Short Walk Research Articles

Perception of distance during self-motion depends on the brain's internal model of the terrain.

The body's geometrical relationship with the terrain is important for depth perception of human and non-human terrestrial animals. Static human observers in the dark employ the brain's internal model of the terrain, the intrinsic bias, to represent the ground as an allocentric reference frame for coding distance. However, it is unknown if the same ground-based coding process operates when observers walk in a cue-impoverished environment with visible ground surface. We explored this by measuring human observers' perceived locations of dimly-lit targets after a short walk in the dark from the home-base location. We found the intrinsic bias was kept at the home-base location and not the destination-location after walking, causing distance underestimation, fitting its allocentric nature. We then measured perceived distance of dimly-lit targets from the destination-location when there were visual depth cues on the floor. We found judged locations of targets on the floor transcribed a slanted surface shifted towards the home-base location, indicating distance underestimation. This suggests, in dynamically translating observers, the brain integrates the allocentric intrinsic bias with visual depth cues to construct an allocentric ground reference frame. More broadly, our findings underscore the dynamic interaction between the internal model of the ground and external depth cues.

Comparison of short controlled ankle motion boots and barefoot walking on spatiotemporal gait parameters and plantar pressure distribution.

Controlled ankle motion (CAM) boots are commonly recommended to protect the foot-ankle complex in reducing loading, continuing ambulation, and maintaining daily activities. However, maintaining a normal and comfortable gait while wearing CAM boots is quite challenging. The added weight of the CAM boot, coupled with reduced ankle work capacity, hinders the full execution of gait parameters, leading to spatiotemporal asymmetry. Different loads on the sole also increase the total mechanical work in the foot. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of short CAM boots on spatiotemporal gait parameters and plantar pressure distribution. Twenty-four healthy participants were recruited for the study. The participants were asked to walk barefoot and wear bilateral short CAM boots at their comfortable speed. Spatiotemporal gait parameters, foot-pressure distribution, and force were evaluated with Zebris FDM-THM-S treadmill system (Zebris Medical GmbH, Germany) under both conditions, the right and left extremities were evaluated independently. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the spatiotemporal characteristics of the participants. Significant differences were observed between barefoot and CAM boot walking for all parameters(p < 0.05), except walking speed (p > 0.05). Short CAM boots walking showed a notable increase in the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot pressure distribution, with the highest rise in the midfoot region (p < 0.05). Short CAM boots cause an increase in pressure of the entire sole, therefore, caution should be taken before recommending this device, particularly in midfoot pathologies.

Comparative Evaluation of Toggle Rod Technique and Toggle Pin Technique for the Repair of Coxofemoral Luxation in Dogs

The clinical study was conducted to evaluate the toggle rod technique and toggle pin technique for the repair of coxofemoral luxation in ten clinical cases of dogs of either sex, aged 1 to 8 years, and of different breeds. Dogs were brought with a history of limping and non weight bearing lameness mostly following automobile accidents. Orthopaedic and radiographic examination confirmed coxofemoral luxation in all dogs. Under inhalant anaesthesia luxation was stabilised with toggle rod technique in three cases and toggle pin technique in seven cases via craniodorsal approach. Post-operatively an Ehmer’s sling and pelvic bandage was applied and limited activity with short leash walk was advised. Intra-operative complications were not observed in any of the operative techniques. Post-operative radiographic evaluation revealed proper alignment and anatomical configuration of coxofemoral joint in both, toggle rod and toggle pin techniques. All dogs with toggle pin technique showed excellent weight bearing and limb usage on 30th post-operative day onwards. Toggle rod technique had reluxation as a complication. All the dogs with toggle pin technique recovered uneventfully and reluxation in toggle rod technique was treated with femoral head and neck excision. In conclusion clinical results were excellent with toggle pin technique than toggle rod technique in dogs for the repair of coxofemoral luxations.

