Arch Height Research Articles

The relationship of foot anthropometry with countermovement jump and squat jump performance among male university-level athletes

This study assessed the relationship between foot anthropometry with countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) performance among university-level male athletes. A total of 51 male athletes were selected from different sports. Various gross and acute anthropometric measurements were conducted. Each participant performed three CMJs and SJs each. Standing height has a moderate positive correlation with CMJ force (ρ = .368, p = .008) and power (ρ = .326, p = .019). Body mass demonstrated a high positive association with CMJ force (ρ = .568, p = .001) and a moderate positive correlation with power (ρ = .446, p = .001). The lower leg length was moderately positively correlated with CMJ flight time (ρ = .316, p = .024) (ρ = .311, p = .026), velocity (ρ = .304, p = .030), and power and showed a weak positive correlation with CMJ height (ρ = .290), p = .039). Foot length had a moderate positive correlation with CMJ force (ρ = .419, p = .002) and power (ρ = .377, p = .002). Conversely, a weak negative correlation was observed between foot arch height and both CMJ height (ρ = -.286, p = .042) and CMJ velocity (ρ = -.285, p = .043). These findings suggest the significant relationships between specific anthropometric characteristics with CMJ and SJ performance. However, the correlations showed moderate or lower strengths, underscoring the importance of further investigation.

Genome wide association studies on three-dimensional aortic geometric indices measured with magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract Introduction To date, three-dimensional properties of the aorta have not been comprehensively quantified in a population level dataset, nor has there been a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with geometric properties of the aorta. Methods We segmented the thoracic aorta of 48,045 subjects in the UK Biobank using a U-Net convolutional neural network. We then computed geometric measurements (centerline length, arch height, arch width, arch height-width ratio, curvature, and mean, minimum and maximum diameter) across six subsegments of the aorta. Centerline length was allometrically indexed to body height. Using generalized linear models, we performed GWAS on each geometric phenotype adjusted for the following covariates: (1) age, (2) sex, and (3) ten genetic principal components. SNPs with a minor allele frequency < 0.05 were excluded. We performed LD-based clumping with an r2 threshold of 0.001 to identify significant loci and used LDSC to compute the genetic heritability of each geometric phenotype. Results After performing LD clumping, we identified 457 significant(P<5e-8) SNPs across 36 aortic geometric parameters. GWAS-based heritability analyses showed a mean heritability of 13.8 (9.9) % across all aortic geometric parameters, with all intercepts being close to 1, suggesting minimal genomic inflation. Maximum aorta diameter exhibited the highest observed heritability of 34.5 (3.0) %. Allometric centerline length showed a heritability of 13.6 (1.5) %. Similarly, arch height and width showed heritability of 14.6 (1.5) %, and 13.64 (1.5) % respectively. Aortic curvature showed limited heritability at 8.54 (1.2) %, with arch curvature being further reduced to 7.6 (1.20) %. Conclusion To our knowledge, this was the first study that investigated the genetic architecture of aortic centerline length, aortic curvature, and aortic tortuosity. These results suggest that aortic remodeling associated with aging and pathological conditions has important genetic contributions. SNPs associated with aortic geometry may identify therapeutic targets to prevent aortic remodeling, which should be the focus of future work.significant_snpsheritability

Relationship between 3-dimensional aortic geometry and the risk of new-onset heart failure

