A 120-second stretch improves postural control and plantar pressure: quasi-experimental study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: There are no studies on long-term bilateral calf stretching in relation to balance and plantar pressure. OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate that there is better control of posture and pressures after continuous stretching of the posterior calf muscles. DESIGN AND SETTING: Pre and post-intervention study conducted in a private clinic. METHODS: We measured static footprints and stabilometry before and after continuous passive plantar flexor stretching of duration 120 seconds, among 24 healthy subjects. RESULTS: We found differences in Y displacement with eyes closed (P = 0.010), but not among other variables with eyes closed: X displacement (P = 0.263); surface (P = 0.940); laterolateral speed displacement (P = 0.279); and anteroposterior speed displacement (P = 0.914). There were also no differences in eyes-open variables: X displacement (P = 0.341); Y displacement (P = 0.491); surface (P = 0.167); laterolateral speed displacement (P = 0.852); and anteroposterior speed displacement (P = 0.079). The plantar pressures in the heel (maximum pressure, P = 0.048; mean pressure, P = 0.001) and in the midfoot (maximum pressure, P = 0.004; mean pressure, P = 0.004) were reduced, but not in the forefoot (maximum pressure, P = 0.391; mean pressure, P = 0.225). The surface became larger in the forefoot (P = 0.000) and midfoot (P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Continuous static stretching of plantar flexors for 120 seconds improved stance balance and reduced plantar pressures (maximum and mean) in the rearfoot and midfoot. It also increased the surface in the midfoot and forefoot. TRIAL REGISTRATION: at clinicaltrials.gov, under the number NTC03743168.

Association between sex differences on foot health related to the quality of life in a sample of sedentary people

SUMMARY Sedentary (sitting) time may produce many anatomical and physiological consequences which are supposedly associated with a decreased quality of life (QoL) related to foot health. Accordingly, this study aimed to analyze the QoL impact on the overall health and the foot health among male and female sedentary people. A total of 312 participants with an age mean of 39.81 ± 15.40 years completed all phases of the study. In addition, self-reported data were registered. The participants' sedentary lifestyle was determined using the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) physical activity questionnaire. Furthermore, the scores obtained from the Portuguese version of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire were registered. Sedentary people in the equivalent metabolic energy had 301.09 ± 72.22 (min/week). In the first section, values were higher for foot pain and foot function and lower for general foot health and footwear. In the second section, values were higher for general health and vigor and lower for physical activity and social capacity. The differences between the sex groups of the study were statistically significant for footwear (P = 0.008), physical activity (P= 0.002), social capacity (P = 0.001) and vigor (P = 0.001) showing a worst QoL related to foot health in favor of male subjects in comparison with females. The rest of the domains did not show any statistically significant difference (P ≥ .01). The sedentary population evidenced a negative impact on the QoL related to foot health. This problem may be associated with this lifestyle, especially for males.

RESUMO O tempo sedentário (sentado) pode produzir muitas consequências anatômicas e fisiológicas que supostamente estão associadas a uma redução de qualidade de vida (QoL) relacionada à saúde do pé. Por conseguinte, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o impacto da QV sobre a saúde geral e a saúde do pé entre pessoas sedentárias masculinas e femininas. Uma amostra de 312 participantes com idade média de 39,81 ± 15,40 anos completou todas as fases do processo de estudo. Além disso, os dados autorrelatados foram registrados. O comportamento sedentário dos informantes foi determinado usando o questionário de prospecção prospectiva de câncer e nutrição (Epic). Além disso, os resultados obtidos com a versão em português do Questionário de Status de Saúde do Pé (PFHSQ) foram registrados. As pessoas sedentárias no equivalente de energia metabólica apresentaram 301,09 ± 72,22 (min/semana). Na primeira seção, os valores foram maiores para a dor no pé e função do pé e diminuíram a saúde e o calçado do pé geral. Na segunda seção, os valores foram maiores para saúde geral e vigor e menores para atividade física e capacidade social. As diferenças entre os grupos sexuais do estudo foram estatisticamente significativas para o calçado (P = 0,008), atividade física (P = 0,002), capacidade social (P = 0,001) e vigor (P = 0,001), mostrando uma pior QV relacionada à saúde do pé a favor dos sujeitos do sexo masculino em relação aos participantes sedentários femininos. O restante dos domínios não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significante (P ≥ 0,01). A população sedentária evidenciou um impacto negativo na QoL relacionada à saúde dos pés. Esse problema pode estar associado a este comportamento, especialmente no sexo masculino.

Evaluation of podiatric disorders in a sample of children with intellectual disabilities: an analytical cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Intellectual disabilities (IDs) usually derive from neurodevelopmental disabilities. They limit intellectual functioning and cause adaptive behaviors and orthopedic problems. These disabilities have harmful effects on health, everyday practical skills and social functioning, and they diminish quality of life. The goal of our research was to perform podiatric evaluations on schoolchildren with and without ID and ascertain their records of foot disorders. DESIGN AND SETTING: Analytical cross-sectional study conducted at a podiatric clinic in the city of Piedras Blancas, province of Asturias, Spain. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study on 82 schoolchildren affected by ID, compared with 117 healthy schoolchildren, was conducted at a podiatric clinic. Demographic data, clinical characteristics and measurements relating to podiatric examinations were recorded among the participants who completed all phases of the tool that was used in the study process. RESULTS: Almost 90% of the schoolchildren with and without ID presented foot disorders relating to smaller toes, nail disorders, flat feet or lower-limb alterations. CONCLUSIONS: The participants showed elevated prevalence of foot disorders. Podiatric evaluations are a significant means for preventing the appearance of medical conditions and/or foot problems, and they also improve general health.