First Integration of a Service Robot and a Communication Application into a Nursing Isolation Setting – An Observational Study Evaluating Walking Distances, Stress and Radiation Doses

Abstract Nurses spend a significant proportion of a workday on non-nursing or auxiliary tasks, mainly due to the unilateral patient call system. This leads to work interruptions, a decrease in quality of care and stress for nurses. One approach for relieving nurses is the integration of new technologies. We performed an interventional study for seven months in a nuclear medicine station in a maximum care hospital, where we integrated a smartphone app for patient-staff communication in combination with a service robot for delivery of non-nursing and service items and evaluated the effects on walking distances and stress. We also examined the radiation dose to the nursing staff. To this purpose, we observed nurses at nine different time points for six shifts to measure walking distances and interruptions. Additionally, nurses and service personnel completed a questionnaire adapted from the NASA RAW TLX at the end of each shift to assess stress. Short walking distances accounted for the largest share of the caregivers’ walking distances. There was no direct effect of the technique on stress levels and walking distances, only a shift towards shorter walking distances with longer implementation. The total number of walking distances seemed to be proportional to the feeling of interruption and the individually experienced stress. This first use of the combined technology implementation in the acute clinic worked well. While this work provides an initial indication of where the implementation of this combined technology could potentially relieve the burden on nurses and service staff, further research is needed to establish causal relationships.

Static and dynamic assessments of park accessibility and equity across different living circles in shenzhen’s core area

Abstract With the rapid expansion of cities, the demand for park green spaces within urban living circles is increasing. Enhancing park accessibility and distributional equity has become an important avenue for improving urban residents’ quality of life. However, existing studies mainly rely on static population data, neglecting the impact of residents’ dynamic location changes on park accessibility, and lack a systematic analysis across different living circles. To fill this research gap, this paper takes the urban core area of Shenzhen as a case study. By combining static and dynamic population data and employing the improved dynamic two-step floating catchment area (D2SFCA) and the traditional two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) methods, we systematically evaluate the walkability and equity of parks within different living circles (5-, 15-, and 30 min). The results show significant differences between static and dynamic population distributions, with overall park accessibility being lower for the dynamic population than for the static population. Within the 5 min living circle, the Gini coefficient for the static population is 0.952 but reaches as high as 0.971 for the dynamic population, indicating extreme inequity in park distribution within short walking distances. In the 15- and 30 min living circles, the Gini coefficients for the static population are 0.813 and 0.731, respectively, while those for the dynamic population are 0.882 and 0.785, indicating that the degree of inequitable park resource distribution decreases with increased walking time. Overall, the study reveals that park accessibility for the static population is significantly higher than that for the dynamic population across different living circles, especially within short-time living circles where the difference is most pronounced.

Effectiveness of mDiabetes intervention in enhancing diabetes awareness and promoting healthy lifestyle changes among the general population in rural India.

This study aimed to assess the impact of a mHealth and community health education intervention on diabetes awareness and promoting healthy dietary and lifestyle habits within a rural population in Andhra Pradesh, India. Using a quasi-experimental design, the mDiabetes program was implemented for 1 year, among 1,03,538 rural individuals. Under this program, 56 diabetes prevention messages (twice a week) in local language) were disseminated among the participants via voice calls for a period of 6 months. Additionally, community health education meetings were facilitated by trained community health workers and educational leaflets were distributed among the community members. Questionnaires were administered at three different time points-baseline (before the intervention), endline (after intervention), and follow-up (3 months after endline) to collect demographic data, diabetes-related knowledge, attitudes, practices, physical activity, and dietary habits. Analysis compared data from 545 subjects who participated in all the three surveys. The cohort comprised 45.5% males and 54.5% females, aged 19-85 years (mean: 55.42; SD 10.3). Post-intervention, diabetes awareness rose to 97.43% at endline and 99.63% at follow-up from 82.75% at baseline. Belief in diabetes preventability increased from 25.5% to 69.5%, and awareness of lifestyle's impact on diabetes management improved from 72.6% to 80.9%. Over 90% recalled prevention messages, with significant lifestyle changes reported by 83% at endline and 73% at follow-up. Improved dietary and activity habits were evident, with fruit consumption and high-fat food avoidance at 78.5% and 67.7% in follow-up. Physical activity levels improved in both endline and follow-up groups compared to baseline. Daily participation in yoga, running, gym, and aerobics increased to 38.7% in endline and follow-up from 7.3% at baseline (p < 0.001). Outdoor sports engagement rose significantly to 15% in endline and follow-up from 0.5% at baseline (p < 0.001). Regular stair usage (59.8%), walking for chores (84.7%), and short walking breaks (93%) increased significantly in follow-up compared to baseline and endline (p < 0.001). The combined mHealth and community health education intervention improved diabetes awareness and healthy habits in rural areas, showing potential for lasting outcomes and guiding future public health efforts in similar settings.

Completing the Asymptotic Classification of Mostly Symmetric Short Step Walks in an Orthant

Completing the Asymptotic Classification of Mostly Symmetric Short Step Walks in an Orthant

Comparison of long- and short-rest periods during high-intensity interval exercise on transcriptomic responses in equine skeletal muscle.