Abstract Introduction Aortic geometric assessments to date have typically involved cross-sectional imaging of discrete aortic segments. However, the complex 3D geometry of the thoracic aorta, and its relationship to the risk of cardiovascular disease has not been assessed in large studies. Methods We segmented the thoracic aorta in SSFP axial MRI images from 49,282 UK Biobank participants using a deep convolutional neural network (U-Net). We then computed geometric measurements (centerline length, arch height, arch width, arch height-width ratio, arch unfolding index [inverse of tortuosity], curvature and mean, minimum and maximum diameters) in the overall thoracic aorta as well as in 6 subsegments. We quantified their relationship to the risk of cardiomyopathy and heart failure (HF) using multivariable Cox-proportional hazards models. All hazard ratios are standardized. Centerline length was allometrically indexed to body height. Results In models adjusted for age, sex, BMI kg/m2, low-density lipoprotein mg/dl, high-density lipoprotein mg/dl, triglycerides mg/dl, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, the curvature of the aorta (HR=0.63; 95% CI=0.39, 0.99; P<0.05), particularly the aortic arch (HR=0.54; 95% CI= 0.35, 0.87; P<0.05) was strongly related to a lower risk of incident cardiomyopathy. A higher arch unfolding index (HR=1.46; 95% CI=1.03, 2.07; P<0.05), higher width-to-height ratio (HR=1.10; 95% CI= 1.02, 1.19; P<0.05) and lower aorta tortuosity (HR=1.20; 95% CI= 1.09, 1.32; P<0.05) were all associated with a higher risk of cardiomyopathy. This aortic geometric pattern was also associated with a greater risk of a new HF diagnosis (arch unfolding [HR=1.23; 95% CI= 1.07, 1.42; P<0.05], width to heigh ratio [HR=1.06; 95% CI= 1.01, 1.11; P0.05]). Conclusion We demonstrate that 3-D thoracic aortic geometric indices are strongly associated with incident cardiomyopathy and HF, independent of classic risk factors. This is likely related to abnormal afterload and ventricular-arterial interactions since adverse geometric remodeling affects left ventricular pulsatile load.Cardiomyopathy & Heart Failure Hazards

Effects of Toe-Strengthening Exercises on Medial Longitudinal Arch Height, Muscle Stiffness, and Functional Movement

Background: Prolonged training in combat boots can place significant stress on the medial longitudinal arch, potentially leading to lower-extremity muscle stiffness and an increased risk of injury. This study assessed the impact of toe-strengthening exercises on improving the lower-extremity function and functional movement in cadets undergoing training. Methods: Forty junior cadets (mean age: 22.6 years) participated in this study. The measurements included the medial longitudinal arch height, lower-extremity muscle stiffness, functional movement, and leg length. Results: Cadets who performed the toe exercises demonstrated improved lower-extremity muscle stiffness and functional movement performance (hurdle step, p = 0.010; rotary stability, p = 0.001). A significant correlation was observed between the exercise group and time (tibialis right, p = 0.008; tibialis left, p = 0.028). Conclusions: This study highlighted the potential of toe-strengthening exercises to enhance the lower-extremity function and reduce the risk of injury among cadets. However, challenges in identifying the medical history, past injuries, and specific areas of pain for each cadet were noted. These findings support the implementation of targeted toe exercises in military training programs to prevent injuries.

Navicular Drop Height Asymmetry as an Intrinsic Risk Factor for Lower Limb Injury in Male Recreational Athletes

