, dynamic postural control, and ankle dorsiflexion in young adults with CAI. Compared to UR or JM alone, their combined application can better improve the non-weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion.

Effect of Dry Needling Plus Static Stretching on Plantar Flexors Spasticity in Chronic Stroke Patients.

Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is often accompanied by complications such as spasticity. Static stretching (SS) is a common physiotherapy intervention for reducing spasticity, whereas dry needling (DN) is a novel approach. However, the combined effects of DN and SS on spasticity have not been thoroughly investigated. Given the pivotal effect of spasticity on daily activities, mitigating spasticity can significantly contribute to restoring patient independence. This study will explore the impact of DN plus SS on spasticity, alpha motor neuron excitability, overall function, and quality of life in patients with chronic stroke. A double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial will be conducted in patients with post-stroke spasticity in the plantar flexor muscles. Twentyeight participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention or control group. The intervention group will receive DN (60s × 3 days/week; 1 week) plus SS (20 min × 5 days/ week; 1 week). The control group will undergo sham DN (60s × 3 days/week; 1 week) and SS (20 min × 5 days/week; 1 week). DN plus SS or sham DN plus SS. Both groups will be assessed at baseline, immediately post-treatment, and after 1 week of follow-up. Outcome measures will include the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale, H-reflex latency, Hmax/Mmax ratio, active and passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, timed up and go test, and the EuroQol questionnaire. Results from this randomized, sham-controlled study will provide evidence for the effectiveness of DN in combination with SS for spasticity. The additional impact of DN in conjunction with SS, a widely used method for reducing muscle tone, remains unclear and warrants investigation. This study, with a high level of evidence, aims to address this knowledge gap.

Stability, Balance, and Physical Variables in Patients with Bilateral Hemophilic Arthropathy of the Ankle versus Their Healthy Peers: A Case-Control Study.

(1) Background: The recurrence of hemarthrosis in patients with hemophilia triggers a pathophysiological process of degenerative, progressive, and irreversible joint destruction. This hemophilic arthropathy is characterized by chronic pain, muscle atrophy, loss of mobility, and proprioceptive alterations. As the same joint undergoes repeated hemarthrosis, the function of the mechanical receptors deteriorates, causing a pathophysiological modulation and deterioration of the musculoskeletal system. The objective was to analyze the differences in stability and balance, as well as in ankle dorsal flexion, functionality, and muscle strength, between patients with bilateral hemophilic arthropathy and their healthy peers. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive case-control study was performed. Twenty-two participants were recruited: 10 adult patients with bilateral hemophilic arthropathy of the knee and ankle and 12 healthy subjects. The variables were balance (Rs Scan pressure platform), ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (Leg Motion), functionality (2-Minute Walk Test), and ankle dorsal strength (dynamometry). (3) Results: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in the balance without visual support in the Max-Y variable (MD = 2.83; CI95%: 0.33;5.33; Effect size (d) = 0.67), ankle dorsiflexion (MD = 16.00; CI95%: 14.30; 20.0; d = 7.46), and strength of the ankle flexor muscles (MD = 128.50; CI95%: 92.50; 153.60; d = 2.76). (4) Conclusions: Ankle range of motion in dorsal flexion, functionality, and muscle strength in dorsal flexion is poorer in patients with bilateral lower limb hemophilic arthropathy than in their healthy peers. Patients with bilateral hemophilic ankle arthropathy have statistically poorer stability and balance without visual support than their healthy peers.

Percutaneous Achilles tendon tenotomy in clubfoot with a blade or a needle: a single-centre randomized controlled noninferiority trial.

The gold standard for percutaneous Achilles tendon tenotomy during the Ponseti treatment for idiopathic clubfoot is a tenotomy with a No. 15 blade. This trial aims to establish the technique where the tenotomy is performed with a large-bore needle as noninferior to the gold standard. We randomized feet from children aged below 36 months with idiopathic clubfoot on a 1:1 basis in either the blade or needle group. Follow-up was conducted at three weeks and three months postoperatively, where dorsiflexion range, Pirani scores, and complications were recorded. The noninferiority margin was set at 4° difference in dorsiflexion range at three months postoperatively. The blade group had more dorsiflexion at both follow-up consultations: 18.36° versus 18.03° (p = 0.115) at three weeks and 18.96° versus 18.26° (p = 0.001) at three months. The difference of the mean at three months 0.7° is well below the noninferiority margin of 4°. There was no significant difference in Pirani scores. The blade group had more extensive scar marks at three months than the needle group (8 vs 2). No major complications were recorded. The needle tenotomy is noninferior to the blade tenotomy for usage in Ponseti treatment for idiopathic clubfoot in children aged below 36 months.

