Arch Height Research Articles

Effect of Foot Intrinsic and Tibialis Posterior Muscle Training on Dynamic Balance in Bharatanatyam Dancers a Comparative Study

Background: Dancers require good body balance to maintain and continuously change the postures. Due torepetitive foot tapping, changes are seen in the medial longitudinal arch causing flat foot in Bharatanatyam dancerswhich affects their balance and overall performance while dancing. Strengthening extrinsic and intrinsic muscles ismore effective interventions for flexible flat foot. Although foot muscle exercises for the height of MLA have beenlimited to intrinsic foot muscle strengthening without considering extrinsic foot muscle. Exercise interventionsthat comparing foot intrinsic muscle and extrinsic muscle are rare and studies of dynamic balance in relation tothe pes planus in Bharatanatyam dancers are lacking. Therefore, the present study includes a comparison of theeffects of foot intrinsic and tibialis posterior muscle training, in relation with foot arch height, dynamic balance,and performance in Bharatanatyam dancers with flexible flat foot.Objective: To compare the effects of foot intrinsic muscle and tibialis posterior muscle training on dynamic balancein Bharatanatyam dancers.Method: 30 flexible pes planus Bharatanatyam dancers were recruited and were randomized into two groups.Group A performed foot intrinsic muscle training and group B performed tibialis posterior muscle training. Allgroups received strength training for 30 minutes five times a week for six weeksResults & Discussion: Statistical analysis was done using pared t test for intragroup significance and independentt test for intergroup significance. Results obtained revealed that both groups showed significant difference betweentheir pre-test and post-test values(p ≥ 0.05).However intergroup analysis showed no significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) between group A (Foot intrinsic muscletraining) and group B (Tibialis posterior muscle training) in SEBT, FPI 6 and DFOS.Conclusion: Tibialis posterior muscle strengthening group is equally effective as foot intrinsic muscle strengtheningin terms of foot posture, dynamic balance and Dance function.

Analysis of skeletal characteristics of flat feet using three-dimensional foot scanner and digital footprint

BackgroundFlat feet increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis and contribute to frailty, which may lead to worse life prognoses. The influence of the foot skeletal structure on flat feet is not yet entirely understood. Footprints are often used to evaluate feet. However, footprint-based measurements do not reflect the underlying structures of feet and are easily confounded by soft tissue. Three-dimensional evaluation of the foot shape can reveal the characteristics of flat feet. Therefore, foot shape evaluations have garnered increasing research interest. This study aimed to determine the correlation between the three-dimensional (3D) features of the foot and the measurement results of footprint and to predict the evaluation results of flat feet from the footprint based on the 3D features. Finally, the three-dimensional characteristics of flat feet, which cannot be revealed by footprint, were determined.MethodsA total of 403 individuals (40–89 years) participated in this study. The proposed system was developed to identify seven skeletal features that were expected to be associated with flat feet. The loads on the soles of the feet were measured in a static standing position and with a digital footprint device. Specifically, two footprint indices were calculated: the Chippaux–Smirak index (CSI) and the Staheli index (SI). In the analysis, comparisons between male and female measurement variables were performed using the Student’s t test. The relationships between the 3D foot features and footprint index parameters were determined by employing the Pearson correlation coefficient. Multiple linear regression was utilized to identify 3D foot features that were strongly associated with the CSI and SI. Foot features identified as significant in the multivariate regression analysis were compared based on a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s post hoc test.ResultsThe CSI and SI were highly correlated with the instep height (IH) and navicular height (NH) of the 3D foot scanning system and were also derived from multiple regression analysis. In addition to the NH and IH, the indicators of the forefoot, transverse arch width, and transverse arch height were considered. In the flat foot group with CSI values above 62.7%, NH was 13.5% (p < 0.001) for males and 14.9% (p = 0.01) for females, and the axis of the bone distance was 5.3% (p = 0.05) for males and 4.9% (p = 0.10) for females. In particular, for CSI values above 62.7% and NH values below 13%, the axis of the bone distance was large and the foot skeleton was deformed.ConclusionsDecreased navicular bone height could be evaluated with the 3D foot scanning system even when flat feet were not detected from the footprint. The results indicate that the use of quantitative indices for 3D foot measurements is important when evaluating the flattening of the foot.Trial registration number UMIN000037694.Name of the registry: University Hospital Medical Information Network Registry.Date of registration: August 15, 2019.