Morphological and functional asymmetry of the lower limbs is a well-recognized factor contributing to musculoskeletal injuries among athletes across different levels. However, limited research exists on evaluating foot mobility asymmetry as a potential predictor of such injuries. This study aimed to (1) assess the frequency of foot mobility asymmetries among amateur athletes, (2) investigate the predictive value of foot mobility asymmetry (measured via navicular height drop) for injury risk, and (3) explore the relationship between foot type and injury occurrence. A cross-sectional sampling method was employed to select 45 physically active male amateur athletes (runners and team sports practitioners) from a university. Injury history was retrospectively recorded, and a modified navicular drop test was conducted to classify foot arch height. The predictive power of navicular height drop asymmetry was analyzed using ROC curves, and the relationship between foot type (neutral and defective combinations—pronated or supinated) and injury occurrence was examined using chi-square tests for independence. Multiple logistic regression was applied to calculate injury risk odds ratios across different foot type subgroups. The results revealed a significant frequency (51.1%) of participants with at least one defective foot, including 31.1% with one neutral and one defective foot and 20% with both feet defective. Navicular height drop asymmetry emerged as a valuable predictor of injuries, with a 36% asymmetry identified as the cut-off for increased injury risk (AUC = 0.832, 95% CI: 0.691–0.973, p < 0.001). A significant relationship was found between foot type and injury occurrence. Only one out of 22 participants with neutral feet (4.55%) experienced an injury, compared to 9 out of 14 (64.29%) with one neutral and one defective foot and 5 out of 9 (55.56%) with both feet defective. These differences were statistically significant (χ2 = 16.24, p < 0.001, Cramer’s V = 0.60). The odds ratio for injury risk was 37.8 (p = 0.016) for those with asymmetry (one neutral and one defective foot) and 26.3 (p = 0.102) for those with both feet defective, compared to participants with both feet neutral. In clinical practice, these findings suggest that routine screenings for physically active individuals should incorporate foot mobility asymmetry assessment. However, it is essential to integrate this factor with other risk indicators. For individuals exhibiting high asymmetry, general foot defect correction programs may be beneficial, but injury prevention strategies should adopt a more comprehensive approach, focusing on overall fitness and tailored interventions for high-risk individuals.

Sex determination and odontometric dimensions - A study of a North Indian population.

Sex determination is an indispensable parameter in identifying unknown deceased individuals. It can narrow down the chances of possible matches by 50%, providing a crucial lead in personal identification. In cases of commingled, decomposed, fragmented, charred and unidentifiable corpses, the importance of dental morphometrics cannot be overlooked due to the resistance of teeth to post-mortem degradation. Addressing this quality of teeth, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a North Indian population to evaluate sexual variations in dental dimensions and to identify the most sexually dimorphic dental dimension. The study included 207 participants (114 females and 93 males) in the age group of 21 to 45 years. Dental casts were prepared after obtaining informed consent from the participants and ethical clearance from the institute's ethical committee. Six odontometric dimensions, namely incisor-incisor distance, inter canine distance, combined width of central incisors, inter-premolar distance, inter-molar distance, and dental arch height of each participant were recorded on the dental casts using standard procedures. Analysis of the data elucidated the existence of statistically significant sexual dimorphism in the dental dimensions of the participants. The results of the discriminant function analysis show a sex determination accuracy of 68.1%, with a cross-validation accuracy of 65.2%. The study found the incisor-incisor distance to be the most sexually dimorphic trait, making it the best predictor of sex in the present population. The results of the present study may be helpful in sex determination and personal identification from dental remains in medico-legal and disaster victim identification cases.

ArchCheck Tool: An Innovative Instrument to Measure Arch Height

BACKGROUND Pes planus, commonly known as flat foot is a deformity of the foot, characterized by loss of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. There are several diagnostic methods available, such -as radiographs and digital footprint scanning techniques, that involve the usage of ink, dyes, and expensive instrumentation which may be harmful and not readily available at all time. The arch height may prove to be a user-friendly, portable, and affordable means of grading the foot. However, no tools were found during the search for review of literature. Hence, a need for a tool to measure the arch height and further give standard range of the arch height for flat feet and non-flat feet was identified. OBJECTIVE To design a tool and further provide values to differentiate flatfoot and non-flatfoot using arch height as a measurement tool. RELEVANCE The instrument was designed to quantify arch height and values to differentiate flatfoot and non-flatfoot are provided by comparison with Chippaux Smirak Index (CSI). METHOD The study evaluated the medial longitudinal arches of 30 individuals (60 feet) using static footprints and arch height measurement with tool. The footprints were classified into flatfoot and non-flatfoot using CSI. Data was subjected to appropriate statistical analysis. RESULTS The range of medial longitudinal arch height between 15-21mm in sitting position and 13-19 mm in standing position identified with non-flat foot, while the range of medial longitudinal arch height between 10-14 mm in sitting position and 8-12 mm in standing position identified with flat foot when compared with CSI. These findings suggest that the tool can be used effectively to measure the medial longitudinal arch height and differentiate between individuals with flat foot and non-flat foot. CONCLUSION The study concludes that the tool is effective in measuring the medial longitudinal arch height and can be used to differentiate between individuals with flat foot and non-flat foot. Designers of the tool would like to name the tool as ArchCheck Tool.

