How susceptible are our Achilles Tendons? Sonoanatomical assessment. A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: the aim of this study is to observe whether there are ultrasound changes between men and women in the Achilles tendon at rest, at maximum passive force is applied and during walking. MATERIAL AND METHODS: it was a cross-sectional study involving 27 healthy young participants recruited as volunteers between April to July 2022. A variety of data was recorded: (age, Body Mass Index, sex, smoking, current injury status, allergies, medications, previous surgeries, type of sport, and number of weekly workouts) and ultrasound measurements at rest and at passive force (Cross Sectional Area Achilles Tendon length, tendon thickness, Cross Sectional Area and pennation angle of the soleus muscle to the Achilles Tendon). RESULTS: women demonstrated a statistically significant lower proximal and median thickness both at rest (4.5 vs 5.1 mm with p < 0.001 for proximal thickness; 4.4 vs 5.3 mm with p < 0.001 for median thickness) as well as during maximum eccentric contraction (4.3 vs 4.8 mm with p=<0.001 for proximal thickness; 4.1 vs 4.8 mm with p < 0.001 for median thickness). CONCLUSION: there are significant sonoanatomical differences in vivo Achilles tendon between men and women.

Transcultural adaptation and validation of the Spanish-French versions of the Self-reported Foot and Ankle Score (SEFAS).

OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to cross-culturally adapt the Self-reported Foot and Ankle Score (SEFAS) into Spanish and French-language versions, to validate them and to evaluate their psychometric properties. METHODS: The cross-cultural translation from the original SEFAS into French and Spanish was performed in accordance with the guidelines of the ISPOR. The participants were recruited from some private healthcare institutions in France and Sapin, from June to August 2019. The following inclusion criteria were applied: aged at least 18 years, with foot and/or ankle deformity, had a history of subtalar and/or ankle and/or talonavicular or hindfoot pain, did not make daily use of walking aids, and were able to achieve the normal range of motions in the ankle, subtalar and midtarsal joints. All patients gave signed informed consent and completed the SF-36 and SEFAS questionnaires in the Spanish or French version. RESULTS: The analysis was based on 319 participants. Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach's alpha values of 0.94 for the Spanish version and 0.88 for the French version). No floor/ceiling effect was observed in any item, in either version. CONCLUSION: The Spanish and French versions of SEFAS are valid, reliable instruments for evaluating foot and ankle pain and function.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONSelf-report questionnaires specific to patients with rheumatoid arthritis are needed to assess the degree of pain, disability, and disability caused by foot problems.The Spanish and French versions of SEFAS show the necessary psychometric characteristics.Each version provides a valid, reliable tool ensuring the correct evaluation of pain, function and limitation of function in the foot and/or ankle in the target population.

Cross-cultural Adaptation and Validation of the French Version of the Diabetic Foot Self-care Questionnaire of the University of Malaga.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot care management is directed at patients with a history of complications, especially those with rising levels of hemoglobin A1c, and those who have had diabetes for several years. The aim of this study was to cross-culturally adapt a French-language version of the Diabetic Foot Self-care Questionnaire of the University of Malaga (DFSQ-UMA) for use in France. METHODS: Cross-cultural adaptation was performed according to relevant international guidelines (International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research), and the factor structure was determined. Internal consistency was measured using the Cronbach α. Item-total and inter-item correlations were assessed. RESULTS: The French data set comprised 146 patients. The mean ± SD patient age was 62.60 ± 15.47 years. There were 47 women and 99 men. The structure matrix (with three factors) was tested by confirmatory factor analysis. The 16-item questionnaire had a Cronbach α of 0.92. The mean value for inter-item correlations was 0.48 (range, 0.17-0.86). The rotated solution revealed a three-factor structure that accounted for 48.10% of the variance observed. A significant inverse correlation was observed between questionnaire scores and hemoglobin A1c levels (r = -0.17; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: This study validates the French-language version of the DFSQ-UMA, which can be used as a self-reported outcome measure for French-speaking patients in France.