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the skeletal muscle transcriptomic response unique to rest duration during high-intensity interval exercise. Thoroughbred horses performed three 1-min bouts of exercise at their maximal oxygen uptake (10.7-12.5 m/s), separated by 15 min (long) or 2 min (short) walking at 1.7 m/s. Gluteus medius muscle was collected before and at 4 h after the exercise and used for RNA sequencing. We identified 1,756 and 1,421 differentially expressed genes in response to the long and short protocols, respectively, using DEseq2 analysis [false discovery rate (FDR) cutoff = 0.05, minimal fold change = 1.5]. The overall transcriptional response was partially aligned, with 43% (n = 949) of genes altered in both protocols, whereas no discordant directional changes were observed. K-means clustering and gene set enrichment analyses based on Gene Ontology biological process terms showed that genes associated with muscle adaptation and development were upregulated regardless of exercise conditions; genes related to immune and cytokine responses were more upregulated following the long protocol, and protein folding and temperature response were highly expressed after the short protocol. We found that 11 genes were upregulated to a greater extent by the short protocol and one was by the long protocol, with GNA13, SPART, PHAF1, and PTX3 identified as potential candidates for skeletal muscle remodeling. Our results suggest that altered metabolic fluctuations dependent on the intermittent pattern of interval exercise modulate skeletal muscle gene expression, and therefore, rest interval length could be an important consideration in optimizing skeletal muscle adaptation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to address the comparison of transcriptional responses to high-intensity interval exercise with two different rest periods in skeletal muscle. The expression of genes related to metabolic adaptations altered in both conditions, while genes associated with immune and cytokine responses and protein folding and temperature response were varied with the length of the rest period. These results provide evidence for rest duration-specific transcriptional response to high-intensity interval training.

KETERKAITAN ANTARA KETERSEDIAAN PELAYANAN DASAR PENUNJANG PERMUKIMAN PERKOTAAN DAN GUNA LAHAN PERMUKIMAN (Studi Kasus: Kecamatan Rangkasbitung, Banten)

Rapid urbanization has become a significant global phenomenon, affecting not only major cities but also suburban areas, with profound impacts on various aspects of urban life. This article explores the correlation between the increase in population as an impact from urbanization and the availability of basic services in Rangkasbitung, which consists of 16 villages. The purpose of this research is to determine the effect of the availability of basic daily services on the amount of residential land use in Rangkasbitung. Basic services are assessed using the 20-Minute Neighbourhood parameter, which represents an area designed to provide essential services within a short walk for residents. This research uses quantitative descriptive methodology, with spatial analysis and descriptive statistical analysis. The study is limited to the availability of residential land use, basic services, and public transportation as the three main components in the development of urban residential areas based on the 20-Minute Neighbourhood parameter. The 20-Minute Neighbourhood is a city planning concept defined as an area where residents can access most activities necessary for a good life without traveling outside the area. The results indicate that the availability of basic services in an area affects residents' decisions on where to live.

The 15-minute community life circle for older people: Walkability measurement based on service accessibility and street-level built environment – A case study of Suzhou, China

The 15-minute community life circle for older people: Walkability measurement based on service accessibility and street-level built environment – A case study of Suzhou, China

Effectiveness of Ankle-Foot Orthoses for Patients with Weakness of the Plantarflexors and Dorsiflexors: Biomechanical Comparison of Different Orthotic Concepts

Abstract Introduction Weakness of plantarflexor and dorsiflexor muscles is a complex individual condition and can result in pathological gait, such as crouch gait or knee hyperextension. Affected patients can be supported with ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) to improve gait and safety. Objective This study aims to compare three orthotic ankle joint designs in AFOs for patients with muscle weakness in the plantarflexors and/or dorsiflexors: a conventional hinged ankle joint with rigid stops (CAJ), a jointless orthosis (JLO), and a reactive-dynamic ankle joint with adjustable spring modules (RDA). Study Design Seven patients with plantarflexor and/or dorsiflexor muscle weakness tested three orthosis configurations in randomized order during a single session. Methods Biomechanical gait analysis was performed during standing and walking on level ground and up and down 10° slopes. The main outcomes were ground reaction forces, joint angles, moments, and power at the ankle, knee, and hip joints. Mean values of outcome measures for patients and values of an able-bodied control group were compared with nonparametric analyses of variance and pairwise post hoc tests. Results Throughout all motion tasks, statistically significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) were predominantly found in ankle and knee joint kinematics between RDA and CAJ, as well as between JLO and CAJ, whereas only few differences were found between RDA and JLO. Conclusions For this patient group, RDA enabled the most physiological gait, with outcomes measure values closest to those of the able-bodied control group, and the best perception of support for an active lifestyle and physically demanding activities. In less physically demanding situations, such as short walking distances and even surfaces, JLO also showed sufficient support for physiological gait and may be an adequate orthosis for patients living with supportive infrastructure or a more sedentary lifestyle. CAJ restricted physiological movements, showed the highest deviations from the values of the able-bodied controls in most activities, and provides the least comfort for patients in the tested situations. Clinical Relevance Statement Determining the best possible orthotic care and support for different patient groups is essential to enable independence, safety, and comfort during activities of daily living based on individual requirements.