Correlation of Radiological and Pedobarographic Evaluations in the Presence of Foot Sole Pain

Objective: One of the reasons for foot pain is the changes in the structure of the medial longitudinal arch. Assessment of medial longitudinal arch height is often made with foot radiographs and pedobarographic measurements. The relationship between these methods in the presence of foot sole pain has not been examined yet. This study aims to investigate the relationship among these measurement methods in adults with foot sole pain. Materials and Methods: 60 adults with foot sole pain were included in this study. The talohorizontal, talocalcaneal, talo1.metatarsal, and calcaneal inclination angles were measured in the lateral weight bearing foot radiographs. The arch index was calculated in static, dynamic pedobarographic measurements. The agreement of radiological and pedographic measurements among themselves and with each other was determined. Results: The mean age of 60 participants was 45.32 ±13.64. Agreement among foot classifications of radiologic measurements was poor Gwet’s agreement coefficient =-0.198 with a 95% confidence interval (-0.315,-0.080); percent agreement = 0.167 with a 95% confidence interval (0.099,0.234) and Kappa =-0.047 with a 95% confidence interval (-0.083,-0.01) were found. The agreement between pedobarographic classifications was fair Gwet’s agreement coefficient =0.486 with a 95% confidence interval (0.355,0.617); percent agreement =0.65 with 95% confidence interval (0.563,0.737) and Kappa=0.453 with a 95% confidence interval (0.324,0.583) were found. Among radiological measurements, the calcaneal inclination angle showed the highest coefficients of agreement with pedobarographic measurements. The extent of its agreement was fair. Conclusion: Pedobarography is a simple, reliable, inexpensive, and noninvasive method. The calcaneal inclination angle which is used in radiological imaging can give an idea about the height of the medial longitudinal arch.

A frictional arch model for pile-cap-beam-supported embankment

The pile-cap-beam-supported (PCBS) system can strength the soil arching effect of embankment, increase the lateral stiffness, bending resistance and vertical bearing capacity of the rigid pile, however there is no frictional soil arch model of PCBS embankment. In this paper, first a frictional arch model for PCBS embankment modified from Russell’s frictional arching model was proposed. The proposed model in this paper considers the algorithm of lateral pressure coefficient k and a changing critical height of soil arch. In this new method, the influence of pile spacing, filling properties, height and pile spacing on critical height soil arch was comprehensively considered. Second, a series of numerical cases were performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model and study the arching effect of PCBS embankment. By comparing the vertical stress and settlement between the theoretical and simulation results, the rationality of the proposed method to estimate the stress and critical height of arch was validated. The effectiveness of the proposed method was further validated by comparing loading efficacy to a reported case. Last, the stress and deformation of PCBS and pile-cap-supported (PCS) embankment were analyzed and the superiority of PCBS system in improving the performance of embankment was observed finally.

