Impact of length and width of footwear on foot structure of preschool-aged children.

Background: Due to the dynamics of developmental changes, the preschool age is of crucial importance for the later health and efficiency of the feet. The aim of this study was the analysis of the fitting of indoor footwear and its impact on the features of the foot structure in 6-year-old children. Methods: The study group consisted of 100 children, including 50 girls and 50 boys at the age of 6 years. The applied device was the CQ-ST podoscope and the Clevermess. The data were analyzed based on Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test and regression analysis. Results: About 60% of children wore correctly fitted shoes in terms of length and width. Multiple regression models with two variables explaining the variance of the Clarke's angle were statistically significant for girls (right foot: p < 0.001 and left foot: p = 0.009), and boys (right foot: p < 0.001 and left foot: p < 0.001). The influence of predictive variables on the values of the heel angle (γ) was statistically significant for girls (right foot: p < 0.001 and left foot: p < 0.001) and boys (right foot p < 0.001 and left foot: p < 0.001). Conclusions: Both in the case of girls and boys, the frequency of using too long and too wide shoes was higher in relation to the frequency of using too short and too narrow shoes. The length and width of the shoes affected the length and width of the footwear both in girls and boys. The longer and wider the shoes, the lower the height of the arch. Longer shoes are accompanied by a greater transverse arch, and wider ones with a lower transverse arch of the foot.

Relationships between the Perception of Footwear Comfort and the Fear of Falls in People at the Early Period of Old Age.

Objective: The present study aimed to analyze the relationships between the perceptions of footwear comfort with fear of falls in younger-old women and men. Participants: the population sample involved 100 free-living community dwellers aged 65−74. Design: the Falls Efficacy Scale-International and a visual analogue scale to assess perception of footwear comfort were used as research tools. Results: there were statistically significant differences in the FES-I results in people who suffered a fall in the last year compared to those who did not experience a fall (p < 0.001), as well as in the subjective assessment of mediolateral control in people who have suffered and have not suffered a fall in the last year (p = 0.033). In women, statistically significant relationships were found in the subjective assessment of shoe comfort in terms of arch height (p = 0.025) and material properties of the footwear (p = 0.036) with the results of FES-I. Conclusions: People who have fallen show a higher level of fear of falling. The assessment of footwear comfort in terms of mediolateral control was lower in the younger-old who had experienced a fall in the last year. In women, a worse assessment of arch height and material properties of the footwear is accompanied by greater fear of falling.

Effect of Longitudinal and Transverse Foot Arch on the Position of the Hallux and Fifth Toe in Preschool Children in the Light of Regression Analysis.

The aim of the study was to analyze the development of foot structure and the impact of longitudinal and transverse arching of the foot on the position of the hallux and fifth toe in preschool children. The study was carried out among 200 children aged 6 (100 G, 100 B). The research tool was the podoscope CQ-ST. The collected research results were analyzed with the use of the Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson Chi-square test and regression analysis. A statistically significant influence of the heel angle on the value of the varus angle of the fifth toe of the right (girls: p = 0.032; boys: p = 0.001) and left foot (girls: p = 0.004; boys: p = 0.005) was found. Boys' feet are longer and wider than girls' feet; moreover, they have a lower longitudinal arch. The frequency of longitudinal and transverse arch deformities of the feet, as well as valgus of the hallux and varus of the fifth toe do not depend on gender. In both sexes, decreasing the transverse arch of the foot has an influence on the severity of varus of the fifth toe. Changes in the height of the longitudinal foot arch does not affect the position of the hallux and fifth toe.

Perception of footwear comfort and its relationship with the foot structure among youngest-old women and men.

