Rear Foot Research Articles

Comparison of static balance and pressure distribution in individuals with unilateral lower limb amputation: The role of barefoot, heel support, and vision.

In some cultures, shoes are not worn indoors. Prosthesis use barefoot can lead to pressure injuries and loss of balance due to abnormal residual limb loading. This study aimed to compare the effect of wearing standard alignment prostheses using barefoot at home and visual alteration on static balance and pressure distribution in individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputations (TFAs) or transtibial amputations (TTAs). Prospective parallel experimental study. Participants with unilateral TTAs (n = 44) and TFAs (n = 37) were included. Balance and load distribution were assessed using MatScan pressure platforms, both with a heel (3 × 2 cm2 area; 1.8 cm height) support (the use of shoes with a heel is mimicked) and barefoot. Balance parameters were disrupted in all groups when eyes closed position (p < 0.05). Using heels reduced anterior-posterior and medial-lateral sway in TTA group during eyes closed (p < 0.05). When standing barefoot with the eye open position, TFA group had more load on the rear foot of the prosthetic foot and less load on the forefoot than TTA group (p < 0.05). The opposite pattern was observed in the intact foot (p < 0.05). Using heels in TTA group increased the load on the front of the intact side and the rear of the prosthetic side (p < 0.05). The balance parameters were impaired in both groups while standing barefoot in the absence of vision. However, using heel supports improved static balance in the TTA but not in the TFA group. Using heel support changed this load distribution in both groups, especially in the TTAs, and created positive changes.

Running economy with shoes that elicit an involuntary forefoot strike in the habitual rear and non-rear foot strike runners

The metabolic benefits of non-rearfoot strike (non-RFS) running remain unknown because no interventions can alter the runner’s foot strike patterns involuntarily. This study investigated whether wearing running shoes that elicit involuntary non-RFS running alters the oxygen consumption (VO2) of habitual RFS and non-RFS runners. Twenty-three male runners (10 RFS and 13 non-RFS) performed six bouts of 5-min treadmill runs at slow or fast speeds below lactate thresholds. The first three bouts were performed using either the control shoes (traditional racing shoes), the shoes that elicit involuntary non-RFS (Wave Duel Pro [WDP]), or the additional shoe used for a different purpose. Subsequently, participants ran another three bouts wearing each shoe in mirror order. Only the control and WDP shoes were analysed in this study. All participants were non-RFS runners when wearing WDP. The VO2 did not differ between WDP and control in habitual non-RFS runners (43.7 ± 5.6 and 43.5 ± 5.6 mL kg−1 min−1, respectively, P = 0.306 for the main effect of shoes). A small attenuation of VO2 by approximately 0.9% was observed with WDP compared with control in habitual RFS runners (43.9 ± 5.4 and 44.3 ± 5.6 mL kg−1 min−1, respectively, P = 0.025 for the main effect of shoes). The blood lactate concentration did not differ between WDP and control in both groups (P ≥ 0.603). Similarly, the heart rate did not differ between the shoes in both groups (P ≥ 0.166). The involuntary induction of non-RFS running by changing shoes has a negligible effect on reducing the running economy of habitual RFS runners.

Targeting the Tumor Vascular Supply to Enhance Radiation Therapy Administered in Single or Clinically Relevant Fractionated Schedules.

This pre-clinical study was designed to demonstrate how vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) should be administered, either alone or when combined with radiation in clinically relevant fractionated radiation schedules, for the optimal anti-tumor effect. CDF1 mice, implanted in the right rear foot with a 200 mm3 murine C3H mammary carcinoma, were injected with various doses of the most potent VDA drug, combretastatin A-1 phosphate (CA1P), under different schedules. Tumors were also locally irradiated with single-dose, or stereotactic (3 × 5-20 Gy) or conventional (30 × 2 Gy) fractionation schedules. Tumor growth and control were the endpoints used. Untreated tumors had a tumor growth time (TGT5; time to grow to 5 times the original treatment volume) of around 6 days. This increased with increasing drug doses (5-100 mg/kg). However, with single-drug treatments, the maximum TGT5 was only 10 days, yet this increased to 19 days when injecting the drug on a weekly basis or as three treatments in one week. CA1P enhanced radiation response regardless of the schedule or interval between the VDA and radiation. There was a dose-dependent increase in radiation response when the combined with a single, stereotactic, or conventional fractionated irradiation, but these enhancements plateaued at around a drug dose of 25 mg/kg. This pre-clinical study demonstrated how VDAs should be combined with clinically applicable fractionated radiation schedules for the optimal anti-tumor effect, thus suggesting the necessary pre-clinical testing required to ultimately establish VDAs in clinical practice.

