Recovery of spatio-temporal gait and functional parameters following unilateral eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage in the hamstrings.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze how spatiotemporal gait parameters, active knee extension range of motion, muscle activity, and self-perceived function change over a seven-day period in healthy individuals after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in the hamstrings. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy males participated in four sessions before and after EIMD (pre-EIMD, 48 h, 96 h, and 168 h post-EIMD). A single-leg deadlift exercise was performed to provoke EIMD in the hamstrings of the dominant leg. Lower limb function perception, spatiotemporal gait parameters, active knee extension range of motion, and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the semitendinosus and biceps femoris muscles during gait and maximal isometric contraction were assessed bilaterally. RESULTS: At 48 h, the EIMD-side showed reduced step length, active knee extension range of motion, maximal strength and EMG activity compared to baseline (P < 0.042), while increased relative EMG activity in the biceps femoris during gait (P = 0.001). At 96 h, step length and EMG activity on the EIMD-side reached similar values to those at baseline, whereas lower limb function perception and active knee extension range of motion returned to baseline state at 168 h post-EIMD. No changes over time were observed on the control-side. CONCLUSIONS: Recovery from EIMD requires a multimodal assessment since the different parameters affected by EIMD recover at different paces. Active range of motion appears to be the last variable to fully recover. Self-perceived function should not be considered in isolation as it does not represent complete functional recovery.

Effects of Plantar Fascia Release and the Use of Foot Orthoses Affect Biomechanics of the Medial Longitudinal Arch of the Foot: A Cadaveric Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of minimally invasive ultrasound-guided fascial release and a foot orthoses with first metatarsal head cutout on the biomechanics of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot in cadaveric specimens. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was designed (20 body donors). Anthropometric measurements of the foot, foot posture index, and the windlass test and force were measured in different conditions: unloaded, loaded position, with foot orthoses, after a 25% plantar fascia release and after a 50% release. RESULTS: For the anthropometric measurements of the foot, differences were found in foot length ( P = 0.009), arch height ( P < 0.001), and midfoot width ( P = 0.019) when comparing the unloaded versus foot orthoses condition. When foot orthoses were compared with 25% plantar fascial release, differences were found in foot length ( P = 0.014) and arch height ( P < 0.001). In the comparison with 50% plantar fascial release, differences were found in the arch height ( P < 0.001). A significant interaction between foot orthoses condition and grades was found in the arch height during the windlass test ( P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the presence of foot orthoses leads to a significant increase in arch height compared with other conditions. Furthermore, when plantar fascia release is performed, the arch does not exhibit any signs of collapse.

Somatosensation and motor performance in the less-affected and more-affected hand of unilateral cerebral palsy children: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine motor performance and somatosensory processing of unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) children in both the less-affected hand and the more-affected hand. This study is also aimed at analysing the somatosensory proccessing in the more-affected hand in relation to age and damaged hemisphere. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven children aged from 6 to 15 years (UCP = 23; TD = 24) were recruited. Grip strength, pinch strength, Box and Block Test and Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test were used to analyse motor performance. A comprehensive somatosensory assessment battery was included: tactile registration, unilateral, bilateral and spatio-temporal perception, haptic recognition, texture perception, proprioception, pressure pain threshold and functional sensitivity. RESULTS: UCP children exhibited lower performance in all aspects of motor performance measured in both the less-affected hand and the more-affected hand, except grip strength in the less-affected hand. Significant differences were found for all tests included in the somatosensory assessment in both the less-affected hand and the more-affected hand, except unilateral perception tests in the less-affected hand. CONCLUSIONS: UCP children present difficulties in motor performance and somatosensory processing not only in the more-affected hand, but also in the less-affected hand. Somatosensation may be a critical driver of functional performance.Implications for rehabilitationThe less-affected hand of children with unilateral cerebral palsy should be included in both assessment and intervention programmes.Somatosensory processing should be assessed through a comprehensive battery, both in the less-affected hand and in the more-affected hand of unilateral cerebral palsy children.Somatosensory treatment must be taken into account if functional performance in the activities of daily living of unilateral cerebral palsy children is to be improved.