Influence of medial longitudinal arch flexibility on lower limb joint coupling coordination and gait impulse

BackgroundA causal link exists between structural differences in the foot and alterations in the lower limb biomechanics, which might predispose an individual to develop characteristic musculoskeletal disorders. Research questionThis study aimed to determine how the foot structural characteristics, as represented by the medial longitudinal arch flexibility, affect lower limb joint coupling coordination and anterior-posterior ground reaction impulses (GRIs) during walking and running. MethodsFollowing the calculation of arch height flexibility, a total of fifty-four physically active males were grouped and completed gait experiments to collect kinematic and kinetic data synchronously. Inter-joint coordination and variability were calculated from the angle-angle plots of knee-hip, ankle-knee, and metatarsophalangeal (MTP)-ankle couplings based on an optimized vector coding technique. ResultsOur results indicate that coupling coordination of interest and its variability, as well as anterior-posterior GRIs, could potentially be influenced due to differences in arch height flexibility. Notably, the individuals with stiff arches exhibited significantly greater coordination variabilities during the early stance for both ankle-knee and MTP-ankle coordination yet significantly smaller for MTP-ankle coordination variabilities during the mid-stance phase. Furthermore, combining the statistical parametric mapping analysis results, the flexible arches experienced a greater proportion of GRIs in the anterior-posterior direction. SignificanceIn conclusion, these observations demonstrated that variations in arch flexibility led to differences in lower limb joint coordination variabilities and GRIs during gait. This fresh insight into inter-joint coordinative function may be useful for enhancing foot motion strategies based on arch structural characteristics.

Physical characteristics inducing Sever's disease in junior gymnasts

ObjectiveThis prospective cohort study aimed to determine characteristics contributing to the development of Sever's disease in junior gymnasts. MethodsThis study included 74 limbs from 37 junior gymnasts. The Baseline demographic data, flexibility measurements, foot alignments, trunk function tests, and functional balancing tests were used for evaluation. The incidence of Sever's disease among this cohort was assessed for six months after the first evaluations. We categorized those diagnosed by medical specialists as having Sever's disease into a Sever's disease group, while those with no foot pain or other diagnosed pathologies were in a no-symptom group. ResultsThe Junior gymnasts with Sever's disease had a lower arch height ratio and lower anterior star excursion balance test values. ConclusionsSever's disease in junior gymnasts may be potentially prevented through using a medial longitudinal arch support and/or undertaking dynamic postural balance training.

Early clinical outcome with lens position adjustment following implantable collamer lens surgery.

To observe early clinical outcome with lens position adjustment following the implantable collamer lens (ICL) surgery. Sixty patients were selected for this retrospective study. One eye from each patient received Toric ICL for astigmatism correction, and the other received non-astigmatic ICL surgery using horizontal position. Patients with higher postoperative arch height were selected, and their non-astigmatic eye clinical outcome were observed after ICL surgery at 1wk, 1, and 3mo. The clinical measurements included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), refractive state, corneal endothelium cell count, and arch height. Three months later, the ICL in each patient's non-astigmatic eye was adjusted to the vertical from the horizontal position. The results were compared before and 1wk, 1, and 3mo after adjustment. UCVA and IOP were significantly reduced 1wk after position adjustment compared to 1wk after ICL implantation (P<0.05). The patients demonstrated significantly reduced arch height and corneal endothelium cell count 1wk, 1, and 3mo after adjusting position compared to 1wk, 1, and 3mo after ICL implantation (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in refraction between 1wk, 1, and 3mo after ICL implantation and position adjustment (P>0.05). Early positioning adjustment post-phakic ICL implantation can benefit patients with adjusted arch height or higher IOP. Despite the good clinical effects, the doctors should pay attention to the potential for adverse effects on UCVA and corneal endothelium cells following early position adjustment after posterior chamber phakic ICL implantation.

Mechanical drivers of intrinsic foot muscle for maximum toe flexor strength in upright standing across different body size