BACKGROUND: Adequate footwear comfort and functionality are important regardless of age, but they become particularly important in the youngest-old women and men, mainly due to the fact that this age range is the initial period of old age with changes in shoe preferences. The aim of this study was to assess the perception of footwear comfort and its relationship with the feet structure in youngest-old women and men. METHODS: The cross-sectional study covered community dwellers living on their own aged 65-74 years (50 women; 50 men). The feet characteristics were measured using the CQ-ST podoscope (Electronic System, Ltd, EU), and the perception of footwear comfort was assessed with a visual analogue scale. The assessment took into account gender-specific footwear of a certain brand (Befado Dr orto). RESULTS: Statistically significant intergender differences were observed in the perception of footwear comfort with respect to the shoe heel width (p = 0.022), the arch height (p = 0.013), the overall comfort (p = 0.049) and the material properties of the footwear (p = 0.017). In women, there were statistically significant positive relationships among the heel angle (γ) and the perception of footwear comfort in terms of heel cushioning (p = 0.021), forefoot cushioning (p = 0.015), arch height (p = 0.029). In men, there was a statistically significant negative relationship of the left foot Clarke's angle with the heel height (p = 0.043), and a positive relationship between the right foot width and the arch height (p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Youngest-old women, compared to men of the same age range, have a higher perception of shoe comfort in terms of the shoe heel width, the arch height, the overall comfort of the footwear and the material properties of the footwear. The appropriate profile and construction of the shoe allows for an increase in the contact surface of the foot with the shoe, hence the improvement in the perception of footwear comfort in people with lowered arch or widened forefoot.

The impact of functional excess of footwear on the foot shape of 7-year-old girls and boys.

BACKGROUND: Properly fitted shoes can support the development of growing feet and prevent problems and pathologies, not only in childhood, but also in adulthood. This points to the need to conduct research on the impact of shoe fitting on the structure of the foot in order to raise awareness and importance of this problem, to enable proper decisions regarding the purchase and use of shoes. The aim of this study was to analyze indoor footwear fit and its impact on foot structure in 7-year-old schoolchildren. METHODS: The CQ-ST podoscope and the Clevermess device were used for measurements. The analysis was carried out using the Mann Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Chi-square test, regression analysis. RESULTS: About 40% of girls and boys had shoes that were incorrectly fitted in length, while as many as 74% of girls and 66% of boys wore shoes that were incorrectly fitted in width. Regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant influence of the footwear length on longitudinal arch of the right and left foot and the transverse arch of the right foot. In boys, the length of the shoes shows associations with the right and left hallux valgus angle. CONCLUSION: A significant percentage of the studied 7-year-olds, regardless of gender, wears inappropriately fitted shoes. In both sexes, the length of the footwear influenced the longitudinal arch of the right and left foot and the transverse arch of the right foot. Due to the deformity of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, the boys with hallux valgus require footwear which is wider and therefore their shoes need to be bigger in size.

Postural stability at different heights as well as in natural standing position and during tandem stance in female athletes who practice artistic gymnastics.

PURPOSE: The aim of this work was the assessment of postural stability at different heights as well as in natural standing position and during tandem stance in female athletes who practice artistic gymnastics. METHODS: The study comprised 34 athletes aged 8-12, practicing artistic gymnastics at a sports club "Korona Kraków". The research tool was CQ-Stab 2P two-platform posturograph. The elevation was achieved using the Light SPL platform. The data were analyzed based on Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Spearman's rank correlation. RESULTS: The height at which the posturograph was set differentiated the path length of the statokinesiogram, both in the natural stance ( p = 0.035) and tandem stance ( p = 0.012). When the posturograph was placed on the floor, statistically significantly higher sway area delimited by the COP point ( p < 0.001), statokinesiogram path length ( p < 0.001), mean amplitude of COP displacement ( p < 0.001) and mean frequency of COP displacement ( p = 0.048) values were recorded in the tandem stance position. On the other hand, when the posturograph was placed on a landing, statistically significantly higher sway area delimited by the COP point ( p < 0.001), statokinesiogram path length ( p < 0.001) and mean frequency of COP displacement ( p < 0.001) values were recorded in the tandem stance position. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing height was accompanied by deterioration of stability indices. Postural stability improves with training experience.

