Joint In Women Research Articles

Ultrasound as a tool for the diagnosis of spondylarthritis in women.

The journey to a diagnosis of spondyloarthritis (SpA) can be difficult for women, who often experience delays in receiving the correct diagnosis as their symptoms are frequently misinterpreted due to other conditions like osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, or other psychosomatic disorders. The purpose of this article is to examine the challenges in the diagnosis of SpA in women and the possible role of musculoskeletal ultrasound in early diagnosis and in avoiding misdiagnosis. We have performed a narrative review of the currently available literature on the subject. The complexity of diagnosing SpA in women is compounded by the misconception that the disease predominantly affects men. To facilitate early diagnosis and prevent misdiagnosis, it is crucial not to overlook gender differences in the clinical presentation of SpA. Since women have more peripheral and enthesitic involvement, performing an ultrasound of entheses, tendons, and joints in women with musculoskeletal symptoms that could refer to SpA may help both in the early and differential diagnosis. There is a need to increase awareness among physicians of the existence of a different clinical presentation of SpA between men and women. The use of musculoskeletal ultrasound, which allows the detection of even subclinical inflammation and structural damage since early disease at the level of joints, tendons, and entheses can help make an early diagnosis and avoid misdiagnosis. Early diagnosis and timely treatment of SpA are crucial to reducing irreversible damage.

Effectiveness of footwear and foot orthoses in reducing medial metatarsophalangeal joint pressure in women with hallux valgus

BackgroundHallux valgus is a common condition where the subluxation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and lateral deviation of the hallux at the interphalangeal joint creates difficulty with footwear fit. Footwear and foot orthoses are commonly prescribed nonsurgical treatments for hallux valgus. Research questionDo extra-width footwear and foot orthoses influence peak pressure at the medial aspect of the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints in women with hallux valgus? MethodsCommunity-dwelling women with symptomatic hallux valgus underwent gait testing when wearing their own shoes and when wearing extra-width footwear fitted with three-quarter length, arch-contouring prefabricated foot orthoses. Peak pressure (kPa) on the medial aspect of the metatarsophalangeal and medial interphalangeal joints and on the plantar surface of the foot (hallux, lesser toes, metatarsophalangeal joint 1, metatarsophalangeal joints 2–5, midfoot and heel) were measured using the novel pedar®-X system with the pedar® pad and pedar® insole, respectively (Novel, GmbH, Munich, Germany). Paired samples t-tests were used to calculate the differences between the two conditions, and the magnitude of observed differences was calculated using Cohen’s d. ResultsWe tested 28 participants (aged 44–80 years, mean 60.7, standard deviation 10.7). Compared to their own footwear, wearing the intervention footwear and orthoses was associated with a statistically significant decrease in pressure on the medial aspect of the metatarsophalangeal joint (58.3 ± 32.8 versus 42.6 ± 32.8, p=0.026, d=0.49), increased pressure under the midfoot (70.7 ± 25.7 versus 78.7 ± 23.6, p=0.029, d=0.33) and decreased pressure underneath the heel (137.3 ± 39.0 versus 121.3 ± 34.8, p=0.019, d=0.45). SignificanceThe intervention footwear and orthoses significantly decreased peak pressure on the medial aspect of the first metatarsophalangeal joint but had no significant effect on the interphalangeal joint. Further studies are required to determine whether these changes are associated with improvements in symptoms associated with hallux valgus.

Differences in the Glenohumeral Joint before and after Unilateral Breast Cancer Surgery: Motion Capture Analysis.

After mastectomy, women might lose mobility and develop kinematic changes in the shoulder. The objective of this research was to compare the kinematics of the glenohumeral joint in women, before and after unilateral breast cancer surgery. This was a longitudinal study with a pre- and post-evaluation design; in total, 15 Mexican women who had a mastectomy for breast cancer and who received a physical therapy program after surgery were evaluated. Flexion–extension and abduction–adduction movements of the glenohumeral joint were evaluated (15 days before and 60 days after mastectomy). For the kinematic analysis of the glenohumeral joint, an optoelectronic motion capture system was used to monitor 41 reflective markers located in anatomical landmarks. There was no significant difference in the range of motion of the glenohumeral joint when comparing pre- and post-mastectomy, flexion–extension (p = 0.138), and abduction–adduction (p = 0.058). Furthermore, patients who received chemotherapy (53%) before mastectomy were more affected (lower range of motion) than those who did not receive it. There were no significant differences in the kinematics of the glenohumeral joint after mastectomy in this group of patients who received a physical therapy program after surgery. Moreover, patients who received chemotherapy treatment before breast cancer surgery tended to have a lower range of motion than those who did not receive it. Therefore, it is necessary for the physical rehabilitation team to attend to these patients even before the mastectomy.