This study aimed to evaluate maximum toe flexor strength, foot arch height, intrinsic toe flexor muscle size and foot arch stiffness among individuals with different body sizes, and to compare these variables between sitting and standing positions. Maximum toe flexor strength in sitting and standing, and intrinsic foot muscle thicknesses (flexor hallucis brevis: FHB, flexor digitorum brevis: FDB, abductor hallucis: AH and quadratus plantae: QP), were measured using a toe grip dynamometer and a B-mode ultrasound in healthy young men. FHB was thicker than AH, FDB and QP, AH was thicker than FDB and QP, and no significant difference was found between FDB and QP. Toe flexor strength was correlated with FHB and AH, and foot arch height was correlated with FHB. Toe flexor strength was greater in standing than in sitting. Stepwise multiple regression analysis identified FHB and AH as determinants of toe flexor strength in standing, and the relative muscle strength values per body weight in standing were determined by QP, foot arch index and foot arch stiffness. Overweight individuals had a decreased rate of increase in relative toe flexor strength compared to normal individuals. These results suggest that a large muscle thickness of intrinsic foot muscle a key contributor to toe flexor strength. Moreover, toe flexor muscle in upright standing could have the potential to generate force independently of intrinsic foot muscle size, but obese individuals who chronically put weight on their feet might impair the force amplification mechanism in upright standing.

Reliability of a Photo-Based Modified Foot Posture Index (MFPI) in Quantifying Severity of Foot Deformity in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have high rates of foot deformity. Accurate assessment of foot morphology is crucial for therapeutic planning and outcome evaluation. This study aims to evaluate the reliability of a novel photo-based Modified Foot Posture Index (MFPI) in the evaluation of foot deformity in children with CP. Thirteen orthopaedic surgeons with neuromuscular clinical focus from 12 institutions evaluated standardized standing foot photographs of 20 children with CP, scoring foot morphology using the MFPI. Raters scored the standardized photographs based on five standard parameters. Two parameters assessed the hindfoot: curvature above and below the malleoli and calcaneal inversion/eversion. Three parameters assessed the midfoot and forefoot: talonavicular congruence, medial arch height, and forefoot abduction/adduction. Summary MFPI scores range from -10 to +10, where positive numbers connote planovalgus, whereas negative numbers connote a tendency toward cavovarus. Intra- and interrater reliability were calculated using a 2-way mixed model of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) set to absolute agreement. Feet spanned the spectrum of potential pathology assessable by the MFPI, including no deformity, mild, moderate, and severe planovalgus or cavovarus deformities. All scored variables showed high intrarater reliability with ICCs from 0.891 to 1. ICCs for interrater reliability ranged from 0.965 to 0.984. Hindfoot total score had an ICC of 0.979, with a 95% CI, 0.968-0.988 (P<0.001). The forefoot total score had an ICC of 0.984 (95% CI, 0.976-0.991, P<0.001). Mean total score by the MFPI was 3.67 with an ICC of 0.982 (95% CI, 0.972-0.990, P<0.001). The photo-based MFPI demonstrates high intra- and interrater reliability in assessing foot deformities in children with CP. Its noninvasive nature and ease of use make it a promising tool for both clinical and research settings. MFPI should be considered as part of standard outcomes scores in studies regarding the treatment of CP-associated foot deformities. Level V.

Morphometry of adult cricoid cartilage in Nepalese cadavers: a cross-sectional observational study

Background: Cricoid cartilage is crucial during endotracheal intubation, yet its dimensions in the Nepali population remain uncharacterized. This study aimed to measure cricoid cartilage dimensions in adult Nepalese. Methods: A total of 105 cadavers (75 males, 30 females) were dissected at *** Medical Campus, Nepal. Measurements of outer and inner transverse and anteroposterior diameters, as well as heights of the cricoid arch and lamina, were taken using digital vernier calipers. Statistical analyses included gender comparisons and correlations with age. Results: The mean age of the 105 cadavers studied was 34.11 years (SD = 12.08). The measurements of outer anteroposterior diameter, outer transverse diameter, inner anteroposterior diameter, inner transverse diameter, arch height and lamina height were respectively 22mm (SD=4), 21mm (SD=4), 18mm (SD=3), 17mm (SD=3), 9mm (SD=3) and 24mm (SD=4). Inner AP (p = 0.009) and inner TR (p = 0.021) measurements correlated significantly with age. Males had significantly larger cricoid cartilage dimensions than females (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: This study provided essential data for selecting appropriately sized endotracheal tubes in Nepalese patients, reducing airway complications. It underscored the need to tailor medical devices to local anatomical variations, supporting advancements in biomechanical modeling and medical research.