Reinforcement load in geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported model embankments

The stress conditions of geosynthetic reinforcements (GRs) are crucial in achieving the accurate serviceability design of geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported (GRPS) embankments. However, the sensitivity of load distribution to the settlement process has been reported in geosynthetic-reinforced embankment overlying cavities. In this study, a three-dimensional model embankment was used to perform experiments and evaluate the load acting on the GR. A flexible pressure-mapping sensor was introduced to investigate the pressure distribution for two types of supporting conditions: partitioned displacement by multiple movable trapdoors and even trapdoor settlement underneath different subsoil materials. The results showed that the load on the GR was concentrated on the strip areas between adjacent pile heads along with the settlement. The measured load on the GR strip area was related to the settlement process and finally exhibited a U-shaped distribution after detachment from the support underneath. The soil arch height in the subgrade continuously increased with the settlement; meanwhile, the pile head load increased rapidly at first and then decreased slightly or remained stable depending on the foundation support stiffness. For both types of settlement behaviours, soil arching exhibited stress history-related characteristics that influence the load transfer in GRPS embankments.

Changes in the Relative Displacement between the Supra-Aortic Branches with Age

This study aimed to determine the normal ranges for the height and deflection angle of the aortic arch and the displacement distances between the supra-aortic branches in relation to age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and body surface area (BSA) in adults without aortic disease using non-contrast chest computed tomography (CT). The CT scans of 700 patients were analyzed. We measured the height and deflection angle of the aortic arch based on the lower level of the pulmonary artery bifurcation. The displacement distances between the supra-aortic branches in the coronal and sagittal planes were measured, and the deflection angles between these branches were calculated. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate the associations of age, sex, BMI, and BSA with these aortic arch parameters. The height of the aortic arch was significantly higher (74±15mm vs. 65±12mm, P<0.001) and the left-posterior displacement distance of the left subclavian artery (LSA) to the innominate artery (IA) was greater in men than that in women. The height and deflection angle of the aortic arch increased with age. The distance by which the LSA was shifted to the left posterior of the left common carotid artery and to the left of the IA increased with age. The normal aging process is accompanied by morphological changes in the aortic arch and relative displacement between the supra-aortic branches. Identifying these parameters could lead to a comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and morphology of the aortic arch.

Arch Height Effect and Optimal Section Selection of Strata Behavior of Straight Wall Arch Roadway Under Mining Condition

Arch Height Effect and Optimal Section Selection of Strata Behavior of Straight Wall Arch Roadway Under Mining Condition

Rare juvenile material constrains estimation of skeletal allometry in Gryposaurus notabilis (Dinosauria: Hadrosauridae).

In studying the skeletal allometry of any vertebrate, it is important to sample the ontogenetic extremes to ensure the accuracy of parameter estimation; this is particularly true for fossil taxa, where sampling of ontogenetic series is incomplete and sporadic. Previous studies have examined allometry in the skull of the duck-billed dinosaur Gryposaurus notabilis, but these did not include individuals smaller than ~65% the maximum known size (based on linear dimensions). Here, we report on the two smallest known examples of this species (a mostly complete skeleton and a partial skull), which are ~37% the known maximal size of G. notabilis. Osteohistology indicates that these represent individuals ~2 years of age. Allometric analysis demonstrates that most aspects of the skull of G. notabilis grew isometrically, although the height of the nasal arch grew with positive allometry. Early in the ontogeny of G. notabilis, the dentary teeth possessed secondary ridges, which were lost later in life. This finding has important bearing on hadrosaurid tooth taxonomy. The limb proportions of G. notabilis largely grew isometrically (or with weak negative allometry, at most), like some other hadrosaurids, suggesting that the species did not undergo a gait shift with increasing age (unless it occurred very early in ontogeny). We argue that the lack of significant locomotory performance compensation exhibited by young hadrosaurids helps to explain why they apparently formed small, mutualistic aggregations, presumably for protection from large predators.