The Association between Modifiable Risk Factor with Inflammatory Marker in Knee Osteoarthritis Women

Background: IL-1β and TNF-α are vital inflammatory cytokines in the pathophysiological process of Osteoarthritis (OA). Several risk factors can increase the expression of these cytokines, such as BMI, physical activity, and menopausal status.
 
 Aims: This study aims to determine the relationship of modifiable factors with synovial fluid IL-1β and TNF-α levels in knee OA women.
 
 Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the orthopedic poly hospital Arifin Achmad Riau Province and Ibnu Sina Hospital in Pekanbaru City. A total of 93 women with knee OA were taken as samples by consecutive sampling. Data were obtained directly from respondents by conducting interviews using a questionnaire, measuring weight and height, examining levels of IL-1β and TNF-α from the synovial fluid using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The data were processed computerized using the Person correlation test, One Way Anova, and t-Test. The statistical analysis results were considered significant if the p-value was 0<05.
 
 Results: the average age of subjects was 60.67 + 9.99 years, 87.8% aged > 40 years, 84.9% had menopause, and at most had moderate physical activity degrees (51.6%). The mean BMI was 27.18+4.17, the average of IL-1β 424.73+188.01 pg/mL, and TNF-α 105,17+48.98 ng/L. There was a significant positive correlation with moderate strength between BMI and levels of IL-1β and TNF-α synovial fluid (p=0.037, r=0.217, and p=0.047, r=0.207).
 
 Conclusion: BMI is a risk factor for IL-1β and TNF-α levels in synovial fluid of knee joints in women with OA, but physical activity and menopausal status are not risk factors.

Polycystic ovary syndrome metabolic and hormonal dysfunction in relation to osteoarthritis onset and development: innocent bystander or major risk factor?

The close link between osteoarthritis (OA) and metabolic disorders on the one hand and hormonal disorders on the other suggests a possible association between OA and endocrine-metabolic disorders, such as PCOS. The aim of this review is to analyze the relationship between PCOS and OA, to consider the common pathogenetic mechanisms between the two conditions, and to summarize the data accumulated so far in the literature. For the purposes of our narrative review, a comprehensive search was conducted within credible databases. Our literature search found that epidemiological studies have shown a higher incidence of knee and hip OA in women with PCOS. This can be partly explained by obesity, which is a common intersection between the two conditions. Potential mechanisms among OA, PCOS, and obesity were considered. Another common point between OA and PCOS is that both conditions can be considered as highly heterogeneous syndromes with various etiologies, the result of a combination of systemic (genetic, hormonal, and metabolic) and local factors. To date, hyperandrogenism and greater cartilage thickness in young women with PCOS remain unclear in terms of determining the risk of developing OA. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to assess the “fate” of the weight-bearing joints in women with PCOS, who are more likely to suffer from knee joint complaints.

Biological system energy algorithm reflected in sub-system joint work distribution movement strategies: influence of strength and eccentric loading

To better understand and define energy algorithms during physical activity as it relates to strength and movement strategy of the hip, knee and ankle, a model of increasing eccentric load was implemented in the current investigation utilizing a countermovement jump and a series of drop jumps from different heights (15, 30, 45, 60, 75 cm). Twenty-one participants were grouped by sex (men, n = 9; women, n = 12) and muscle strength (higher strength, n = 7; moderate strength, n = 7; lower strength, n = 7) as determined by a maximal squat test. Force plates and 3D motion capture were utilized to calculate work for the center of mass (COM) of the whole body and individually for the hip, knee and ankle joints. Statistically significant lower net work of the COM was observed in women and lower strength participants in comparison to men and moderate strength and higher strength participants respectively (p ≤ 0.05). This was primarily due to higher negative to positive work ratios of the COM in women and lower strength participants during all jumps. Furthermore, the COM negative work was primarily dissipated at the knee joint in women and in the lower strength group, particularly during the higher drop jump trials, which are representative of a demanding eccentric load task. A definitive energy algorithm was observed as a reflection of altering joint work strategy in women and lower strength individuals, indicating a possible role in knee joint injury and modulation of such by altering muscular strength.

Young women's joint relationship, sex, and contraceptive trajectories: Evidence from the United States.