Establishing a Reference Database for Select Clinical Measures in National Basketball Association Players.

Musculoskeletal injuries are prevalent in the NBA and are associated with a significant number of games missed. There is a lack of reference data for clinical measures in NBA players, making it difficult for sports medicine professionals to set goals and develop programs. Values for clinical measures in NBA players will differ from those of the general population but will not differ between dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) limbs. Descriptive laboratory study. Level 3. Clinical measures were taken on 325 players invited to NBA training camp (2008-2022). Measures included range of motion for great toe extension, hip rotation, weightbearing ankle dorsiflexion, flexibility, arch height (AH) indices, and tibial varum. Clinical values for NBA players differ from reference norms of the general population. Results for NBA players include great toe extension (D, 40.4°; ND, 39.3°), 90/90 hamstring (D, 41.5°; ND, 40.9°), hip internal rotation (D, 29.0°; ND, 28.8°), hip external rotation (D, 29.7°; ND, 30.9°), total hip rotation (D, 60.2°; ND, 60.4°), Ely (D, 109.9°; ND, 108.8°), AH difference (D, 0.5 mm; ND, 0.5 mm), AH index (D, 0.310; ND, 0.307), arch stiffness (D, 0.024; ND, 0.024), arch rigidity (D, 0.924; ND, 0.925), tibial varum (D, 4.6°; ND, 4.5°), and weightbearing ankle dorsiflexion (D, 35.4°; ND, 35.6°). Descriptive statistics are presented; 2-tailed paired t tests show that, whereas most measures demonstrated differences between sides, the results were not statistically significant. Clinical measures of NBA players differ from those reported for the general population and athletes of other sports although there were no statistically significant differences between D and ND limbs. Establishing a reference database may help clinicians develop more sensitive and more effective preseason and return-to-play screening processes, aiding the management of player orthopaedic care and reducing injury risk.

Foot torsional stiffness exhibits gender differences but shows no correlation with medial longitudinal arch height

Although foot mobility tends to be greater in females, sex-based differences in foot torsional stiffness have not been investigated. It is also unclear whether assessing the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) height reflects foot torsional stiffness. This study included 52 healthy adults (26 females and 26 males) with an average age of 24.6 years. The arch height index was used to assess MLA height. To calculate foot torsional stiffness, a custom-built torque meter and a three-dimensional motion analysis system were employed. The forefoot was passively rotated from the maximum eversion to the maximum inversion at a rate of 2.5°/s. The forefoot’s resistance torque and rotation angle relative to the rearfoot were recorded. Foot torsional stiffness was defined by establishing the slope of the regression line from 10° eversion to 10° inversion of the torque–angle curve, with the slope subsequently normalized by body weight. Gender differences in foot torsional stiffness and the correlation between MLA height and foot torsional stiffness were investigated. Foot torsional stiffness was significantly lower in females than in males (0.00237 ± 0.00061Nm/°･kg vs 0.00368 ± 0.00136 Nm/°･kg, p < 0.001, effect size: r = 0.65, statistical power = 0.99). MLA height was not significantly different between sexes. No significant correlations were found between foot torsional stiffness and MLA height in either sex. Foot torsional stiffness and MLA height reflect different mechanical properties of the foot, emphasizing the need for individual assessment and consideration of sex differences.

Foot Anthropometry Measures in Relation to Treatment in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Longitudinal Study.