Effect of generalized ligamentous hyperlaxity related of quality of life in the foot: a case controlled study

SUMMARY Generalized ligamentous hyperlaxity (GLH) has been shown to predispose an individual to a number of orthopaedic conditions. Little is known about how GLH affects people' foot health-related quality of life. This study analyses a sample of people with GLH and people without GLH with normalised reference values of the scores collected with regard to using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FSHQ). A total of 100 respondents with mean age of 22.69 ± 3.78 years old, who attended a health centre were classified as GLH (n = 50) or non-GLH (n = 50). The GLH was determined of the patients with and without GLH using assessment with Beighton tool and the scores on the FHSQ were compared. The control group recorded higher scores in the First Section for foot pain, foot function and general foot health, and lower scores in footwear. In the Second Section, they obtained higher scores in social capacity and lower scores in physical activity, vigour and general health. Differences between the two groups were evaluated through a t-test for independent samples, showing statistical significance (P<0.001). This study has detected measurable differences of association between GLH (Beighton score ≥4) with impaired quality of life related to foot health.

RESUMO A hiperlaxia ligamentosa generalizada (HLG) demonstrou predispor um indivíduo a várias condições ortopédicas. Pouco se sabe sobre como a HLG afeta a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde do pé das pessoas. Este estudo analisa uma amostra de pessoas com HLG e pessoas sem HLG com valores de referência normalizados das pontuações coletadas no que diz respeito ao Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FSHQ). Um total de 100 informantes com média de idade de 22,69 ± 3,78 anos que eram atendidos em um centro de saúde foi classificado como HLG (n = 50) ou não HLG (n = 50). A HLG foi determinada com os pacientes com e sem HLG usando a ferramenta Beighton e os escores na FHSQ foram comparados. O grupo de controle registrou pontuações mais altas na primeira seção para a dor no pé, função do pé e saúde geral do pé, e menores pontuações no calçado. Na segunda seção obtiveram maiores escores em capacidade social e menores escores em atividade física, vigor e saúde geral. As diferenças entre os dois grupos foram avaliadas por meio de um teste t para amostras independentes, mostrando significância estatística (P<0,001). Este estudo detectou diferenças mensuráveis de associação entre HLG (pontuação de Beighton≥4) com deterioração da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde dos pés.

Relationship of the skin and subcutaneous tissue thickness in the tensiomyography response: a novel ultrasound observational study

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to describe and correlate the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and superficial fascia thickness assessed by ultrasonography (US) with the lumbar erector spinae muscles contractile properties evaluated by tensiomyography (TMG). METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study with 50 healthy participants was performed. The point of maximum lordosis in the lumbar region of the right erector spinae was evaluated by US and TMG. First, the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and superficial fascia thicknesses (cm) were assessed by US. Second, the five contractile TMG parameters were analyzed from the right erector spinae muscles belly displacement-time curves: maximal radial displacement (Dm), contraction time (Tc), sustain time (Ts), delay time (Td), and half-relaxation time (Tr). Finally, correlation analyses using Pearson (r for parametric data) and Spearman (rs for non-parametric data) coefficients were performed. RESULTS: A strong negative correlation was shown between Dm and subcutaneous tissue thickness (rs=-0.668; P<.001). Furthermore, moderate negative correlations were observed between Dm and skin thickness (r=-0.329; P=0.020) as well as Tr and subcutaneous tissue thickness (rs=-0.369; P=0.008). The rest of the parameters did not show statistically significant correlations (P >.05). CONCLUSION: Therefore, the lumbar erector spinae contractile properties during TMG assessments, especially Dm and Tr, may be widely correlated by the skin and subcutaneous tissue thickness.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: O estudo foi elaborado para descrever e correlacionar a pele, o tecido subcutâneo e a espessura da fascia superficial avaliados pelo ultrassom (EUA) com as propriedades contráteis do músculo eretor da coluna lombar avaliadas por tensiomiografia (TMG). MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo transversal com 50 participantes saudáveis. O ponto de lordose máxima na região lombar da coluna ereta direita foi avaliado pelos EUA e TMG. Primeiro, a pele, o tecido subcutâneo e as espessuras da fáscia superficial (cm) foram avaliadas pelos EUA. Em segundo lugar, os cinco parâmetros TMG contráteis foram analisados a partir das curvas de deslocamento-tempo da barriga do músculo eretor da espinha direita: deslocamento radial máximo (Dm), tempo de contração (Tc), tempo de sustentação (Ts), tempo de atraso (Td) e meio tempo de relaxamento (Tr). Finalmente, foram realizadas análises de correlação usando os coeficientes Pearson (r para dados paramétricos) e Spearman (rs para dados não paramétricos). RESULTADOS: Uma correlação forte negativa foi mostrada entre Dm e espessura subcutânea do tecido (rs = −0,668; P < 0,001). Além disso, foram observadas correlações moderadas negativas entre Dm e espessura da pele (r = −0,329; P = 0,020), bem como a espessura subcutânea do tecido (rs = −0,369; P = 0,008). O restante dos parâmetros não mostrou correlações estatisticamente significativas (P > 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Portanto, as propriedades contráteis do eretor da espinha lombar durante as avaliações TMG, especialmente Dm e Tr, podem ser amplamente correlacionadas com a pele e a espessura subcutânea do tecido.