Comparing the Effects of an Off-Ice Sprint-Change of Direction Task on Trunk Kinematics and Gait Laterality in Collegiate Ice Hockey Players

Laterality preferences are intrinsic in most physical activities, and ice hockey is one domain wherein these preferences might influence performance. Biomechanical laterality between dominant and nondominant (or preferred and nonpreferred) limbs is believed to be an advantageous attribute that is linked with skilled performance. Yet little is known about the implications of motor asymmetries for skilled performers in dynamic, time-constrained, team-based activities in an off-ice environment. This can be extended to when player position is considered, notably for those playing in a defensive or an offensive position. In this study, fourteen semi-professional collegiate male ice hockey players (age: 21.87 ± 2.98 years; BMI: 25.26 ± 3.21 kg/m) performed a randomized repeated 15 m sprint-change of direction task. Assessments of lower limb laterality were carried out as participants commenced the 15 m sprint change of direction task in both a right and left foot rear setback position. Biomechanical laterality between right and left rear foot setback positions was inferred by an ActiGraph GTx3 triaxial accelerometer that was located on the participants’ spinous process, representing the trunk centre of mass (CoM). Overall, ANOVA results indicated significant differences across all sprint split times between the right and left foot rear setback positions, with times significantly quicker when players commenced in a right rear foot setback position (p &lt; 0.001). ANOVA revealed significant differences in trunk CoM acceleration between in a right and left rear setback position, specifically during the initial 0–10 m sprint split, with offensive players observed to have lesser trunk anteroposterior and vertical CoM acceleration (p = 0.05) and during the final 5 m sprint split (p = 0.002, d = 0.7), despite overall smaller effect sizes seen in the left foot rear setback position. It appears that starting with the foot in a right rear setback position results in quicker 15 m performance times and concurrent lower magnitudes of trunk CoM acceleration. Although we demonstrated that offensive players were quicker and displayed less trunk CoM acceleration, we recommend that future studies use a greater number of participants for inter-limb symmetry in these movement tests.

240 Impact of structural traits on semen collection training and lesion characteristics in Duroc boars

Abstract Rising incidence of lameness in boar stud contributes to increased morbidity and mortality, affecting longevity and likely semen output. Lameness is not unique to the boar and affects the swine industry as a whole, contributing to millions of dollars in losses every year. Hypothesized contributors to lameness incidence are body, feet, and leg structure. In the boar stud lameness affects the ability of the boar to mount the dummy and can cause pain-related stress which can impact reproductive function. Lameness is also often accompanied by skin lesions or wounds which can lead to infection and further semen production. Our objectives were to evaluate the relationship between boar structural traits and semen collection training traits and determine if structural traits influence presence and severity of skin lesions. Structural traits of developing Duroc boars (n = 82; 190 ± 10.3 d of age) were assessed at arrival to the stud and 6 wk later. Structural traits assessed included front and rear leg set, foot shape, chest width, and hip width (1 = poor; 5 = ideal). An overall structure score for each boar was determined by adding all structural trait scores. Lesions were assessed on a zero to three scale (0 = no lesions; 3 = severe lesions). Based on overall structure score, boars were categorized into one of three groups (poor, intermediate, or ideal) to determine if structural traits affected the presence and severity of lesions. All boars were subjected to semen collection training 1 wk after arriving at the stud and considered trained when successful mounting and ejaculation occurred. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were determined between total structure score, lesion severity, and semen collection training characteristics. The GLIMMIX procedure of SAS was used to assess lesion presence differences between structure groups. Structure score and lesion severity were not significantly correlated (-0.017; P = 0.91) with number of attempts to train, time to mount, or time to collection of ejaculates. Upon arrival at the stud, boars in the poor structure group displayed a greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) incidence of lesions than intermediate and Ideal structure groups but did not have greater lesion severity (P = 0.74). After 6 wk in the boar stud, there were no differences (P = 0.83) in lesion presence or severity between structure groups, suggesting the lameness issues are more likely caused by housing environment or other factors than structural traits.