We identify common patterns of joint relationship, sex, and contraceptive trajectories in young adulthood and assess how selection into these trajectories differs across socioeconomic and demographic groups and varies with earlier sexual and reproductive experiences and attitudes. We draw on a weekly panel of 581 young adult women in the United States that includes granular data on sexual and contraceptive behaviors. We use sequence analysis to describe joint relationship, sex, and contraceptive trajectories over the course of a year and multinomial logistic regression to examine how these trajectories are associated with socioeconomic disadvantage and minority racial status. We identify six trajectories characterized by differences in relationship stability, sexual regularity, and contraceptive efficacy. Many women report no romantic relationships over the year. Among those who do, instability in relationships, sex, and contraception is common. Less advantaged women are more likely to be on trajectories marked by frequent relationship transitions, coresidence, and less effective contraception. These socioeconomic differences are largely explained by earlier experiences and attitudes. Black women are the most likely to be on a trajectory characterized by simultaneous relationship, sex, and contraceptive instability, and this holds net of earlier experiences and attitudes. We provide a novel way of understanding how women's relationship, sexual, and contraceptive trajectories co-evolve and vary by sociodemographic characteristics. Results highlight that instability is common in the young adult years but that differences in how trajectories unfold suggest greater risk of unintended pregnancies for socially disadvantaged and black women.

Les Gardiennes by Xavier Beauvois

Reviewed by: Les Gardiennes by Xavier Beauvois Cheira Lewis and Véronique Machelidon Beauvois, Xavier, réal. Les gardiennes. Int. Nathalie Baye, Laura Smet, Iris Bry. Worso, 2017. Beauvois's film pays homage to the unseen female "adjuncts" of World War I, the women whose physical labor, spirit, and perseverance preserved France's rural heritage in the absence of the men who were drafted into the killing fields of the North. Based on a 1925 eponymous novel by Ernest Pérochon, the film focuses on the female keepers of the Paridier farm and was shot in the Limousin. Yet, in spite of its avowed feminist intention, the film's glorious photography by Caroline Champetier, the slow camera movements, carefully framed shots, and painterly celebration of a forgotten lifestyle complicate the message. Les gardiennes offers an ambiguous portrayal of female agency in a world abandoned by gods and men. Hortense (Nathalie Baye) is the matriarch, left in charge of the farm with daughter Solange (Laura Smet) after her two sons, Constant and Georges, and son-in-law Clovis have joined the French forces, in a stalemate with an enemy as helpless and disoriented as they are. To keep the farm in operation, Hortense hires young and capable Francine Riant (Iris Bry), an orphan from France's social welfare system. Thanks to the three women's joint efforts, the farm flourishes and the defunct male power is replaced through the purchase of an American-made combine harvester. Yet when Hortense finds her son Georges [End Page 192] attracted to Francine and her daughter Solange falling for an American soldier, the mother's conservative values and patriarchal beliefs kick in. Rather than bringing the successful and hard-working female outsider into the family, she prefers to dismiss Francine to secure her plan for Georges's marriage within the clan. Confronting the pregnant farm hand and Solange, Hortense sacrifices the truth to the restoration of male honor so that the farm can be handed back intact to the returning son-in-law. The matriarch consciously becomes the agent of female oppression and the restorer of patriarchal rule. Beauvois's cinematographic ode to pastoral beauty and to the timeless gestures of the laborers, in the style of Millet's Les glaneuses, evokes a world in limbo, indifferent to women's sufferings and desires. The repeated use of long still shots and slow pan shots, techniques perhaps borrowed from the documentary genre, further emphasizes the burden of tradition and the insignificance of individual desire. In the end, the true "feminist" hero of the film is not so much a "guardian" as a path-finder, when young Francine decides to rear her illegitimate child on her own and face the prejudices of her time, thereby paving a new way for women of the future. Significantly, this is revealed at the end of the film, when Francine, now a cabaret singer and single mother, interprets the song "Amours fragiles" and turns her back on the rural lifestyle and the farming family that betrayed her. While allowing her voice to resonate well into the closing credits, Beauvois's film celebrates (mourns?) a social order frozen in its traditions, which would need decades of change to accept female agency. Véronique Machelidon Meredith College (NC) Copyright © 2020 American Association of Teachers of French

Sex-Specific Influence of Quadriceps Weakness on Worsening Patellofemoral and Tibiofemoral Cartilage Damage: A Prospective Cohort Study.