Approximately 90% of patients with arthritis exhibit forefoot deformities, including deformities within the metatarsophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints. Current pharmacological treatment with Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) consists of two groups: synthetic drugs (sDMARDs) and biological drugs (bDMARDs). The objective of our study was to investigate foot anthropometry changes in RA patients based on the administered treatment over a five-year period Method: A longitudinal analysis was conducted with RA patients who were grouped based on their pharmacological treatment. The pharmacological treatment groups were categorized into (I) methotrexate (MTX), (II) MTX plus biological treatments (including all variables), (III) biological treatment alone, and (IV) a miscellaneous group comprising patients with diverse treatments, including patients for whom various drugs had failed or who had not achieved remission with pharmacological treatment. For the anthropometric measurements, a foot measurement platform validated by McPoil et al. was used. Post hoc analyses with Bonferroni correction were performed to identify pairwise differences between the treatment groups while controlling for Type I errors due to multiple comparisons. Results: In the period from 2018 to 2023, significant changes were observed in several foot measurements. For instance, the MTX group showed a statistically significant increase in left heel width (p = 0.026). The MTX group experienced a slight increase in left foot length, while the Biologics and MTX + Bio groups exhibited more substantial increases in both maximum medial arch height and midfoot width. Conclusions: Different RA treatments can have a significant impact on foot structure over a five-year period, showing notable changes in heel width and overall foot morphology. Combined treatments with MTX and biologics potentially offer better management of RA.

Investigation of soil arching in GRPS embankments under localized loading: Multi-span spring-based trapdoor model test

A novel multi-span spring-based trapdoor apparatus has been developed to simulate more realistically the coupling of piles, soft soil, and geosynthetics, as well as the intricate interactions between adjacent soil arches under localized loading within geo-reinforced pile-supported (GRPS) embankments. By employing movable blocks with varying spring stiffnesses, this study advances the understanding of the coupling effect between piles, soft soil, and geosynthetics. Utilizing digital image correlation (DIC) technology, the research captures the dynamic evolution of soil arch shapes, providing new insights into stabilization mechanisms within GRPS embankments. It is found that lateral geosynthetics can effectively reduce the overall settlement of the embankment and mitigate the influence of trapdoor stiffness on the soil arch height. The geo-reinforcement enhances the stability of soil arches under localized loading by providing essential support to the arch feet of multiple internal soil arches. Four distinct stages in soil arch evolution under localized loading have been identified. The relationship between geo-reinforcement stiffness and trapdoor stiffness in affecting soil arching is complex and varies with different loading scenarios. The membrane effect plays a pivotal role in inter-span load transfer.

Anthropometric basis of Human Feet: Predictive Insights into Evolution

Introduction: Understanding human foot morphology through anthropometric measurements and evolutionary perspectives provides critical insights into its role in bipedalism and contemporary health issues. This article explores recent advancements in foot research, focusing on the interaction between foot structure and function, and its implications for both biomechanics and evolutionary trends. Methods: A review of literature was carried out by focusing on anthropometric measurements, biomechanical assessments, and evolutionary trends in human foot morphology. Major databases for studies on foot anatomy and function were used for literature search, particularly those employing geometric morphometrics and evolutionary modeling. Data synthesis involved analyzing measurement techniques and methodological rigor to draw comprehensive insights on foot health and biomechanics. Results: The review revealed that anthropometric measurements such as foot length, width, and arch height significantly influence gait and foot function. Biomechanical assessments have clarified how foot structures contribute to load distribution and injury prevention. Evolutionary studies indicate that adaptations in foot morphology have shaped modern foot health, with implications for predicting future trends. The integration of these findings underscores the importance of considering evolutionary and biomechanical factors in foot health research and practice. Conclusion: The synthesis of anthropometric, biomechanical, and evolutionary data provides a comprehensive understanding of foot morphology and its implications for health. The findings highlighted the need for continued research into how evolutionary trends influence contemporary foot issues and emphasize the importance of applying these insights to improve clinical practices. Future research should focus on refining diagnostic tools and treatment strategies, leveraging both historical data and modern advancements to enhance foot health outcomes.