Impressions of sow overgrown toes on U.S. farms: What animal-based factors are driving this?

The purpose of this study was to poll farm managers regarding the animal-based factors that may drive overgrown toes on-farm. All survey questions were self-reported by the participants. There was a total of 20 questions, which were separated into 6 different categories: farm demographics, flooring, sow characteristics, lameness, incidence of overgrown toes, and removal reason. The top 20 swine producing companies were chosen as potential survey participants by utilizing the Successful Farming Exclusive: Top 40 U.S. Pork Powerhouse List of 2020. Data will be presented descriptively (numbers and percentages). A total of 63 surveys (that encompassed 275,000 gilts and sows) were received. Most sow farms were located in Iowa and Illinois. Nearly 60% of sows were housed in barns 20-yrs or older and one third reported inventory between 4001 and 5000 head respectively. Approximately 63% of participants indicated that the gilt replacement source was internal. Two thirds had average sow parities between 3 and 4 with most sows being scored as a body condition score of 3 (ideal). Parities 3 and 4 were considered the time when overgrown toes were being observed in the breeding herd. Nine farms reported &amp;ldquo;dew claw problems&amp;rdquo; as their primary lameness reason. Twenty participants reported &amp;ldquo;foot lesions&amp;rdquo; as their primary lameness reason. Twenty-one farm managers reported &amp;ldquo;joint issues&amp;rdquo; as their primary lameness reason. Eight contributors reported &amp;ldquo;overgrown toes&amp;rdquo; as their primary lameness reason. Nearly 80% of the participants flagged gestation as where lameness was the most prevalent. When considering foot problems, pad lesions along with severely overgrown toes or dew claws were identified as the most common issues on-farm. The observed location of overgrown toes was mostly on the rear feet. Almost 75% noted that they engaged in some sort of &amp;ldquo;toe trimming&amp;rdquo;. Half reported sow age as the primary reason for removal, followed by performance and structural problems. In conclusion, this survey provides valuable information regarding current percentages of toe overgrowth in sow populations and highlights the importance of understanding what factors may drive overgrown toes and how they are being managed.&amp;nbsp;

Shoe choice may affect fencing lunge attack performance.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in attack time and lower limb biomechanics when performing fencing lunge with fencing shoes (FS) and commonly used court shoes (CS). Additionally, the study aimed to evaluate whether fencing shoes with a heel cup (FSH) could reduce lower limb impact. Thirteen female collegiate fencers who had participated in national-level competitions were recruited for this study. Participants performed the lunge on a human-shaped target while wearing FS, FSH, or CS in a randomized order. Biomechanical data were collected using a 3D motion analysis system synchronized with a force plate. A signal light, and an accelerometer were attached to the target's head to initiate lunge movement and detect hit moment for calculating attack time. Attack time was significantly shorter when wearing FS (0.92 ± 0.05s) and FSH (0.93 ± 0.07s) compared to CS (0.96 ± 0.06s). The maximum angular velocity of ankle plantarflexion in rear foot push-off phase was significantly slower when wearing FS and FSH than when wearing CS. The maximum knee posterior shear force, maximum knee flexion moment, and maximum ankle medial shear force during the front foot step phase were significantly greater when wearing FS than when wearing CS. These forces were significantly reduced or nearly significantly reduced when wearing FSH, and there were no significant differences compared to wearing CS. The maximum ankle medial shear force during the push-off phase in rear foot was the greatest when wearing FS but decreased significantly when using FSH. However, this force was still greater than when wearing CS. Wearing FS resulted in a higher loading rate (LR) on the front foot. This LR was reduced when a heel cup was used but still remained higher than when wearing CS. There were no significant differences in the forward extension of body, maximum ground reaction force, or center of pressure displacement during front foot step and rear foot push-off phases among the three shoe conditions. Wearing FS can enhance lunge performance, and the use of a heel cup can effectively reduce lower limb impact.

