ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the correlation between foot morphology and toe/metatarsophalangeal joint muscle strength. Methods Twenty-six male recreational runners were recruited. Foot length, truncated foot length, foot width, navicular height, dorsum height at 50% of the foot length, metatarsophalangeal joint strength, tensile force of the first and remaining four toes were measured by using digital caliper, metatarsophalangeal joint strength tester and dynameter, respectively. Partial correlations were used to analyze the correlation between foot morphology and foot muscle strength. ResultsWith adjusted age and body mass index (BMI), the foot width in standing position and truncated foot length in sitting and standing position were positively correlated to tensile force of the first toe; the foot length, foot width and truncated foot length were positively correlated to tensile force of the remaining four toes in both positions, and the arch height index in sitting position was negatively associated with tensile force of the remaining four toes; the foot width was positively correlated to metatarsophalangeal joint strength in both positions. Conclusions The longer foot length, foot width, truncated foot length, and the lower arch height in normal range might be related to the larger foot muscle strength. The consideration of the differences in foot morphological characteristics in different positions during the measurement of foot morphology can provide references for predicting foot muscle strength and preventing foot injury.
ABSTRACT
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: A casting connection technique is widely used for repair, correction and addition to base metal framework. However, a casting connection technique may increase the risk of failure in clinical situations when high stresses exist. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanical retentive groove design comparatively to increase the joint strength by using the three-dimensional finite element analysis model of a 3-unit fixed partial denture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten finite element models were constructed. (Model A: One retentive groove, Model B: Two retentive grooves, Model C: Three retentive grooves, Model D: Four retentive grooves, Model E: One horizontal groove and two vertical grooves, Model F: Two horizontal grooves and one vertical groove, Model G: One groove with the enlarged dimension, Model H: Two grooves with the enlarged dimension, Model I: One groove with the increased height, Model J: One groove with the increased width of base). The vertical force was applied to the mesial and the distal fossa to the casting connection of mandibular first molar. RESULTS: The main factors, affecting joint strength of casting connection were both the retention between the primary cast and the secondary cast and the thickness of the primary cast remaining after preparing retentive groove. The increase of retentive force, according to the numbers and the dimension of retentive groove had an effect on distributing stress. However, in some cases, the increase of retentive force resulted in the increase of stress by reducing thickness of the primary cast in the connection area. CONCLUSION: The design of retentive groove that limits number of retentive groove for metal thickness and increases the depth of retentive groove for retention is highly recommended.