ObjectiveReports on quadriceps weakness as a risk factor for incident and progressive knee osteoarthritis are conflicting, potentially due to differing effects of muscle strength on patellofemoral and tibiofemoral compartments. This study aimed to examine the sex‐specific relation of quadriceps strength to worsening patellofemoral and tibiofemoral cartilage damage over 84 months.MethodsThe Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study is a cohort study of individuals with or at risk for knee osteoarthritis. Maximal quadriceps strength was assessed at baseline. Cartilage damage was semiquantitatively assessed by magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and 84‐month follow‐up using the Whole‐Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS). Worsening patellofemoral and tibiofemoral cartilage damage was defined as any WORMS score increase in each subregion within medial and lateral compartments separately. Logistic regression with generalized estimating equations was used to assess the sex‐specific relation of quadriceps strength to worsening cartilage damage.ResultsA total of 1,018 participants (mean ± SD age 61 ± 8 years, and mean ± SD body mass index 29.3 ± 4.5 kg/m2; 64% female) were included. Quadriceps weakness increased the risk of worsening lateral patellofemoral cartilage damage in women (risk ratio for lowest versus highest quartile of strength 1.50 [95% confidence interval 1.03–2.20]; P = 0.007 for linear trend) but not in men. There was generally no association between quadriceps weakness and worsening cartilage damage in the medial or lateral tibiofemoral compartment for either women or men.ConclusionLow quadriceps strength increased the risk of worsening cartilage damage in the lateral patellofemoral joint of women, suggesting that optimizing quadriceps strength may help prevent worsening of structural damage in the patellofemoral joint in women.

Morphological changes in the temporomandibular joints in women with fibromyalgia and myofascial pain: A case series

ABSTRACT Objective: This study investigated the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) morphological changes in women with fibromyalgia (FM) through clinical and tomographic evaluation. Methods: Ten women diagnosed with myofascial pain who were being treated for FM in a university hospital were included in this study. The data were collected through clinical examination and cone beam computed tomography evaluation of the TMJ in closed and open mouth positions. Results: All patients had crackling in the joint, a habit of grinding teeth during sleep, muscle stiffness, and tinnitus. The tomographic findings revealed a higher frequency of condylar bone wear, reduction of joint space, and posterior positioning of the mandibular condyle. The temporomandibular disorders with the highest prevalence were osteoarthritis and disc displacement with reduction. Conclusion: The findings suggest that women with FM have a high frequency of TMD related to the displacement of the articular disc, condyle position, and occurrence of osteoarthritis.

Pengaruh Tingkat Imitasi Dan Kosmopolitan Wanita Tani Terhadap Keputusan Pengelolaan Usahatani

The aims of this study are to analyze cosmopolitan and imitation levels of women farmers, and the influence of cosmopolitan and imitation levels of women farmers towards decision of farming management. This study was conducted in Limbung Village, Kubu Raya District, West Kalimantan. Respondent in this study consist of 26 womens who joint in women farmers group and 38 womens who do not joint in women farmers group. The method that used in this study are descriptive analyze and corelation analyze. The results showed that imitation level of women farmers group women farmers group is in average level. Beside that, the cosmopolitan level of women farmers group women farmers group is in high level. The result also showed that there is corelation between imitation and cosmopolitan levels has significant influence in decision of management farming

Longitudinal analysis of the impact of economic empowerment on risk for intimate partner violence among married women in rural Maharashtra, India

The purpose of this study was to assess via longitudinal analysis whether women's economic empowerment and financial inclusion predicts incident IPV. This prospective study involved analysis of three waves of survey data collected from rural young married women (n = 853 women) in Maharashtra at baseline and 9&18 month follow-ups. This study, which was in the field from 2012 to 2014, was conducted as part of a larger family planning evaluation study unrelated to economic empowerment. Participants were surveyed on economic empowerment, as measured by items on women's income generation and joint decision-making of husband's income, and financial inclusion, as measured by bank account ownership. Women's land ownership and participation in microloan programs were also assessed but were too rare (2-3% reporting) to be included in analyses. Longitudinal regression models assessed whether women's economic empowerment predicted incident IPV at follow-up. At Wave 1 (baseline), one in ten women reported IPV in the past six months; 23% reported income generation; 58% reported having their own money; 61% reported joint control over husband's money, and 10% reported bank ownership. Women's income generation and having their own money did not predict IPV over time. However, women maintaining joint control over their husband's income were at a 60% reduced risk for subsequent incident IPV (AOR = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.18, 0.90), and women gaining joint control over time were at a 70% reduced risk for subsequent incident IPV (AOR = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.13, 0.72), relative to women whose husbands maintained sole control over his income. Women who initiated a new bank account by Wave 3 also had a 56% reduced likelihood of reporting incident IPV in this same wave (AOR = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.22, 0.93), relative to those who maintained no bank account at Waves 1 and 3. These findings suggest that women's joint control over husband's income and her financial inclusion as indicated by bank ownership appear to reduce risk for IPV, whereas her income generation or control over her own income do not. Awareness of and participation in financial inclusion services may help reduce women's risk for IPV in rural India and elsewhere.