Linkages between the Availability of Basic Services Supporting Urban Settlements and Settlement Land Use (Case Study: Rangkasbitung District, Lebak Regency, Banten Province)

Rapid urbanization has become a significant global phenomenon, affecting major cities and suburban areas and profoundly impacting urban life. This article explores the correlation between the increase in population as an effect of urbanization and the availability of essential services in Rangkasbitung, which consists of 16 villages. This research aims to determine the impact of the availability of crucial daily services on the amount of residential land use in Rangkasbitung. Essential services are assessed using the 20-minute neighborhood parameter, representing an area designed to provide essential services within a short walk for residents. This research uses a quantitative descriptive methodology with spatial and descriptive statistical analysis. The study is limited to the availability of residential land use, essential services, and public transportation as the three main components in the development of urban residential areas based on the 20-Minute Neighborhood parameter. The 20-minute neighborhood is a city planning concept defined as an area where residents can access most activities necessary for a good life without traveling outside the area. The results indicate that the availability of essential services in an area affects residents' decisions on where to live.

The X-Minute City: Analysing Accessibility to Essential Daily Destinations by Active Mobility in Seville

The concept of the “x-minute city” emphasises connected, mixed-use, and functionally dense urban areas where residents can access most daily necessities within a short walk or bike ride. By promoting proximity to essential destinations and sustainable transport options, this approach reduces the need for extensive travel and minimises environmental impact. This paper analyses the readiness of cities to function as x-minute cities and identifies necessary interventions. Using a reproducible and scalable methodology based on open data and software, the study assesses the accessibility of key urban amenities within specified timeframes. Cumulative accessibility metrics are calculated for different destination categories, considering both walking and cycling. In the case of Seville, accessibility requirements outlined in policy documents are already met for many essential services, particularly public facilities. The study identifies neighbourhoods that excel in accessibility and others that require improvement in adhering to x-minute city principles. The methodology and findings can inform planning and policy decisions in other cities, guiding efforts to enhance amenity provision, test accessibility scenarios, and target intervention areas.

Inclined treadmill short-duration exercise for walk regularity of recreation horses

Inclined treadmill short-duration exercise for walk regularity of recreation horses

Surgical Outcome of Unfixed Controlled Medial Malleolar Breakage for a Balanced Total Ankle Replacement

Category: Ankle Arthritis; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Ligament balancing is very important for successful TAR (total ankle replacement). However, regarding medial tightness the amount of medial ligament release seems to be uncertain. Furthermore, the risk of medial instability and vascular insult can be major concerns after extensive deep deltoid release. Thus, I hypothesized that medial malleolar breakage instead of deltoid release would result in similar stability and heal more predictably with less complications. Methods: Between December 2019 and December 2022, 18 patients underwent total ankle replacement with medial malleolar breakage for ligament balancing. There was 14 females, and the average age was 70.5 (53-84). Concomitant procedures such as Achilles tendon lengthening, lateral ligament repair, subtalar joint debridement and 1st metatarsal osteotomy were added to get a stable and plantigrade foot. When there was still medial tightness after thorough spur resection and anterior part of superficial deltoid release, subcortical osteotomy was made around the medial malleolous instead of deep deltoid release. Then controlled valgus force was driven till a pop sound came out. No fixative was applied for broken bone. The surgery was finished only when coronal plane stability of the TAR was achieved. Short leg walking cast was applied for 3 to 4 weeks, and then range of motion exercise and tolerable weight bearing was allowed in a walking boot for another 4 weeks. Results: All patients were followed for more than 6 months after the index surgery. AOFAS (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery) ankle-hindfoot score improved from average 36.2(10-60) to 72.7(50-90), and all returned to their daily activity. There was no major complication such as coronal plane instability or dislocation, deep infection and aseptic loosening. Two patients experienced minor wound dehiscence which have been healed, and another 3 patients suffered from superficial peroneal nerve irritation. Conclusion: Unfixed controlled medial malleolar breakage during TAR for varus ankle arthritis showed good results with few morbidities. However, longer term follow up is necessary to determine its clinical usefulness definitely.