Effects of a 12-week barefoot exercise training on foot muscle functions and arch height

article: Effects of a 12-week barefoot exercise training on foot muscle functions and arch height - Gazzetta Medica Italiana - Archivio per le Scienze Mediche 2022 April;181(4):191-8 - Minerva Medica - Journals

Biomechanical Characteristics of the Support Leg During Side-Foot Kicking in Soccer Players With Chronic Ankle Instability

Background:Chronic ankle instability (CAI) in soccer players can increase the risk of recurrent ankle varus sprains and damage the articular surface of the ankle joint, thus increasing the risk of osteoarthritis. It is important to understand the biomechanical characteristics of the support leg during kicking in soccer players with CAI.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to clarify the kinematics of the kicking motion of soccer players with CAI. It was hypothesized that at the point before ball contact when the support leg makes flat-foot contact with the ground, soccer players with CAI will land with ankle inversion in the support leg during a side-foot kick compared with players without CAI.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:The study cohort included 19 male college soccer players (mean age, 20.5 ± 0.9 years) with greater than 8 years of soccer experience who were recruited from August 2019 to March 2020. Of these athletes, 10 had CAI and 9 had no CAI in the support leg, as diagnosed according to the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool. Kinematic data for the trunk, hip, knee, and foot of the support leg during a side-foot kick were obtained using a 3-dimensional, motion-analysis system. The Mann-Whitney U test or Student t test was selected to identify differences in variables between the CAI and non-CAI groups.Results:There were no significant differences in physical characteristics between the CAI and non-CAI groups. At the point when the support leg made flat-foot contact with the ground, the players with CAI had more eversion of the hindfoot with respect to the tibia (-28.3° ± 12.1° vs -13.9° ± 14.2°; P = .03), a more varus alignment of the knee (26.0° ± 10.7° vs 13.7° ± 10.5°; P = .03), and a lower arch height index (0.210 ± 0.161 vs 0.233 ± 0.214; P = .046) compared with non-CAI players.Conclusion:Significant differences between players with and without CAI were seen in the support leg kinematics at flat-foot contact with the ground during the kicking cycle.Clinical Relevance:The biomechanical alignment of the support leg during a side-foot kick in players with CAI may reflect a subconscious attempt to avoid inversion of the foot and further ankle sprains.

Plantar fasciitis injury status influences foot mechanics during running

BackgroundThe biomechanical factors related to plantar fasciitis are not well understood. A history of injury is considered a risk factor for subsequent injury, but it is unknown if differences in mechanics exist before, during, and after injury. This study compared gait mechanics among individuals with plantar fasciitis, resolved plantar fasciitis, and uninjured controls. MethodsThirty male and female runners were divided into three groups: 1) plantar fasciitis (n = 10, age 43 ± 11 years); 2) resolved plantar fasciitis (n = 10, age 43 ± 13 years); and 3) control (n = 10, age 38 ± 11 years). Participants ran at preferred velocity and 3.3 m/s while kinematics and kinetics were collected. Variables of interest include vertical loading rate, foot, ankle, knee, and hip kinematics, arch height index, arch rigidity index, and arch drop. Group differences were analyzed at each velocity using one-way analysis of variance. FindingsThe plantar fasciitis group exhibited less forefoot extension (P = 0.02), more midfoot inversion (P < 0.01), and more midfoot extension (P < 0.01) than the resolved plantar fasciitis group. Foot mechanics in controls did not differ. Sagittal knee range of motion was greater in the plantar fasciitis group than resolved or control (P = 0.01). No other variables were significantly different among groups. InterpretationThe plantar fasciitis group exhibited dynamic foot mechanics which suggest a lower, more flexible arch compared to the resolved group, although static measures of foot structure and ankle motion did not differ. The differences between these groups indicate that the motion of the forefoot and midfoot during gait are important to consider for plantar fasciitis.