A Novel Case Study Approach to the Investigation of Leg Strength Asymmetry and Rugby League Player's Multidirectional Speed.

Helme, M, Emmonds, S, Low, C, and Till, K. A novel case study approach to the investigation of leg strength asymmetry and Rugby League player's multidirectional speed. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 941-947, 2024-Leg strength and multidirectional speed qualities have repeatedly been linked with increased performance during Rugby League (RL) match play and associated with career attainment. However, very little of this evidence for strength has been gained through unilateral measurements with no study available that has examined the impact of strength asymmetry, in this population, on speed qualities in RL players. Therefore, this study examined the association between unilateral strength, and as a novel development, the subject with the most extreme asymmetry was identified for further analysis. Fifty RL players undertook the rear foot elevated split squat 5 repetition maximum, 20-m linear sprint, and modified 505 change of direction test. The mean leg strength for the group was 88.92 ± 12.59 kg; when divided by body mass, the mean relative strength (REL) was 1.03 ± 0.17 kg·kg -1 , and the mean asymmetry was 3.21 ± 5.70%. The subject with the greatest asymmetry (subject A) had an imbalance of 33% and a mean leg strength of 75 kg (REL = 0.78 kg·kg -1 ) and a body mass 1 SD above the group mean. Analysis of the group's data and that of subject A did not indicate that leg strength asymmetry was either frequent or harmful, with respect to speed performance. However, relative leg strength was associated with both improved linear and multidirectional speed. Practitioners are recommended to prioritize the development of relative leg strength and disregard the aspiration for between leg performance symmetry.

316 Routine Claw Trimming Data Provides Insight into the Occurrence of Claw Lesions Holstein Herds in the Central Region of South Africa

Abstract Claw lesions in dairy cows are a primary contributor to lameness, posing severe welfare concerns due to the distress and discomfort experienced by affected cows. Claw disorders have a significant negative impact on herd efficiency, milk yield, reproductive performance, and involuntary culling. Despite increased awareness of the detrimental effects of lameness, its incidence has continued to rise. Reducing the occurrence of lameness remains a major challenge, especially in defining and recording of claw traits. In South Africa (SA), claw data is limited to private hoof trimmers with paper-based recording. The objective of this research was to examine the occurrence and recording of claw lesions in Holstein cattle from the central region of South Africa. Claw-trimming data from five intensively managed dairy farms (average herd size: 1,073) using both dirt lot (DL) and free-stall (FS) housing systems were analyzed over a six-year period (2014 to 2019). The Claw Lesion Identification in Dairy Cattle brochure, co-developed by Zinpro Corporation and the International Lameness Committee, was used as the reference for lesion identification by a local hoof trimmer. Digital dermatitis (D) showed the greatest prevalence (64.02% of all recorded lesions), followed by sole ulcers (U; 8.59%), white line disease (W; 6.27%), and sole hemorrhage (H; 4.28%), with most lesions occurring in the rear feet. A chi-square test of independence between lesion and housing was rejected (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Correspondence analysis (CA) was then used to explore these dependencies. The first dimension of the graphical display explained 90.7% of the variation in the data. The CA indicated that the prevalence of D and F are strongly associated, and closely associated with U. The prevalence of these lesions is also associated with housing systems DL and FS. The CA also confirmed a close association between W and H, and the prevalence of these lesions in housing system DL+FS. Improving the precision of claw lesion identification and recording, especially with regard to lesions that tend to occur together, can furnish essential data to identify the most prevalent lesions in a population. This will enhance our comprehension of the causal factors behind these significant lesions and offer producers practical recommendations to use these data for prevention, early detection, management, and improvement of lameness.