EFFECT OF THE DRUG FROM SOYBEAN AND AVOCADO ON THE COURSE OF OSTEOARTHROSIS OF THE KNEE JOINTS WITH CONCOMITANT METABOLIC SYNDROME IN WOMEN IN THE MENOPAUSAL PERIOD

The most common articular pathology is osteoarthrosis of the knee joints. More than 10 % of the world's population suffers from this disease. The development of osteoarthrosis (OA) is also affected by metabolic syndrome (MS), which is characterized by abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension and disturbance of carbohydrate metabolism. The combination of MS and osteoarthrosis creates conditions of overload for the functioning of axial joints, which is one of the main causes of premature disability and invalidization of the population. Treatment of OA of the knee joints in women in the menopausal period with concomitant metabolic syndrome presents great difficulties. To achieve a stable result of treatment, therapy with chondroprotectors and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is used. Treatment was carried out in 60 women in the menopausal period with MS, suffering from OA of knee joints. In the group of women in the menopausal period with OA of knee joints and MS who took therapy with the inclusion of the soybean and avocado drug alongside with NSAIDs, a significant effect was obtained with regard to arresting the pain syndrome, improving the quality of life, reducing the degree of inflammation as well as increased joint mobility compared with the group of patients, who took only chondroprotectors and NSAIDs

Electromyographic changes in muscles around the ankle and the knee joints in women accustomed to wearing high-heeled or low-heeled shoes

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate muscle activities in the muscles around the ankle and knee joints in women accustomed to wearing high-heeled or low-heeled shoes. MethodologyForty young women (age: 18–40 years) participated in this comparative clinical study. Twenty of the recruited subjects were accustomed to high-heeled shoes and the other half to low-heeled shoes. Electrical activities of the ankle and knee muscles in both groups with and without wearing their accustomed shoes were studied during walking. ResultsTibialis anterior and the medial gastrocnemius muscles started contraction earlier in the high-heeled shoe group. The duration of medial gastrocnemius activity and the intensity of proneus longus activity were significantly more in the high-heeled shoe group. ConclusionWearing high-heeled shoe for a long time could result in over work of muscles such as medial gastrocnemius and proneus longus by increasing the duration or the intensity of their contractions during walking.

Influence of generalized joint hypermobility on temporomandibular joint and dental occlusion: a cross-sectional study.

To evaluate the dental occlusion and temporomandibular joint in women with and without generalized joint hypermobility. Generalized joint hypermobility was assessed by the Beighton score. Individuals were divided into two groups: with and without hypermobility. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders was used to evaluate the temporomandibular joint. Dental occlusion was assessed according to Angle classification, overjet and overbite measures, presence of open bite or crossbite, pattern of disocclusion, and occlusal interference. Forty-three women participated voluntarily in the study: 17 in the group with hypermobility and 26 in the group without hypermobility. The frequencies of joint noise and deviation during mouth opening were greater in the hypermobility group (52.9% vs. 38.5% and 76.5% vs. 50%, respectively), but without statistical significance. None of the volunteers presented ideal occlusion and no significant difference was found in Angle Class between the groups. The hypermobility group presented a higher percentage of changes in occlusion (29.4% of overbite, 47.1% of overjet, and 17.6% of crossbite), with crossbite showing statistical difference between the groups. Hypermobility does not influence occlusion and range of mandibular motion in the women assessed. Nevertheless, the higher percentage of articular noise and uncorrected deviation during mouth opening shown by the group with hypermobility, even without statistical difference, may constitute evidence of correlation between hypermobility and temporomandibular disorder.

Diary for Women's Joint Disease (Traditional and Modern Medicine): Good or Bad!

Diary for Women's Joint Disease (Traditional and Modern Medicine): Good or Bad!