Move less, spend more: the metabolic demands of short walking bouts.

The metabolic cost of steady-state walking is well known; however, across legged animals, most walking bouts are too short to reach steady state. Here, we investigate how bout duration affects the metabolic cost of human walking with varying mechanical power, metabolic intensity and duration. Ten participants walked for 10- to 240-s bouts on a stair climber at 0.20, 0.25 and 0.36 m s-1 and on a treadmill at 1.39 m s-1. Oxygen uptake was time-integrated and divided by bout duration to get bout average uptake (V̇O2(b)). Fitting of oxygen uptake kinetics allowed calculating non-metabolic oxygen exchange during phase-I transient and, hence, non-steady-state metabolic cost (C met(b)) and efficiency. For 240-s bouts, such variables were also calculated at steady state. Across all conditions, shorter bouts had higher V̇O2(b) and C met(b), with proportionally greater non-metabolic oxygen exchange. As the bout duration increased, V̇O2(b), C met(b) and efficiency approached steady-state values. Our findings show that the time-averaged oxygen uptake and metabolic cost are greater for shorter than longer bouts: 30-s bouts consume 20-60% more oxygen than steady-state extrapolations. This is partially explained by the proportionally greater non-metabolic oxygen uptake and leads to lower efficiency for shorter bouts. Inferring metabolic cost from steady state substantially underestimates energy expenditure for short bouts.

Dynamical systems theory applied to short walking trials

Dynamical systems theory applied to short walking trials

328. NORMAN RUPERT BARRETT (1903 – 1979)

Abstract Norman Rupert Barrett (1903 – 1979) was an Adelaide born thoracic surgeon. Barrett is most well-known for his contribution to ‘Barrett’s Oesophagus’. He was born into the Barrett Brothers malt producing family. He left Australia at the age of 10 and travelled throughout Europe and arrived in England in the wake of World War I. Following the Great War, Barrett sat his surgical examinations. Ironically, while the 21st century boasts well rounded surgeons and safe working hours, Barrett was at one point chastised for leaving the hospital grounds for a short walk while on call. The origin of the term ‘Barrett’s Oesophagus’ may not be quite as you imagine. Barrett initially describes the oesophagus being lined with columnar epithelium but attributes this to a congenitally shortened oesophagus leading to part of the stomach entering the chest. Later on, it was described by Allison and Johnstone that this was, in fact, the oesophagus and proposed ulcers in this region better termed ‘Barrett’s ulcers’. Only several years later was this pathology accepted by Barrett. Now ‘Barret’s Oesophagus’ is well known to us as the term used to describe the adaptive metaplastic change of the squamous epithelium of the oesophagus to columnar epithelium from the stomach; it is the pathological waymark for endoscopists in the development of Oesophageal Cancer.

Effect of short walking exercise on gait kinematic in adults with Type 1 Muscular Dystrophy

Effect of short walking exercise on gait kinematic in adults with Type 1 Muscular Dystrophy

Introducing PLEMS: the application of a low-cost, portable monitoring system in environmental walks.

The application of innovative systems using low-cost microcontrollers in human biometeorology studies is a promising alternative to conventional monitoring devices, which are usually cost-intensive and provide measurements at specific points, as in stationary meteorological stations. A Portable Low-cost Environmental Monitoring System (PLEMS) aimed at the pedestrian scale is introduced. The backpack-type equipment consists of a microcontroller with attached sensors that assess environmental conditions in a broad sense, integrating measurements of air quality, lighting and noise levels alongside variables typically measured at meteorological stations. The application of the system took place in altogether 12 environmental walks carried out with questionnaire-surveys with concurrent environmental monitoring with the PLEMS in Curitiba, Brazil, a subtropical location characterized by a Cfb climate type. Results allowed us to test the equipment and method of data gathering within a limited period (approximately 50 min) and for a short walking circuit of 800 m. The equipment was successfully able to capture even slightest differences in environmental conditions among points of interest, whereas subjective responses (n= 3843 responses to a total of 11 questions) showed consistency with measured data. From a multi-domain perspective, relevant insights could be obtained for the measured variables.