Effect of Arch Height Flexibility in Individuals With Flatfoot on Abductor Hallucis Muscle Activity and Medial Longitudinal Arch Angle During Short Foot Exercises

Flatfoot presents decreased medial longitudinal arch (MLA), and such foot deformity involves intrinsic foot muscles dysfunction. Flatfoot can be classified into flexible and stiff types according to arch height flexibility (AHF). Short foot exercise (SFE) is an intrinsic foot muscle strengthening exercise, which is reportedly effective against flatfoot. However, its effectiveness against flexible or stiff types in flatfoot is unclear. We examined the effect of AHF in individuals with flatfoot during abductor hallucis muscle (AbH) activity and medial longitudinal arch during SFE. Foot alignment was assessed using the arch height index during standing, and individuals with flatfoot (N=16) were recruited. The AbH activity and MLA angle during SFE while maintaining single-leg standing were assessed. The relationship between AHF and AbH activity and between AHF and MLA angle ratio was analyzed using correlation coefficients. Additional correlations between AHF and AbH activity were observed with the outliers removed. There were no correlations between AHF and AbH muscle activity and between AHF and MLA angle ratio. However, with the 2 outliers removed, moderate correlations between AHF and AbH activity were significant (r=0.64, p = .01). AbH activity during SFE increased in individuals with flatfoot for high AHF (flexible type). Thus, SFE may be more effective for individuals with flatfoot having a high AHF. These findings may be helpful when making decisions for surgery and rehabilitation.

Analysis on Evolution Law of Small Structure Stress Arch and Composite Bearing Arch in Island Gob-Side Entry Driving

At present, the theory of supporting the surrounding rock small structure of gob-side entry driving has been widely used, but there is no specific quantitative analytical formula for the bearing strength and bearing characteristics of the structure. Construct a small structural stress arch mechanical model based on the arch axis equation, and divide the width of coal pillars (fractured zone-plastic softening zone-plastic hardening zone) and small structural stress arch height. According to the relationship between the stress arch height and the size of the roadway, the anchor cable length is determined to be 7.3 m, and the “anchor mesh + ordinary long anchor cable + grouting anchor cable” coordinated support plan is proposed: anchor net support is used for the first support, and long anchor cable and grouting anchor cable are used for the second support. Combined with the supporting parameters, a mechanical model of the surrounding rock composite bearing stress arch is proposed, and the composite bearing stress arch structure is derived using elastoplastic mechanics to obtain the ultimate bearing strength relationship expression. The results show that the ultimate bearing capacity of the haulage gateway of 17236 island working-face in the north of Zhangji coal mine can reach 29.193 MPa after the composite bearing stress arch support. The feasibility of the supporting scheme is verified, and field monitoring showed that the deformation zone of the surrounding rock of the transportation haulage gateway is stable after being supported by the composite bearing stress arch structure, the maximum shrinkage of the top and bottom of the roadway is 287 mm, and the distance between the two sides is 640 mm.

The biomechanical effects of 3D printed and traditionally made foot orthoses in individuals with unilateral plantar fasciopathy and flat feet