Inter-gender differences in the formation of anteroposterior spinal curvatures in people practicing ballroom dancing.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to assess the formation of the spinal anteroposterior curvatures in people practicing ballroom dancing. METHODS: The study group comprised 98 people practicing ballroom dancing (58 W, 40 M; aged 35-45 years). Digital inclinometer "Baseline" was used as primary research tool. The data were analyzed based on Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test and Pearson Chi-square test. RESULTS: Statistically significant inter-gender differences were in the values of angles determining inclination of lumbosacral section of the spine ( p < 0.001), the lumbar lordosis curvature ( p < 0.001) as well as the compensation ratio ( p = 0.002). Statistically significant dependences between the types body posture and gender ( p = 0.005) were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Women practicing ballroom dancing are distinguished with increased inclination of lumbosacral section of the spine and deeper lumbar lordosis, while men are characterized with shallowed lumbar lordosis. Women are more likely to have lordotic body posture while men are characterized by balanced body posture. The prevalence of body posture subtypes is not dependent on gender.

The level of body balance in standing position and handstand in seniors athletes practicing artistic gymnastics.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to compare the values of selected stability indices registered in the trials in standing with eyes open and without visual control, and in handstand in athletes practicing gymnastics at the highest level of advancement. METHODS: The study included 20 athletes practicing gymnastics. The research tool was posturograph CQ-Stab 2P. The results obtained in individual trials were compared using Friedman repeated measures analysis of variance by ranks and then subjected to Dunn post-hoc test with Bonferroni adjustment. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in the values of stability indices recorded in individual samples were found. Exceptions are the results obtained in the trials with eyes open and without visual control with regard to the size of the surface area delineated by the COP (p = 0.173) and the frequency of corrective reactions (p = 0.464), as well as the length of the statokinesiogram path in the mediolateral direction (p = 0.342), mean velocity of COP movement in the mediolateral direction (p = 0.246), maximal amplitude of the COP in the mediolateral direction (p = 0.342) and number of COP displacements in the mediolateral direction (p = 0.246). CONCLUSIONS: In seniors, disabling visual control during free standing as well as adopting a handstand position result in deterioration of the stability indices, which is a resultant of the COP displacement in both directions as well as in the anteroposterior direction. Lack of differences in the values of stability indices in the mediolateral direction suggest that in a free standing position, seniors practicing gymnastics control the movement of the center of foot pressure in the mediolateral direction and eye control is not important for the stability of the body in the frontal plane.

Balance in handstand and postural stability in standing position in athletes practicing gymnastics.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare and analyse of relationships between stability indices registered in two positions: standing and handstand in athletes practicing gymnastics at various levels of advancement. METHODS: The study included 46 athletes practicing gymnastics. The research tool was posturograph CQ-Stab 2P. RESULTS: In both standing position and handstand in the seniors there were statistically significantly lower values of such indicators as: sway area delimited by the center of pressure ( p = 0.004, p = 0.014), mean amplitude of COP ( p = 0.021, p = 0.017), mean displacement of the center of feet/hands pressure in medio-lateral direction ( p = 0.011, p = 0.003) and maximal displacement of the center of feet/hands pressure in mediolateral direction ( p = 0.036, p = 0.036). In the standing position, seniors also had statistically significantly lower values of the statokinesiogram path length, both total ( p = 0.000) as well as in anteroposterior ( p = 0.001) and mediolateral ( p = 0.002) directions. In the seniors group there were statistically significant correlations between variables obtained in standing position and handstand. CONCLUSIONS: The level of sport advancement significantly differentiates the stability of a body in standing position and handstand. The seniors practicing gymnastics, compared to juniors, are characterized by a better ability to control the position of the body in both positions. The lack of relationships between stability indices registered in standing and handstand in juniors suggests that the analysis of the values of stability indices obtained in a standing position does not provide the possibility of predicting the ability to maintain balance in the handstand during the recruitment of candidates for gymnastics.

Inter-gender differences of balance indicators in persons 60-90 years of age.