El primer rocker: influencia del patrón de contacto inicial sobre la biomecánica, lesiones y rendimiento en la carrera de larga distancia / The first rocker: influence of the initial contact pattern on biomechanics, injuries, and performance in long-distance running

Este artículo examina la relación entre los patrones de pisada de corredores de larga distancia (Rearfoot Strike [RFS] y Non Rearfoot Strike [NRFS]) y varios aspectos como lesiones, rendimiento y biomecánica. A pesar de que correr se ha establecido como una actividad popular con beneficios cardiovasculares, respiratorios y psicológicos, conlleva un riesgo significativo de lesiones. Se encontró que la mayoría de los corredores adoptan un patrón RFS, que tiende a aumentar con la distancia recorrida, la fatiga y el uso de calzado amortiguado. Aunque algunos estudios sugieren una relación entre ciertos patrones de pisada y lesiones específicas, no hay suficiente evidencia para recomendar cambios en el patrón de pisada para la prevención de lesiones. Los corredores de élite tienden a usar un patrón NRFS más que los amateurs, pero la relación entre el patrón de pisada, el rendimiento y las variables biomecánicas es compleja y varía según el individuo. Se concluye que los profesionales de la salud y entrenadores deben considerar estas variaciones al asesorar a los corredores sobre técnicas y estrategias de entrenamiento, prevención, tratamiento y readaptación de lesiones (AU)

This paper examines the relationship between long-distance runners’ foot strike patterns (Rearfoot Strike [RFS] and Non Rearfoot Strike [NRFS]) and various aspects such as injuries, performance, and biomechanics. While running has established itself as a popular activity with cardiovascular, respiratory, and psychological benefits, it carries a significant risk of injuries. It was found that most runners adopt an RFS pattern, which tends to increase with distance covered and the use of cushioned footwear. Although some studies suggest a relationship between certain foot strike patterns and specific injuries, there is insufficient evidence to recommend changes in foot strike patterns for injury prevention. Elite runners tend to use an NRFS pattern more than amateurs, but the relationship between foot strike patterns, performance, and biomechanical variables is complex and varies indivually. It concludes that health professionals and coaches should consider these variations when advising runners on training techniques and strategies, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries (AU)

Reference Values of Spatial and Temporal Gait Parameters in a Contemporary Sample of Spanish Preschool Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of age and sex on kinematic gait parameters in preschool children, and derive reference values for this population. A total of 383 preschool children (age 3-5 years; 207 girls, 176 boys) participated in this study. We used the OptoGait system to assess the kinematics of gait at a comfortable and self-determined speed. No significant differences between the sexes were found for the main gait parameters. Among the participants, there was a significant increase in double support, reductions in absolute cadence and the coefficient of variation (CV) of cadence, an increase in absolute step length (SL), and an increase in the walk ratio (WR) from 3 to 5 years of age. However, the normalized SL and normalized WR displayed a significant reduction in both sexes. Partial correlation indicated a significant association of age with SL and normalized SL, and WR. Additionally, WR showed a significant correlation with the CV of cadence. To summarize, no relevant differences in gait performance were found according to sex; however, age was found to influence gait maturation. The normative values established for Spanish preschool children can be used to monitor healthy gait development.

Strength Training Habits in Amateur Endurance Runners in Spain: Influence of Athletic Level.

This study determined the strength training (ST) habits of amateur endurance runners in Spain regarding athletic level. A sixteen-item online questionnaire comprised of (i) demographic information, (ii) performance, and (iii) training contents was completed by 1179 athletes. Five group levels were determined according to the personal best times of the athletes in a 10-km trial (LG1: level group 1, 50-55 min; LG2: level group 2, 45-50 min; LG3: level group 3, 40-45 min; LG4: level group 4, 35-40 min; LG5: level group 5, 30-35 min). Most athletes (n = 735, 62.3%) perceived ST as being a key component in their training program. Resistance training (RT) was reported as a ST type used by 63.4% of the athletes, 66.9% reported using bodyweight exercises, 46.8% reported using plyometric training, 65.6% reported using uphill runs, and 17.8% reported using resisted runs. The prevalence of runners who excluded ST from their training programs decreased as the athletic performance level increased (18.2% in lower-level athletes vs. 3.0% in higher-level), while the inclusion of RT, bodyweight exercises, plyometric training, and uphill and resisted runs was more frequent within higher-level groups. Most athletes included ST using low-to-moderate loads and high a number of repetitions/sets comprised of RT, plyometric training, resisted runs, and core, respiratory, and foot muscles training.