BackgroundFoot orthoses (FOs) are used to manage foot pathologies such as plantar fasciopathy. 3D printed custom-made FOs are increasingly being manufactured. Although these 3D-printed FOs look like traditionally heat-moulded FOs, there are few studies comparing FOs made using these two different manufacturing processes. Research questionHow effective are 3D-printed FOs (3D-Print) compared to traditionally-made (Traditional) or no FOs (Control), in changing biomechanical parameters of flat-footed individuals with unilateral plantar fasciopathy? MethodsThirteen participants with unilateral plantar fasciopathy walked with shoes under three conditions: Control, 3D-print, and Traditional. 2 × 3 repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVAs) with Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used to compare discrete kinematic and kinetic variables between limbs and conditions. Waveform analyses were also conducted using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). ResultsThere was a significant condition main effect for arch height drop (p = 0.01; ηp2 =0.54). There was 0.87 mm (95% CI [−1.84, −0.20]) less arch height drop in 3D-print compared to Traditional. The SPM analyses revealed condition main effects on ankle moment (p < 0.001) and ankle power (p < 0.001). There were significant differences between control condition and both 3D-print and Traditional conditions. For ankle moment and power, there were no differences between 3D-print and Traditional conditions. Significance3D-printed FOs are more effective in reducing arch height drop, whist both FOs lowered ankle plantarflexion moment and power compared to no FOs. The results support the use of 3D-printed FOs as being equally effective as traditionally-made FOs in changing lower limb biomechanics for a population of flat-footed individuals with unilateral plantar fasciopathy.

The frequency of significant relationships of selected features describing feet with the torso features among youth aged 7-13

Introduction. Research on the relationships and co-occurrence of the feet and torso features in a group of 4-6-year-old children showed that the values of the left foot features show a significantly more frequent relationship with the features of the torso than the right foot features.&#x0D; Material and method. The research was carried out in the group of adolescents aged 7 to 13 and registered 12,898 observations of the value of 90 features describing torso and feet. The working stand for measuring the features of body posture and feet using the photogrammetric method consists of a computer and a card, a programme, a monitor, a printer, and a projection-receiving device with a camera for measuring selected features.&#x0D; Conclusions&#x0D; &#x0D; A similar number of features of the right and left foot is often associated with the torso features. The following features like width of the feet, the angle of the 5thhallux valgus and the left foot big toe, the heel angle and height of the right foot second arch, the height of the second longitudinal arch and the length of the left foot, and the length of the first arch of the right foot show especially frequent relationships.&#x0D; The feet features show the most frequent significant relationship with the torso features of the frontal plane, whereas less of sagittal plane and occasionally of transversal plane. Torso features, which the most common features of the feet are significantly related to are the height and length of lumbar lordosis, the height of thoracic kyphosis, the angle of the torso flexion in the sagittal plane, the length of the thoracic kyphosis, the bent angle of the thoracic-lumbar spine, the depth of thoracic kyphosis, the depth of lumbar lordosis, and the inclination angle of the upper thoracic segment of the spine. The features of the feet are whereby most frequently related to the features of lumbar lordosis.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Relationships between the Perception of Footwear Comfort and the Fear of Falls in People at the Early Period of Old Age.

Objective: The present study aimed to analyze the relationships between the perceptions of footwear comfort with fear of falls in younger-old women and men. Participants: the population sample involved 100 free-living community dwellers aged 65–74. Design: the Falls Efficacy Scale-International and a visual analogue scale to assess perception of footwear comfort were used as research tools. Results: there were statistically significant differences in the FES-I results in people who suffered a fall in the last year compared to those who did not experience a fall (p < 0.001), as well as in the subjective assessment of mediolateral control in people who have suffered and have not suffered a fall in the last year (p = 0.033). In women, statistically significant relationships were found in the subjective assessment of shoe comfort in terms of arch height (p = 0.025) and material properties of the footwear (p = 0.036) with the results of FES-I. Conclusions: People who have fallen show a higher level of fear of falling. The assessment of footwear comfort in terms of mediolateral control was lower in the younger-old who had experienced a fall in the last year. In women, a worse assessment of arch height and material properties of the footwear is accompanied by greater fear of falling.

