Effects of Biomimetic Shoes on Healthy Young Children's Gait.

Objective To compare the spatial-temporal parameters and walking kinematics of toddlers wearing biomimetic shoes, regular shoes (daily use owned shoes), and barefoot. Methods Spatial-temporal parameters (speed, step length, and stride width), the mean vertical displacement of the center of mass (COM), knee flexion peak, and maximal foot height were analyzed. Results Children were not different in biomimetic shoes and barefoot conditions on speed, step length, and COM vertical displacement. There was no difference among conditions on stride width and foot height. The knee flexion peak was greater in shod conditions than barefoot. The regular shoes showed greater COM vertical displacement than biomimetic shoes and barefoot. Conclusion The findings showed that shoes affected the walking pattern in young children, but a shoe with a biomimetic design had a lesser effect on the walking pattern.

Effects of Biomimetic Shoes on Healthy Young Children's Gait / Efeitos do uso de calçado biomimético na marcha de crianças típicas

Abstract Objective To compare the spatial-temporal parameters and walking kinematics of toddlers wearing biomimetic shoes, regular shoes (daily use owned shoes), and barefoot. Methods Spatial-temporal parameters (speed, step length, and stride width), the mean vertical displacement of the center of mass (COM), knee flexion peak, and maximal foot height were analyzed. Results Children were not different in biomimetic shoes and barefoot conditions on speed, step length, and COM vertical displacement. There was no difference among conditions on stride width and foot height. The knee flexion peak was greater in shod conditions than barefoot. The regular shoes showed greater COM vertical displacement than biomimetic shoes and barefoot. Conclusion The findings showed that shoes affected the walking pattern in young children, but a shoe with a biomimetic design had a lesser effect on the walking pattern.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar os parâmetros espaço temporais e cinemáticos da marcha de crianças típicas em três condições: descalças, usando calçados biomiméticos e, calçados de uso diário (não biomiméticos - próprios das crianças). Métodos Foram analisadas variáveis espaço temporais (velocidade, comprimento e largura da passada), deslocamento vertical do centro de massa (CM), pico de flexão do joelho e altura máxima do pé, coletados via avaliação tridimensional do movimento. Resultados Comparado com a condição descalça, o uso do calçado biomimético não foi estatisticamente diferente em relação a velocidade da marcha, comprimento da passada e altura do pé. A largura da passada e a altura do pé não foi diferente estatisticamente entre as condições estudadas. O pico de flexão do joelho foi maior nas condições com calçados comparado a condição descalça. Os calçados de uso diário apresentaram maior deslocamento vertical do COM do que nas condições com o calçado biomimético e descalço. Conclusão Os achados deste trabalho reafirmam que o uso do calçado influencia a marcha de crianças, especificamente na fase de desenvolvimento da marcha mas, que calçados com um design biomimético tem menores impactos no padrão de marcha das crianças.

A escolha do calçado por corredores amadores: caracterização e associação com o histórico de lesão auto reportada / La elección del calzado por los corredores aficionados: caracterización y asociación con el historial de lesiones autoinformado / Selection of running shoes by amateur runners: characterization and association with the self-reported history of injury

RESUMO O calçado é um elemento importante para a prática de corrida. As evidências sobre os impactos das características do calçado e de sua prescrição nas lesões de corredores são restritas. Dessa forma, os objetivos deste estudo foram investigar o processo de escolha do calçado por corredores e verificar se variáveis relacionadas ao calçado e seu processo de escolha estavam associadas à presença e recorrência de lesão no último ano. Foi realizado um estudo observacional com 254 corredores que responderam um questionário autoadministrado sobre características demográficas, a prática esportiva, o calçado e o processo de sua escolha, e lesões ocorridas nos últimos 12 meses. O teste qui-quadrado foi empregado para verificar se havia diferença na distribuição das respostas de cada questão, enquanto o teste de regressão logística para verificar se as variáveis relacionadas ao calçado e ao processo de escolha predizem a presença e recorrência de lesão no último ano. Os resultados indicaram que a maioria dos corredores possui tênis específico para a prática esportiva e considera algumas características ao adquiri-lo, como o amortecimento intermediário e a diferença na altura do solado entre a parte posterior e a anterior de aproximadamente 10mm. A maioria indica conhecer seu tipo de pisada, mas não a considera na escolha do calçado. Além disso, a maioria não usa palmilha e não recebeu orientação para a escolha do calçado. O modelo obtido com a regressão não foi significativo. Assim, apesar de os corredores considerarem as características do calçado ao adquiri-lo, essas características e o processo de escolha não foram associados à presença e recorrência de lesão nos últimos 12 meses.