Intraday Variation of Ankle Dorsiflexion in Short-Track Speed Skaters.

Optimal ankle dorsiflexion range of motion plays a vital role in attaining the essential crouched posture necessary for excelling in speed skating. The purpose of this study was to determine how the ankle dorsiflexion angle evolves throughout a day of training and to identify the factors that influence this angle. Thirty short-track speed skaters, from 2 teams, participated in this study. The maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle was obtained in a lunge position facing a wall, using a digital inclinometer. All measures were obtained 3 times per side, 6 times per day, on 2 training days separated by at least a week. We conducted multiple tests to study the impact of repetition, day, side, team level, sex, and moment on the ankle dorsiflexion angle. The 3 times repeated measures and the 2days of training did not have a significant influence on the results. There was a statistically significant difference between the first time point of the day and the 5 other time points for both ankles. Moreover, the influence of sex and team level was not statistically significant. The results indicate that there are significant changes in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion but only after the first warm-up of the day. Such findings could enable team staff to enhance athletes' precompetition preparation and tailor ankle mobility training regimens more effectively.

Effects of radial pressure wave irradiation on triceps surae muscle morphology and function

BackgroundRadial pressure wave (RPW) has been introduced to sports sites as an alternative tool to massage, and there have been reports of irradiating muscles. This study aimed to clarify the effects of RPW irradiation on muscles, focusing on muscle morphology and muscle/fascial elasticity. MethodsThe participants were 23 healthy, able-bodied participants. Muscle morphology (muscle thickness, pinnate angle, muscle fascicle length), muscle and fascia elasticity (deep fascia, subfascial, muscle, deep intermuscular fascia) of the gastrocnemius medial head using ultrasound imaging equipment before and after RPW irradiation intervention. The maximum ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and isometric maximum plantarflexion muscle strength were also measured. ResultsBefore and after RPW irradiation to the triceps surae muscle, muscle thickness, decreased pinnate angle, and increase in maximum ankle dorsiflexion range of motion were observed. No significant changes were observed in muscle fascicle length and maximal isometric plantarflexion strength. In addition, a significant decrease in elasticity was observed in deep fascia, subfascial, and muscle, and the change was particularly large in deep fascia and deep intermuscular fascia. ConclusionIt was suggested that RPW irradiation to muscles might improve fascial gliding and reduce muscle elasticity. It was also found to improve joint range of motion while maintaining muscle output.Trial registration number (Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT))Current Controlled Trials jRCT1032210104, May 21, 2021.

Predicting functional movement capacity in adults: the effect of range of motion and isometric strength

The aim of the study was to determine the role of isometric strength and range of motion in predicting Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores of adults. A total of 120 participants (age = 34.62 ± 11.82 years; height = 170.56 ± 9.63 cm; weight = 73.62 ± 15.39 kg) volunteered to participate in the study. Anthropometric measurements were performed, including height, body weight, muscle mass, and body fat. Following this, the ranges of motion of the shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle joints were measured sequentially. Isometric strength and FMS tests were then performed. Hip extension isometric strength explained 23% of the variation in FMStotal. The common effect of knee flexion, shoulder flexion, and dorsiflexion joint range of motion explained 34% of the change in FMStotal (F (3−116) = 20.375, p < 0.001). A significant relationship (R = 0.658, R2 = 0.413) was found between hip extension isometric strength, knee flexion, shoulder flexion, and dorsiflexion range of motion and FMStotal (F (4−115) = 21.952, p < 0.001). The common effect of all these variables explains 43% of the change in FMStotal. The results indicate that the FMS test scores, which are utilized to evaluate the risk of injury in sedentary adults, can be significantly predicted by the effect of hip extension isometric strength and parameters related to knee flexion, shoulder flexion, and dorsiflexion joint range of motion. At this time, it is advised that range of motion and isometric strength be taken into account when determining a person’s functional movement capacity.