Effect of Earthquake on Pressure Arch above the Tunnel

Abstract In this paper, the changes in the pressure arch height above the tunnels subject to earthquake were analyzed by using theoretical, numerical, and experimental ways, respectively, and then, a corresponding formula was derived. The phenomenon of stress rotation and pressure arch around the tunnel under earthquake was found by illustrating the stress vector around tunnel. The force transmission method was used to analyze the change in pressure arch height of rectangular, horseshoe-shaped, and circular tunnels before and after earthquake, and then, a new method was presented to determine the pressure arch height above the tunnel under earthquake according to stress changes in surrounding rock. Then, the two methods were jointly used to analyze the pressure arch height above the tunnel. The results show that the tunnel shape has great effect on the shape of pressure arch, and the pressure arch height of deep tunnel varies little with depth. The changes in the shape and height of tunnel pressure arch before and after earthquake obtained from theoretical analysis and numerical simulation were finally verified by shaking table model tests. The research results in this paper may provide practical significance in seismic design of tunnel structures.

Assessment of Flatfoot Deformity Using Digitally Reconstructed Radiographs: Reliability and Comparison to Conventional Radiographs.

Digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) generated from weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) may potentially substitute for weightbearing plain radiographs (XRs) but have not been clinically validated. This study aims to test the reliability of 6 radiographic parameters of progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) as measured on DRR, to investigate whether DRR represents comparably to XR through the same measurements, and to compare agreement of DRR and XR measurements of a standardized arch height parameter with reference measurements made on WBCT. DRR generated from preoperative WBCT of 71 patients (72 feet) treated surgically for PCFD were retrospectively compared with preoperative weight-bearing XR after exclusion criteria were applied. Six radiographic measurements were performed, including Meary angle, calcaneal pitch (CPA), medial cuneiform height (MCH), AP talar-first metatarsal angle (T-1MT), talonavicular coverage (TNCA), and talar incongruency (TIA). Arch height was measured on XR, DRR, and WBCT using a validated, standardized, navicular-based index. Intraclass correlation coefficients assessed DRR intraobserver and interobserver reliability. Paired samples t tests tested differences between XR and DRR. Bland-Altman limits of agreement analysis compared DRR and XR agreement with WBCT measurements. Measurements were within standard PCFD ranges on XR and DRR. All measurements demonstrated excellent intrarater reliability and good to excellent interrater agreement, consistent with previous literature on XR. No differences were found for Meary, CPA, or TNCA. Minor differences were observed for MCH, T-1MT, and TIA. DRR measurements demonstrated greater agreement with WBCT than XR measurements. DRR from WBCT may be a promising substitute for XR in the clinical evaluation of PCFD. Radiographic measurements made on DRR demonstrated good to excellent reliability. Although small differences were found between XR and DRR for certain measurements, DRR more accurately represented medial arch anatomy compared to gold standard WBCT data than XR. If validated as a clinical substitute, DRR could eventually obviate XR where WBCT is available. Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Numerical spring-based trapdoor test on soil arching in pile-supported embankment

As an important load transfer mechanism within the pile-supported embankment, soil arching is frequently investigated by trapdoor tests. The traditional trapdoor test is usually conducted by actively lowering an intact rigid plate to predesignated elevation and the coupled effect among the pile, overlying embankment fill, and the soft soil on the soil arching is oversimplified. To include the coupled effect, a numerical feasibility study of spring-based trapdoor test using particle flow code (PFC) was conducted, where the displacement of the trapdoor is dependent on the rigidity of the trapdoor and the upper load. A single spring-based trapdoor (SS-TD) model and multiple spring-based trapdoor (MS-TD) model were validated by comparing with an existing study and the comparison indicates that the tendency of all results is generally consistent. To offer guidance for practice engineering, the stiffness of springs is further correlated with the realistic modulus of subgrade reaction, ks. Then, the performances of the two spring-based models and the traditional trapdoor model in predicting the soil arching were compared in terms of soil arch height, soil arching ratio (SAR), and settlement. Interestingly, settlement distribution within the region above the height of the soil arch of the SS-TD model is found different from that of the traditional trapdoor model. The inner soil arches are monitored in the MS-TD model when displacing the trapdoor and they can transfer the load toward two ends of the trapdoor resulting in a more uniform stress distribution on the trapdoor.