Two-dimensional analysis of gait parameters in schizophrenia – an observational study

Background. Gait analysis is a systematic study of human locomotion that involves evaluating body motions, body mechanics, and muscle activity Objective. To analyze spatiotemporal and kinematics variables in schizophrenia. Methodology. Non-Experimental study, convenient sampling, sample size was 15. Both men and women with 18 to 45 years of age were included in the study. Procedure. subjects were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria for analyzing the kinematic and spatio temporal parameters of gait in schizophrenia. Outcome measures. Spatiotemporal and kinematics variables were assessed by using 2D gait analysis with software from Auptimo technologies. Results. Gait analysis of schizophrenia shows significant increase in ankle plantar flexion p &lt; 0.05, significant increase in knee flexion p &lt; 0.05, and significant increase in hip flexion p &lt; 0.05 shows in lateral view and in anterior view significant increase in knee abduction/ adduction p &lt; 0.05, and in posterior view significant increase in contralateral pelvic drop p &lt; 0.05, and significant increase in rear foot angle eversion p &lt; 0.05. In spatiotemporal parameters of schizophrenia shows non significant changes in cadence p &gt; 0.05, and shows significant changes in right and lest stance time, right and left swing, and gait cycle time p &lt; 0.05. Conclusion. This study concluded that schizophrenia shows marked kinematic changes in ankle, knee and hip joint, in anterior view knee abduction and adduction shows notable changes, and in posterior view, significant changes in pelvic drop and rear foot angle, and spatio temporal parameters no apparent changes noted in cadence, and significant increases in stance phase time, swing phase time and gait cycle time.

3D Printed Titanium Wedges for Distraction Arthrodesis of the Subtalar Joint

Category: Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Distraction arthrodesis of the subtalar joint is performed to restore height and correct deformity in the case of subtalar joint arthrosis, malalignment of the rear foot, calcaneal fracture, or other pathologies. Historically, autograft or allograft bone blocks were used to restore natural alignment and improve hindfoot function. Although successful use has been reported, complications associated with donor site morbidity and size limitation for autograft, as well as additional complications including nonunion, graft collapse, and loss of alignment are common. Recently, innovative advancements have enabled the use of 3D printed porous titanium implants for use, improving the union rates and reduced risk of subsidence and graft collapse. Methods: 6 patients with subtalar collapse and anterior ankle impingement were indicated for distraction subtalar arthrodesis. Surgery was performed with a lateral approach for the distraction arthrodesis using an off the shelf 3D printed subtalar wedge and a nitinol pseudoelastic fusion rod for stabilization and fixation. Patients were followed 6 months post op for fusion and alignment. Fusion was confirmed at 3 months with CT scans and alignment was monitored with weightbearing ankle X-rays. Results: 3D wedge incorporation and sustained correction of height and alignment was maintained over time at the subtalar joint. There were no nonunions, 2 patients reports skin healing issues due to tension on the skin with wound closure. These healed with local wound care. Improvement in preoperative to postoperative tibiotalar sagittal plane alignment was observed in all patients. Conclusion: The use of a 3D printed titanium wedge for distraction Arthrodesis of the subtalar joint is a safe procedure and useful procedure in short-term follow-up. This procedure does provide improvement in the patients alignment and fusion occurs with in 3 months of surgery.