The relationship between Foot Posture Index and plantar pressure in a community-dwelling adult population with Type 2 diabetes

AimsTo investigate the contribution of foot type to plantar pressures in a community-dwelling adult population with type 2 diabetes. MethodsFoot Posture Index-6 (FPI-6) as a measure of foot type, barefoot plantar pressure (peak pressures and pressure-time integrals), presence of forefoot deformities, peripheral neuropathy, ankle and first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), and demographic variables were measured. Standard multiple regression models were used to investigate the independent contribution of FPI-6 on plantar pressure variables at the hallux, forefoot, and rearfoot. Results122 adults (mean age 70.9 ± 9.3, n = 58 female) with type 2 diabetes were recruited. A lower (more supinated) FPI-6 significantly contributed to an increased forefoot pressure-time integral (β = −0.285, p = 0.04). FPI-6 was not a statistically significant independent predictor of peak pressure at the hallux, forefoot or rearfoot. ConclusionsWhen screening for at-risk sites of elevated plantar pressure in adults with type 2 diabetes, clinicians should consider performing the FPI-6 along with other clinical measures that have been shown to be associated with increased plantar pressures including first MTPJ dorsiflexion ROM, and presence of digital deformities. Evidence-based treatments to offload these areas should then be considered.

The Effect of Ankle Muscles Dry Needling on Brain Activity Map Based on fMRI: a Study Protocol for Randomized Controlled Trial.

Neuromodulation may be one of the underlying mechanisms of dry needling (DN); however, the mechanism has not yet been fully clarified. This randomized controlled trial is designed to evaluate DN stimulation of the tibialis anterior and peroneus longus muscles in chronic ankle instability (CAI) and healthy subjects, employing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Clinical study protocol, SPIRIT compliant. Brain Mapping Laboratory. A total of thirty participants aged between 18 and 40 years old will be included in this study. Twenty healthy participants will be randomized into 2 groups (real DN and sham DN). Ten patients with CAI will also be recruited to the third group and receive only real DN for comparison. Real and sham DN. The voxel count, coordinates of peak activation, and peak intensity will be obtained as primary outcomes to report brain map activation. Measurements will be taken before, during, and after DN treatment. The strength of the ankle dorsiflexors, active dorsiflexion range of motion, and McGill pain questionnaire short-form will be used as secondary outcome measures. The results from this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated as presentations at national and international congresses. This trial will explore brain responses to real and sham DN in healthy participants and to real DN in CAI patients. Overall, our results will provide preliminary evidence of the neural mechanism of DN.

Effects of technological running shoes versus barefoot running on the intrinsic foot muscles, ankle mobility, and dynamic control: a novel cross-sectional research

BackgroundTechnological running shoes have become increasingly popular, leading to improvements in performance. However, their long-term effects on foot musculature and joint mobility have not been thoroughly studied. ObjectiveTo compare the activation of the intrinsic foot muscles between runners wearing technological footwear and barefoot runners. Secondary objectives included assessing ankle dorsiflexion (DF) range of motion (ROM) and dynamic postural control in both groups. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted involving 22 technological footwear runners and 22 barefoot runners. Ultrasonography was used to measure the thickness of the plantar fascia (PF) and the quadratus plantae (QP), abductor digiti minimus (ADM), abductor hallucis (AH), and flexor hallucis longus (FHL) muscles. Ankle mobility and dynamic postural control were also recorded. ResultsUltrasonography measurements showed statistically significant differences for PF thickness (mean difference [MD]: -0.10 cm; 95% CI: -0.13, -0.05 cm), QP cross-sectional area (CSA) (MD: -0.45 cm2; 95% CI: -0.77, -0.12 cm2), ADM CSA (MD: -0.49 cm2; 95% CI: -0.70, -0.17 cm2), and FHL thickness (MD: 0.82 cm; 95% CI: 0.53, 1.09 cm), with all measurements being lower in the group wearing technological footwear compared to the barefoot runners. Ankle DF ROM was also significantly greater for the barefoot runners (MD: -5.1°; 95% CI: -8.6, -1.7°). ConclusionsThese findings suggest potential implications for the foot musculature and ankle mobility in runners using technological footwear.