The influence of heel height related on quality of life on the foot in a sample of women

SUMMARY Many women have worn high-heel shoes (HHS) at some point in their lives and many wear them on a daily basis, with higher prevalence between 39% and 78% observed in institutional and clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the scores obtained with regard to foot health and health in general in a sample of women that use HHS as opposed to a sample of women without HHS with normalized reference values. A sample of 120 participants with a mean age of 41.94 ± 13.912 came to a health center where self-reported data were registered. The subjects with and without HHS were determined and the scores obtained were compared in the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). This questionnaire is made of 13 questions that assess 4 health domains of the feet, namely pain, function, general health and footwear. The women in the HHS group showed a worse quality of life related to health in general and to foot health specifically. Differences between the two groups were evaluated by means of a t-test for independent samples, showing statistical significance (P<0.01). Women with HHS present a negative impact on the quality of life related to foot health.

RESUMO Muitas mulheres usaram sapatos de salto alto (SSA) em algum momento de suas vidas e muitas usam diariamente, com maior prevalência entre 39% e 78%, observadas em contextos institucionais e clínicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever e comparar os escores obtidos em relação à saúde dos pés e à saúde em geral em uma amostra de mulheres que utilizam SSA em oposição a uma amostra de mulheres sem SSA com valores de referência normalizados. Uma amostra de 120 participantes com idade média de 41,94 ± 13,912 chegou a um centro de saúde onde os dados autorrelatados foram registrados, os informantes com e sem SSA foram determinados e os escores obtidos foram comparados no Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). Esse documento tem 13 questões que avaliam quatro domínios de saúde dos pés, nomeadamente dor, função, saúde geral e calçado. As mulheres do grupo SSA apresentaram pior qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em geral e à saúde dos pés, especificamente. As diferenças entre os dois grupos foram avaliadas por meio de um teste t para amostras independentes, mostrando significância estatística (P <0,01). As mulheres com SSA apresentam um impacto negativo na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde dos pés.

Foot health and quality of life among university students: cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Foot problems are believed to reduce quality of life and are increasingly present. Even among young adults of university age, untreated foot problems can lead to postural and mobility problems. Accordingly, our aim here was to determine the relationship between foot health and quality of life and general health among male and female university students. DESIGN AND SETTING: Observational cross-sectional quantitative study conducted at the Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Clinic of the University of Coruña, Ferrol, Spain. METHODS: A sample of 112 participants of median age 22 years came to a health center, where self-reported data were registered, including professional activity, and scores obtained through the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) were compared. RESULTS: In Section One of the FHSQ, the university students recorded lower scores of 66.66 in the footwear domain and 60 in the general foot health domain and higher scores of 84.37 in the foot pain domain and 93.75 in the foot function domain. In Section Two, they obtained lower scores of 60 in the overall health domain and 62.50 in the vigor domain and higher scores of 100 in the physical activity and 87.50 in the social capacity domain. Differences between males and females were evaluated using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, which showing statistical significance (P < 0.05) regarding the dimensions of footwear and general foot health. CONCLUSIONS: These university students' quality of life relating to foot health was poor. This appears to be associated with the university period, regardless of gender.

Enfoque multidimensional de la percepción de la salud del pie en una población adulta / Multidimensional approach to perceived foot health in an adult sample

Como parte de un estudio más amplio sobre representaciones sociales de la salud del pie en la población adulta de la comunidad autónoma de Galicia (España), el objetivo de este trabajo consiste en conocer cómo se construyen los significados acerca de la salud del pie y su relación con la calidad de vida. Un total de 282 personas de un centro ambulatorio de salud perteneciente a la ciudad de La Coruña (España) –de los cuales 80 eran hombres (28.4%) y 202 mujeres (71.6%), con una edad promedio de 39.67± 15.75– fue incluido en el estudio; todos ellos completaron su curso. Mediante el escalamiento multidimensional se analizó cómo las personas representan cognitivamente la salud del pie en su contexto inmediato y cómo clasifican espontáneamente dichas percepciones. Los datos obtenidos muestran que los participantes utilizan al menos dos dimensiones y se puede sugerir que la percepción de la salud del pie está relacionada con la existencia de un facultativo y del mantenimiento del cuidado de los pies, que se integra en la vida o la actividad personal, y se conceptualiza como parte de un estilo de vida más saludable en la búsqueda de mejorar la calidad de vida y el bienestar...