Using immunotherapy to enhance the response of a C3H mammary carcinoma to proton radiation

Background The benefit of combining immunotherapy with photon irradiation has been shown pre-clinically and clinically. This current pre-clinical study was designed to investigate the anti-tumour action of combining immunotherapy with protons. Materials and Methods Male CDF1 mice, with a C3H mammary carcinoma inoculated on the right rear foot, were locally irradiated with single radiation doses when tumours reached 200mm3. Radiation was delivered with an 83–107MeV pencil scanning proton beam in the centre of a 3 cm spread out Bragg peak. Following irradiation (day 0), mice were injected intraperitoneal with anti-CTLA-4, anti-PD-1, or anti-PD-L1 (10 mg/kg) twice weekly for two weeks. Endpoints were tumour growth time (TGT3; time to reach 3 times treatment volume) or local tumour control (percent of mice showing tumour control at 90 days). A Student’s T-test (tumour growth) or Chi-squared test (tumour control) were used for statistical analysis; significance levels of p < 0.05. Results Untreated tumours had a mean (± 1 S.E.) TGT3 of 4.6 days (± 0.4). None of the checkpoint inhibitors changed this TGT3. A linear increase in TGT3 was seen with increasing radiation doses (5–20 Gy), reaching 17.2 days (± 0.7) with 20 Gy. Anti-CTLA-4 had no effect on radiation doses up to 15 Gy, but significantly enhanced 20 Gy; the TGT3 being 23.0 days (± 1.3). Higher radiation doses (35–60 Gy) were investigated using a tumour control assay. Logit analysis of the dose response curve, resulted in a TCD50 value (radiation dose causing 50% tumour control; with 95% confidence intervals) of 48 Gy (44–53) for radiation only. This significantly decreased to 43 Gy (38–49) when mice were treated with anti-CTLA-4. Neither anti-PD-1 nor anti-PD-L1 significantly affected tumour control. Conclusion Checkpoint inhibitors enhanced the response of this C3H mammary carcinoma to proton irradiation. However, this enhancement depended on the checkpoint inhibitor and radiation dose.

Effects of Customized Biomechanical Footwear on Gait and Balance in Individuals with Polio: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Evidence suggests that the factors behind the increased risk of falls among polio survivors are mainly categorized into intrinsic and extrinsic domains. The intrinsic category involves factors like muscle weaknesses, fear of falls and self-reported balance problem. In contrast, extrinsic factors include poor environmental circumstances and ambulatory issues that cause reduced ability to adapt to walking conditions in polio patients. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate biomechanical footwear’s effects on gait and balance in individuals with polio. Methods A total of 30 participants were randomly divided into two groups of 15 each. The experimental group received customized shoe footwear with features such as medial arch support, metatarsal pad, rear foot control, fibreglass lateral counter, and a rocker sole. The control group did not receive specialized footwear. Results The intervention group showed significant improvements in several gait parameters compared to the control group, including step length (p=0.008), stride length (p=&lt;0.001), step width (p=0.002), cadence (p&lt;0.001) and speed (p=0.0009). The intervention group also showed significant improvements in Berg Balance Scale scores (p=0.07) compared to the control group. Conclusion Biomechanical footwear with medial arch support, metatarsal pad, and rear foot control can improve gait and balance in individuals with polio. Keywords Disability, Gait, Foot Orthosis, Poliovirus.

The associations between unilateral leg strength, asymmetry and injury in sub-elite Rugby League players

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between unilateral leg strength, associated asymmetries and the injuries suffered by sub-elite Rugby League (RL) players in one competitive season. DesignA prospective cohort design was used. MethodUnilateral leg strength was measured using the rear foot elevated split squat five repetition maximum test. Injuries were recorded using the Orchard classification system and were used to quantify relative risk (RR), mean severity, burden, player availability and survival time. ResultsNo measures of leg strength were related to RR, relative leg strength was found to have a significant, but not meaningful correlation with total time lost to lower body injury, lower body injury burden and lower body injury survival time. ConclusionsThe data from the current study indicates a possible positive effect of increasing relative leg strength for injury outcomes in sub-elite RL players. This supports a heuristic that multi-joint lower body strength training for RL players has a potential dual effect of enhancing physical performance and reducing injury time loss, with minimal risk of harm.

Estimating 3D ground reaction forces in running using three inertial measurement units.