INTRODUCTION: Precision of movements responsible for maintaining balance deteriorates with age due to natural involutionary processes, thus prompting a research question whether the values of gender-related stability indicators might differ significantly among the study subjects over 60 years of age. METHODS: The study group comprised 136 seniors (89 women, 47 men; aged 60-90 years). The CQ-Stab 2P 2-platform posturograph was used as the main research device, whereas the Mann-Whitney U-test was used to evaluate the gender-related differences in the average level of variables. RESULTS: In the open-eye test, significant gender-related differences were observed with regard to the statokinesiogram's path length in the mediolateral (ML) direction in the subjects aged 60-69 years (p=0.004), mean frequency of center of pressure (COP) displacement and number of COP displacements in the ML direction in the subjects aged 70-79 years (p=0.028, p=0.019), and mean COP displacement in the anteroposterior (AP) direction in the subjects aged 80-90 years (p=0.026). When the subjects were deprived of visual control, gender-related differences were observed with regard to the mean frequency of COP displacement, number of COP displacements in the ML direction in the subjects aged 60-69 years (p=0.045, p=0.049), and the statokinesiogram's path length in the AP direction in the subjects aged 70-79 years (p=0.015). In the oldest age group, the differences were noted in the statokinesiogram's path length in the AP direction (p=0.001), a sway area delimited by the COP point (p=0.003), range of AP stability (p<0.001), and range of ML stability (p=0.048). CONCLUSION: Gender-related differences affecting postural stability were found in the elderly. Men were characterized by a lower level of postural stability when compared with women. This highlights the need to have the gender-related differences taken into account, when developing various preventive and therapeutic programs specifically aimed at compensating certain involution-dependent deficits.

Feet deformities are correlated with impaired balance and postural stability in seniors over 75.

OBJECTIVE: Understanding the factors and mechanisms that determine balance in seniors appears vital in terms of their self-reliance and overall safety. The study aimed to determine the relationship between the features of feet structure and the indicators of postural stability in the elderly. METHODS: The study group comprised 80 seniors (41F, 39M; aged 75-85 years). CQ-ST podoscope and the CQ-Stab 2P two-platform posturograph were used as primary research tools. The data were analyzed based on Spearman's rank correlation and forward stepwise regression. RESULTS: Analysis of forward stepwise regression identified the left foot length in females and Clarke's angle of the left foot in men as significant and independent predictors of postural up to 30% of the variance of dependent variables. CONCLUSIONS: Longer feet provide older women with better stability, whereas in men, the lowering of the longitudinal arch results in postural deterioration. In the elderly, the left lower limb shows greater activity in the stabilizing processes in the standing position than the right one. In gerontological rehabilitation special attention should be paid to the individually tailored, gender-specific treatment, with a view to enhancing overall safety and quality of seniors' lives.

Foot Structure in Boys with Down Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Down syndrome (DS) is associated with numerous developmental abnormalities, some of which cause dysfunctions of the posture and the locomotor system. The analysis of selected features of the foot structure in boys with DS versus their peers without developmental disorders is done. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The podoscopic examination was performed on 30 boys with DS aged 14-15 years. A control group consisted of 30 age- and gender-matched peers without DS. RESULTS: The feet of boys with DS are flatter compared to their healthy peers. The hallux valgus angle is not the most important feature differentiating the shape of the foot in the boys with DS and their healthy peers. In terms of the V toe setting, healthy boys had poorer results. CONCLUSIONS: Specialized therapeutic treatment in individuals with DS should involve exercises to increase the muscle strength around the foot joints, enhancing the stabilization in the joints and proprioception. Introducing orthotics and proper footwear is also important. It is also necessary to monitor the state of the foot in order to modify undertaken therapies.

The role of hippotherapeutic exercises with larger support surface in development of balance in boys aged 15 to 17 years with mild intellectual disability.