Sensory Processing, Functional Performance and Quality of Life in Unilateral Cerebral Palsy Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The study of children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) has traditionally focused on motor aspects. The extent to which sensory processing disorders can affect their functional performance and quality of life (QoL) is uncertain. This study aimed to explore the differences in sensory processing between UCP and typical development (TD) children and to analyze the relationship of sensory processing with functional performance and QoL. METHODS: Fifty-three children aged from 6 to 15 years (TD = 24; UCP = 26) were recruited. The Child Sensory Profile 2, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test and Kidscreen were used to evaluate sensory processing, functional performance and QoL. RESULTS: UCP children showed sensory processing difficulties (avoidance: p = 0.02; registration: p = 0.00; body position: p = 0.00; oral: p = 0.02; social-emotional: p = 0.01), and scored lower in functional performance (daily activities: p = 0.00; mobility: p = 0.00; social/cognitive: p = 0.04) and in physical well-being (p = 0.00). The highest correlations in UCP group were found between proprioceptive processing and daily activities and mobility (r = -0.39); auditory, visual and tactile information and school environment (r = -0.63; r = -0.51; r = -0.46); behavioral and social-emotional responses and psychological well-being (r = -0.64; r = -0.49). CONCLUSIONS: UCP children have greater difficulty in sensory processing than TD children. Difficulties in proprioceptive processing contribute to poorer functional performance. Auditory, visual and tactile processing is associated with participation in the school environment and behavioral and social-emotional responses related to sensory processing are associated with the psychological well-being.

Static Balance Modification during the Workday in Assembly Chain Workers with and without Current Low Back Pain.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a common recurrent pathology among assembly chain workers. This population tends to spend most of the workday in a static standing posture and handling loads, with balance being essential for correct job performance. LBP is related to poorer postural control, so balance could be affected in this condition. METHODS: The purpose of the present study is to analyze the deterioration of static balance generated by work activity in a prolonged standing position. We assess sway with a pressure platform at three moments of the workday (before, during, and after work), comparing the different balance parameters in 22 manufacturing plant workers with (17) and without (5) LBP. RESULTS: In the pre-work capture, an independent t-test showed no significant differences between the pain and non-pain groups' static balance parameters. Between the pre- and mid-workday captures, a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures showed a significant decrease in the medial-lateral center of pressure displacement with open eyes in workers with LBP. CONCLUSIONS: workers with low back pain do not show a greater deterioration in static balance than workers without pain during the workday.

Effectiveness of lumbar supports in low back functionality and disability in assembly-line workers.

Low back pain (LBP) is a common problem in manufacturing workers. Several strategies have been proposed in order to reduce the pain and/or improve functionality. Among them, lumbar supports are a common solution prescribed for lumbar pain relief. Most of the studies in the literature only consider subjective sensations of the workers for evaluation assessment. This study applies biomechanical tests (a flexion-relaxation test and a functional movement evaluation test) to analyse the effectiveness of flexible lumbar supports in functionality and disability versus placebo intervention, consisting of kinesiotape placed on the low back without any stress. 28 workers participated in the study, randomised in control and intervention groups with a two months' intervention. None of the biomechanical tests showed statistical differences in between-groups pre-post changes. No benefits of wearing a flexible lumbar support during the workday have been found in these assembly-line workers versus placebo intervention.

Los pies en las diferentes culturas: los pies en la India / Feet in different cultures: the feet in India

En este artículo se presentan diferentes temas relacionados con los pies y la podología, todo ello inmerso en el contexto cultural de la India. Se hace un repaso de los diferentes calzados habituales y tradicionales del país. Se muestran diferentes actividades relacionadas con los pies y finalmente se adjuntan algunas de las extremidades inferiores de los animales más frecuentes en este entorno (AU)

In this article issues related to the foot and podiatry within the Indian cultural context are presented. Different types of frequently used, traditional footwear and foot related activities are reviewed. Finally, the lower extremities of animals common to this cultural context are discussed (AU)