RESUMEN El calzado es un elemento importante para la práctica deportiva de carrera. Sin embargo, es limitada la evidencia sobre los impactos de las características del calzado deportivo y su prescripción sobre las lesiones en los corredores. Por lo tanto, los objetivos de este estudio fueron investigar el proceso de elección de calzado por los corredores y verificar si las variables relacionadas con el calzado y su proceso de elección se asociaron con la presencia y recurrencia de lesiones en el último año. Se realizó un estudio observacional con 254 corredores que respondieron un cuestionario autoinformado sobre las características demográficas, la práctica deportiva, el calzado y el proceso de elección, y las lesiones que se llevaron a cabo en los últimos 12 meses. La prueba de chi-cuadrado se aplicó para verificar la existencia de diferencias en la distribución de respuestas para cada pregunta. Y se utilizó la prueba de regresión logística para determinar si las variables relacionadas con el calzado y su proceso de elección pueden predecir la presencia y recurrencia de lesiones en el último año. Los resultados indicaron que la mayoría de los corredores tienen zapatillas adecuadas para hacer deporte y consideran algunas características a la hora de adquirirlas, como una amortiguación intermedia y la diferencia de altura de la suela entre la parte delantera y la trasera de aproximadamente 10mm. La mayoría afirma conocer el tipo de paso, pero no lo considera a la hora de elegir el calzado. Además, la mayoría no utiliza plantillas y no recibe orientación sobre la elección del calzado. El modelo que se obtuvo con la regresión no fue significativo. Por lo tanto, aunque los corredores tienen en cuenta las características del calzado a la hora de adquirirlo, esas características y el proceso de elección no se asociaron con la presencia y recurrencia de lesión en los últimos 12 meses.

ABSTRACT Running shoes are an essential element for sports practice. Evidence on the effect of the shoe characteristics and prescription in running injuries are scarce. Thus, this study aimed to investigate runners's process of choosing running shoes and to verify whether the variables related to running shoes and their selection process are associated with the presence and recurrence of injuries in the previous year. An observational study was conducted with 254 runners who answered a self-reported questionnaire about demographics, sports practice, shoe characteristics and selection criteria, and injuries in the last 12 months. The chi-square test evaluated whether there was a difference in the distribution of answers to each question. The logistic regression evaluated whether the variables related to shoes and selection criteria predicted injury's presence and recurrence in the previous year. The results showed that most runners had specific shoes for sports practice and considered some characteristics of the shoes to choose them, including intermediate cushioning and a difference in the heel-to-toe drop of approximately 10mm. Most respondents indicated knowing their foot type but not considering it when choosing shoes. Besides, most individuals did not use foot orthotics and did not receive guidance to select their shoes. The model obtained with the regression was not significant. Therefore, despite considering shoe characteristics when choosing it, these features and the selection criteria were not associated with the presence and recurrence of injuries in the previous 12 months.

The Influence of the Shoe over the Medial Foot Arch and the Lower Limbs Kinematics in Toddlers.

Objective To evaluate the biomechanical behavior of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) of the foot and the kinematic parameters of the lower limbs with biomimetic footwear (BF) and non-biomimetic (NB1, NB2, NB3 and NB4) footwear in children at the beginning of the gait acquisition phase. Methods Four toddlers were evaluated at the beginning of the gait acquisition phase under the following conditions: walking barefoot, ambulation with BF and NB1, NB2, NB3 and NB4 footwear in hard floor. BF is described as biomimetic because of its property of emulating natural and irregular floors through a dynamic internal insole. The MLA and kinematics of the hip, knee, and ankle during gait were evaluated by three-dimensional motion analysis system. The similarity between the kinematic curves of barefoot and footwear conditions was analyzed by root mean square error (RMSE). Results The use of BF presented the highest magnitude of MLA and the greatest difference in relation to barefoot condition (higher RMSE). The BF showed less difference in the kinematics of the knee and ankle joints during gait when compared to barefoot condition (lower RMSE). NB2 footwear presented hip kinematics more similar to barefoot condition (lower RMSE). Conclusion Biomimetics footwear and NB2 shoes (both with wider forefoot region) generated smaller differences in lower limbs compared to barefoot. In addition, the MLA was higher in the BF, probably because different design from other shoes.

The Influence of the Shoe over the Medial Foot Arch and the Lower Limbs Kinematics in Toddlers / A influência de calçados no arco longitudinal medial do pé e na cinemática dos membros inferiores de crianças no início da fase de aquisição de marcha