Violation of supporting function of feet in children with hip subluxation of dysplastic genesis

Objective. To study the plantographic characteristics of the feet in children with unilateral dysplastic hip subluxation (DHS) and to analyze the patterns of plantar pressure distribution on the affected and intact sides.&#x0D; Material and methods. A biomechanical study was conducted in 23 children, aged 13 to 17 years, with unilateral DHS of Crowe group I. The plantographic characteristics of the feet were evaluated and their relationship with the vertical balance of the patients body was analyzed. The control group consisted of 18 healthy children of the same age.&#x0D; Results. In patients with unilateral DHS, there is a significant decrease in all indices of support: anterior t, medial m and median s compared with healthy children, not only on the foot of the affected limb, but also on the intact side. It indicates a deterioration in the spring function of the transverse and longitudinal arches of the feet due to their rigidity. The foot on the affected lower limb has a pathologically increased Clarke's angle , which indicates an increase in the height of the longitudinal arches of the foot, which leads to a decrease in the total area of its support. In patients, there is a pathological increase in comparison with the norm of functional relationships between the arches of the foot on the affected and intact lower extremities, that is a sign of a formed pathological foot support strategy.&#x0D; Conclusions. The pathological supporting strategy of the feet on the affected and intact lower extremities in patients with unilateral DHS may be a consequence of a violation of the global sagittal balance of the body, leading to an adaptive reaction of the musculoskeletal system in response to compensatory changes in the links of the kinematic chain "spine-pelvis".

The Effects of a 6-Week Intrinsic Foot Morphology, Kinematics, and Kinetics in Individuals with Pes Planus

CONTEXT: The intrinsic foot muscles are vital in supporting the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. Individuals with pes planus have poor foot morphology, strength, and biomechanics, warranting an intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: At pre-intervention, foot posture and arch height were assessed via the Foot Posture Index-6 and the Navicular Drop test, respectively. Cross-sectional area of the abductor hallucis was assessed using ultrasound as an indirect measure of strength. Biomechanical measures, including peak rearfoot eversion, peak tibial internal rotation, peak rearfoot eversion moment, and center of pressure excursion, were collected using 3D-motion capture and an instrumented treadmill. At post-intervention, these morphological and biomechanical measures were repeated. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each dependent variable by group and time. A repeated measures ANOVA was conducted for each dependent variable with the within subjects factor time and between subjects factor group.

The effect of foot orthoses on gait biomechanics and pain among people with rheumatoid arthritis: A quasi-experimental study

BackgroundFoot pain is frequent among people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Foot orthoses (FO) are commonly prescribed with the intention to reduce pain symptoms and improve function. Research questionHow do a custom-made FO affect pain, gait biomechanics and daily activity among people with RA? MethodsTwenty-five participants with RA and foot pain completed this quasi-experimental study using a control insole for four weeks and then a custom-made FO in the following four weeks. The foot orthoses were customized by plantar foot shape targeting optimal restoration of normal arch height. A visual analog scale was used to monitor changes in ankle/foot, knee, hip joints, and global arthritis pain. In addition, the perceived pain area was measured using a body chart analysis. Kinematics and kinetics of the hip, knee and ankle joints during gait were analyzed using 3D-motion capture. Daily steps were measured with a wrist-based activity tracker for both the control insole and custom-made FO period, respectively. ResultsIn comparison to the control insole, the custom-made FO reduced ankle/foot pain intensity (p < 0.001) in addition to a reduction of the perceived pain areas in the feet (p < 0.001), legs (p = 0.012), as well as the arms and hands (p = 0.014). Ankle plantar flexion and eversion moments were also reduced (p < 0.001). No difference in daily steps was observed between the two periods (p = 0.657). SignificanceThis study has demonstrated an ankle/foot pain-relieving effect in conjunction with alterations of the ankle joint moments in people with RA using custom-made FO. The pain relief is plausibly attributed to alterations of the ankle joint moments when using the custom-made FO. However, future studies are needed to explore further into therapeutic implication of custom-made FO in pain management of people with RA.