The Effect of Phase of Menstrual Cycle on Joint Mobility in the Cervical Spine and Extremities in Nulliparous Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the range of motion (ROM) of various joints in women throughout the menstrual cycle to determine whether there would be a difference in the ROM between the luteal and follicular phases during extension at the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint and bilateral rotation of the cervical spine in young adult nulliparous women. MethodsSixteen nulliparous women of childbearing age (mean age, 26 years) were recruited from the academic institution where the study was being performed. Participants were randomized into and tested during either the luteal or follicular phases of the menstrual cycle. In the following month, participants were tested in the opposite phases of the menstrual cycle. All testing was performed by a doctor of chiropractic. Differences in ROM were measured in single joint movements (fifth digit hyperextension) and in multijoint movements (bilateral cervical rotation) using an electromagnetic sensor system. ResultsNo significant effects of phase were found on peak ROM of the fifth digit or during cervical spine rotation (left, right, or bilaterally), irrespective of trial. ConclusionThere is no difference in ROM of the cervical spine or the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint, regardless of the phase of menses, suggesting there is likely no hormonal influence on these structures during the follicular or luteal phases.

Evaluation of Radiographic Instability of the Trapeziometacarpal Joint in Women With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

To determine whether median nerve dysfunction measured by electrophysiologic studies in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is associated with thumb trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint instability. We evaluated 71 women with CTS and 31 asymptomatic control women. Patients with generalized laxity or TMC joint osteoarthritis were excluded. We classified the electrophysiologic severity of CTS based on nerve conduction time and amplitude and assessed radiographic instability of the TMC joint based on TMC joint stress radiographs. We compared subluxation ratio between patients with CTS and controls and performed correlation analysis of the relationship between the electrophysiologic grade and subluxation ratio. Thirty-one patients were categorized into the mild CTS subgroup and 41 into the severe CTS subgroup. There was no significant difference in subluxation ratio between the control group and CTS patients or between the control group and CTS subgroup patients. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between electrophysiologic grade and subluxation ratio. This study demonstrated that patients with CTS did not have greater radiographic TMC joint instability compared with controls, and suggests that TMC joint stability is not affected by impaired median nerve function. Further studies could investigate how to better evaluate proprioceptive function of TMC joint and whether other nerves have effects on TMC joint motor/proprioceptive function, to elucidate the relationship between neuromuscular control of the TMC joint, its stability, and its progression to osteoarthritis. Diagnostic II.

Three-dimensional analysis of foot motion after uphill walking with mobilization with movement using tape applied to the talocrural joint in women with limited ankle dorsiflexion.

Previous studies that investigated mobilization with movement (MWM) treatment assessed only improvements in passive range of motion (ROM). No information is currently available regarding the efficacy of modified MWM by application of tape. Therefore, we investigated the effect of uphill walking with modified MWM using tape applied to the talocrural joint (uphill walking with MWM taping) in women with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Twelve feet of 12 women with ankle dorsiflexion < 8 degrees were studied. Passive ROM measured using a goniometer was used to select participants. Participants walked on a level walkway under 3 conditions: before exercise, after uphill walking, and after uphill walking with MWM taping. The Oxford Foot Model using 3D motion analysis system was used to examine dynamic foot kinematics, and statistical significance was determined by 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. After uphill walking with MWM taping, peak hindfoot dorsiflexion relative to the tibia was significantly greater than that before exercise and after uphill walking. Furthermore, peak forefoot plantarflexion relative to the hindfoot, peak hindfoot plantarflexion relative to the tibia, and backward tilt of the tibia were greater than those before exercise. Uphill walking with MWM taping resulted in an immediate alteration in foot motion during walking, increasing hindfoot dorsiflexion in particular. Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of uphill walking with MWM taping and its potential use in rehabilitation training.

The Ambiguity of Joint Asset Ownership: Cautionary Tales From Uganda and South Africa

ABSTRACTThis study uses individual-level survey data from women and men in Uganda and South Africa to examine coupled women's joint ownership of land and housing. It compares women's control over and benefits from jointly held land and housing with those of coupled women not owning land or housing at all and coupled women owning them solely. The lack of a clear and consistent advantage of joint ownership potentially arises from frequent disagreement within couples about whether the land or house is jointly owned. The study serves as a reminder of the complexities of joint ownership in practice, particularly within families, that need to be considered in order for coupled women to benefit from joint asset ownership. Efforts promoting joint ownership, for example, joint titling and marital property laws supporting joint ownership, should not only consider these complexities but also establish and communicate clear and enforceable rules for joint ownership.