To understand the mechanisms causing running injuries, it is crucial to get insights into biomechanical loading in the runners' environment. Ground reaction forces (GRFs) describe the external forces on the body during running, however, measuring these forces is usually only possible in a gait laboratory. Previous studies show that it is possible to use inertial measurement units (IMUs) to estimate vertical forces, however, forces in anterior-posterior direction play an important role in the push-off. Furthermore, to perform an inverse dynamics approach, for modelling tissue specific loads, 3D GRFs are needed as input. Therefore, the goal of this work was to estimate 3D GRFs using three inertial measurement units. Twelve rear foot strike runners did nine trials at three different velocities (10, 12 and 14 km/h) and three stride frequencies (preferred and preferred ± 10%) on an instrumented treadmill. Then, data from IMUs placed on the pelvis and lower legs were used as input for artificial neural networks (ANNs) to estimate 3D GRFs. Additionally, estimated vertical GRF from a physical model was used as input to create a hybrid machine learning model. Using different splits in validation and training data, different ANNs were fitted and assembled into an ensemble model. Leave-one-subject-out cross-validation was used to validate the models. Performance of the machine learning, hybrid machine learning and a physical model were compared. The estimated vs. measured GRF for the hybrid model had a RMSE normalized over the full range of values of 10.8, 7.8 and 6.8% and a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.58, 0.91, 0.97 for the mediolateral direction, posterior-anterior and vertical direction respectively. Performance for the three compared models was similar. The ensemble models showed higher model accuracy compared to the ensemble-members. This study is the first to estimate 3D GRF during continuous running from IMUs and shows that it is possible to estimate GRF in posterior-anterior and vertical direction, making it possible to estimate these forces in the outdoor setting. This step towards quantification of biomechanical load in the runners' environment is helpful to gain a better understanding of the development of running injuries.

Autopod and track morphology elucidate on the putative producer in hadrosauriform ornithopods: a case study of manus tracks from the Frontier Formation (Coniacian), Montana

ABSTRACT Hadrosauriformes is a group of ornithopod dinosaurs with a rich and extensive Cretaceous track record. However, their rear foot (pes) anatomy is rather conservative. Thus, distinguishing different putative track producers from morphological differences is often impeded unless their identification is corroborated by stratigraphic and geographic distribution. On the contrary, the forefoot (manus) anatomy of hadrosauriform taxa reflects distinctive characters that, when preserved in tracks, may be critical for identifying their trackmakers. In this study, we examined three manus tracks preserved as sandstone casts, collected from Coniacian deposits of the Frontier Formation, southwestern Montana, USA. Tracks are assigned to Hadrosauriformes according to their steeply inclined morphology, functionally tridactyl condition, presence of hoof-like impressions and crescentic cross-sectional shape. Track preservation suggests that digit II could be extended medially, whereas movements for digits III and IV were limited. The dorsally curved digit II and III impressions indicate that these digits could be hyperextended. One track shows a short, spade-like ungual II impression, suggesting a closer affinity of its producer to hadrosauroid or hadrosaurid ornithopods. Osteological characters of the manus combined with track morphology can help with discerning different hadrosauriform producers, providing important implication for palaeoecological and palaeogeographical reconstructions.

Monitoring Claw Length, Feet Infrared Temperature, Mobility and Backfat Tissue Changes in Replacement Gilts of Different Genetic Lines in Three Farrow-to-Finish Herds in Greece

Feet infrared temperature is associated with feet health and may affect the reproductive performance of sows. In total, 137, 98 and 114 replacement gilts were selected at the age of weaning from 3 herds-A, B and C-with different genetic lines. Dorsal claw length was measured, and anisodactylia was measured in all four feet, at weaning age, and at those gilts that completed their first and second farrowing. At the first and second farrowing stage, the infrared temperature distribution, dew/claw length and backfat thickness were measured concurrently with claw lesion and mobility score evaluation. The maximum temperature significantly differed (p < 0.01) among herds, in the rear feet and in all four feet at the first and second farrowing respectively. Claw lengths statistically differed among herds at all stages (p < 0.05). Anisodactylia in rear feet was lower in herd A (p < 0.05) at weaning, and in herd C at the first and second farrowing (p < 0.05). In addition, the claw lesion score, mobility, backfat thickness and reproductive performance statistically differed among herds (p < 0.05). It is shown that even at an early stage of their reproductive life, claw length differences exist in replacement gilts of different genetic lines.