PURPOSE: Maintaining balance in humans involves continuous changes in parameters. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of hippotherapeutic exercises on development of the sense of balance in boys aged 15 to 17 years with mild intellectual disability. METHODS: The study examined 50 randomly chosen boys aged 15 to 17 years with mild intellectual disability from the special education centre in Lezajsk, Poland. The study participants were divided into two groups: experimental group, who participated for 3 months in hippotherapeutic classes and the control group, with boys attending outdoor or indoor physical education classes. Before and after completion of the study, both experimental and control groups were diagnosed by means of Accu SwayPlus force plate. The force plate was used to determine alterations in the position of the centre of pressure (COP) on the platform in the frontal and sagittal planes in relaxed standing position with feet spread to the shoulder width and with eye control with respect to the base of support (BOS). The description was based on mean displacement of the centre of gravity (COG), mean velocity of displacements of the COG, mean radial displacement and total length of the COP pathway. RESULTS: In the experimental group, equestrian exercises induced a series of significant changes that pointed to the improved balance reactions. The character of these changes in the positions analysed was similar: values of body sway in the sagittal plane and their range and mean displacements decreased statistically significantly after training. The same tendency was observed for mean radial displacements in the free open position and with closed support surface. Furthermore, the velocity of displacement and the length of the COP's projection pathway on the support surface in the free open position was also reduced. All significant changes and trends found for the experimental group, which occurred after 3 month of hippotherapeutic classes, suggest improved parameters of balance. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of changes in balance parameters in the control group shows that the hippotherapeutic classes significantly develop balance abilities in boys aged 15 to 17 years with mild intellectual disability.

Postural stability in women in the eighth and ninth decades of life.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper was an attempt to evaluate changes in the level of static equilibrium and the impact of visual information on the effectiveness of postural reactions of women in geriatric age. METHODS: 36 senior female residents of L.A. Helc Nursing Home in Cracow, Poland, were examined. Considering the age, 2 groups were distinguished: group I - women at the age 71- 80 and group II - women aged 81-87. Their balance was assessed with stabilographic platform CQ Stab 2P. Measurements of the body stability were made in free standing position, with eyes open and eyes closed. Comparison of selected indicators of stability between the groups of the women was made with the Mann-Whitney U test. To assess the significance of differences between the results obtained in the test with eyes open and without visual control the Wilcoxon test was used. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between the results obtained in the groups concerned the length of the statokineziogram path on the X-axis, as well as the average speed of the COP movement on the X-axis. In the test without the visual control both groups showed statistically significant deterioration in most indicators of stability. CONCLUSIONS: Loss of postural control as a result of progressive involutional changes in the aging process is characterized by the intensity of the body instability in the frontal plane. These results indicate the need of applying in the rehabilitation programmes for elderly people adequate solutions, including the exercises directed at developing new or enhancing the decaying adjustment mechanisms.

High-frequency video capture and a computer program with frame-by-frame angle determination functionality as tools that support judging in artistic gymnastics.

PURPOSE: The main aim of this study was to verify the usefulness of selected simple methods of recording and fast biomechanical analysis performed by judges of artistic gymnastics in assessing a gymnast's movement technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study participants comprised six artistic gymnastics judges, who assessed back handsprings using two methods: a real-time observation method and a frame-by-frame video analysis method. They also determined flexion angles of knee and hip joints using the computer program. RESULTS: In the case of the real-time observation method, the judges gave a total of 5.8 error points with an arithmetic mean of 0.16 points for the flexion of the knee joints. In the high-speed video analysis method, the total amounted to 8.6 error points and the mean value amounted to 0.24 error points. For the excessive flexion of hip joints, the sum of the error values was 2.2 error points and the arithmetic mean was 0.06 error points during real-time observation. The sum obtained using frame-by-frame analysis method equaled 10.8 and the mean equaled 0.30 error points. CONCLUSIONS: Error values obtained through the frame-by-frame video analysis of movement technique were higher than those obtained through the real-time observation method. The judges were able to indicate the number of the frame in which the maximal joint flexion occurred with good accuracy. Using the real-time observation method as well as the high-speed video analysis performed without determining the exact angle for assessing movement technique were found to be insufficient tools for improving the quality of judging.