Geometric Morphometric Assessment of Toe Shape in Forest and Urban Lizards Following Hurricane Disturbances.

Evidence suggests that hurricanes can influence the evolution of organisms, with phenotypic traits involved in adhesion, such as the toepads of arboreal lizards, being particularly susceptible to natural selection imposed by hurricanes. To investigate this idea, we quantified trait variation before and after Hurricanes Irma and Maria (2017) in forest and urban populations of the Puerto Rican lizard Anolis cristatellus. We found that the hurricanes affected toe morphology differently between forest and urban sites. In particular, toepads of the forefeet were longer and narrower in forest, but wider in urban populations, compared to pre-hurricane measures. Toepads of the hind feet were larger in area following the hurricanes. Fore and rear toes increased in length following the hurricane. There were no changes in the number of lamellae scales or lamellae spacing, but lamellae 6-11 of the forefeet shifted proximally following the hurricane. We also measured clinging performance and toe shape. We found that toepad area and toe lengths were stronger predictors of adhesive forces than toepad shape. Our results highlight an interaction between urbanization and hurricanes, demonstrating the importance to consider how urban species will respond to extreme weather events. Additionally, our different results for fore and rear feet highlight the importance of evaluating both of these traits when measuring the morphological response to hurricanes in arboreal lizards.

Qualitative performance of participated cow for progeny test on smallholder dairy farms

Dairy cow health status affects to milk production and contributes to the profit in many types of dairy management. Locomotion score has been used to determine the qualitative performance score of dairy cows. Investigations on dairy cow located in Wagir Malang were obtained to assess the qualitative performance of participated cow. Selecting participated cow to assure the potential of superior bull from his pedigree in progeny test. There were 85 dairy cows belongs to the smallholder dairy farmer contributed to this research. The result showed that Chest Width 20.99 ± 2.63 cm; Body Depth 79.58 ± 4.79 cm; Rump Angle -2.59 ± 2.43°; Thurl Width 16.46 ± 1.71 cm; Rear Leg Side View 146.82 ± 6.08°; Rear Leg Rear View 15.96 ± 4.19°; Font Foot Angle 42.94 ± 4.81° and Rear Foot Angle 40.12 ± 5.09°. It can be concluded that the qualitative performance of participated cow shows moderate performance based on the standard performance of FH. It is necessary to select the participated cow to improve milk yield of its pedigree and qualitative performance score can be used as the basis of breeding program.

Analysis of Static and Dynamic Baropedographic Parameters in Post COVID-19 Patients

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the parameters of the statics and dynam-ics obtained from baropodometric examinations in patients after infection with the SarsCov2 vi-rus and to attempt to identify the causes of reported gait disorders. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 73 people beform COVId-19. The tested participants obtained a positive result from a PCR test confirm-ing the presence of the virus. Some people had a mild form of COVID-19. The control group consisted of 50 healthy people. The test was carried out on a FreeMed Posture baropodometric mat in static and in dynamic conditions while walking. Results: Statistically significant differences were obtained in the assessment of parameters such as the foot area, the average load on the lower limbs, the maximum load on the lower limbs in the dynamic assessment, as well as differences in parameters for the load on the forefoot and for the rear foot. On the other hand, in the static assessment, significant differences between the groups were found for the parameters of the foot surface , including the area of the hindfoot. Conclusions: In patients with a history of COVID-19, there may be gait disturbances in the baropodometry test that are visible in the load on the lower limbs and the surface of the feet. This may suggest a weaker efficiency of the foot muscles, which are responsible for its arching, and stronger pressure during walking and standing may be associated with a weaker nervous control of the muscles responsible for foot functions.