Abstract Objective To evaluate the biomechanical behavior of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) of the foot and the kinematic parameters of the lower limbs with biomimetic footwear (BF) and non-biomimetic (NB1, NB2, NB3 and NB4) footwear in children at the beginning of the gait acquisition phase. Methods Four toddlers were evaluated at the beginning of the gait acquisition phase under the following conditions: walking barefoot, ambulation with BF and NB1, NB2, NB3 and NB4 footwear in hard floor. BF is described as biomimetic because of its property of emulating natural and irregular floors through a dynamic internal insole. The MLA and kinematics of the hip, knee, and ankle during gait were evaluated by three-dimensional motion analysis system. The similarity between the kinematic curves of barefoot and footwear conditions was analyzed by root mean square error (RMSE). Results The use of BF presented the highest magnitude of MLA and the greatest difference in relation to barefoot condition (higher RMSE). The BF showed less difference in the kinematics of the knee and ankle joints during gait when compared to barefoot condition (lower RMSE). NB2 footwear presented hip kinematics more similar to barefoot condition (lower RMSE). Conclusion Biomimetics footwear and NB2 shoes (both with wider forefoot region) generated smaller differences in lower limbs compared to barefoot. In addition, the MLA was higher in the BF, probably because different design from other shoes.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o comportamento do arco longitudinal medial do pé (ALM) e os parâmetros cinemáticos dos membros inferiores durante a deambulação com calçados biomiméticos (CBs) e não biomiméticos (NB1, NB2, NB3 e NB4) em crianças no início da fase de aquisição da marcha. Métodos Foram avaliadas quatro crianças no início da fase de aquisição da marcha nas seguintes condições: andar descalço, andar com CBs e calçados NB1, NB2, NB3 e NB4 em solo plano. O calçado biomimético é descrito como biomimético por emular pisos naturais e irregulares por meio de uma palmilha interna dinâmica. O ALM e a cinemática do quadril, joelho e tornozelo durante a marcha foram avaliados por meio de sistema de análise do movimento tridimensional. A similaridade entre as curvas cinemáticas das condições descalça e com calçado foi analisada por meio do cálculo de root mean square error (RMSE). Resultados O CB foi o que apresentou maior magnitude do ALM e maior diferença do ALM em relação à condição descalça (maior RMSE). O CB apresentou ainda menor diferença na cinemática das articulações do joelho e tornozelo durante a marcha quando comparado à condição descalça (menor RMSE). O calçado NB2 apresentou a cinemática do quadril mais semelhante à condição descalça (menor RMSE). Conclusão Os calçados CB e NB2 que apresentam a região do antepé mais larga geraram menores diferenças na cinemática dos membros inferiores. Além disso, o ALM foi maior no CB provavelmente devido a seu design ser diferente daquele dos demais calçados.

O universo do futebol, a seleção brasileira e a nação: reflexões sobre a ascensão e queda da "pátria de chuteiras" / The universe of football, the Brazilian National team, and the nation: reflections on the rise and fall of the "country in soccer shoes" / El universo del fútbol, la selección brasileña y la nación: reflexiones sobre el ascenso y la caída de la "patria de botines"

Introdução: As reflexões de Arno Vogel no livro Universo do futebol, são primordiais para entendermos os significados das derrotas e conquistas da seleção brasileira em copas do mundo. A derrota em 1950 e o tricampeonato em 1970 foram sentidas como derrota e vitória de projetos de nação. A seleção gerava sentimentos antagônicos de tragédia e carnaval, de pessimismo e ufanismo. Objetivos: Neste artigo dissertaremos sobre o esmaecimento da equação futebol-nação a partir dos anos 1990. O período das Copas de 1994 a 2002 é primordial, já que a seleção conseguiu um feito inédito de participar de três finais consecutivas, tendo vencido duas e se consagrado pentacampeã do mundo. Outro momento relevante é o mundial de 2014, realizado no brasil, ocasião em que a seleção perdeu de 7 a 1 para a equipe da Alemanha nas semifinais, bem como a Copa de 2018. Metodologia: O corpus da análise é composto por material coletado nos jornais de circulação nacional O Globo e Folha de São Paulo sobre a participação da seleção brasileira masculina de futebol em Copas do Mundo dos jornais. Considerações provisórias: As narrativas jornalísticas já não tratam o futebol como metonímia da nação. As conquistas de 1994 e de 2002 e a derrota na final de 1998, não transcenderam o universo esportivo. A derrota por 7 a 1 para a Alemanha em 2014 gerou memes, que evidenciavam que a identidade nacional não tinha sido afetada. Em 2018, a eliminação para a Bélgica gerou narrativas de ordem técnica.

Introduction: Arno Vogel's reflections in the book Universo do Futebol are essential to understand the meaning of the defeats and victories of the Brazilian national team in the World Cups. The defeat of 1950 and the three-time championship of 1970 were felt like defeat and victory of national projects. The national team generated antagonistic feelings of tragedy and carnival, of pessimism and exacerbated patriotism. Objectives: In this article, we will talk about the fading of the soccer-nation equation starting in the 1990s. The period of the World Cups from 1994 to 2002 is pivotal, as the team achieved an unprecedented feat by participating in three finals consecutive, having won two and became five-time world champion. Another relevant moment is the 2014 World Cup, hosted in Brazil, when the team lost 7-1 to the German team in the semi-finals, as well as the 2018 World Cup. Methodology: The corpus of the analysis consists of material collected in the newspapers O Globo and Folha de São Paulo on the participation of the Brazilian national team in the World Cups. Temporary Considerations: journalistic narratives no longer treat soccer as a metonym of the nation. The achievements of 1994 and 2002 and the defeat in the 1998 final did not transcend the sports universe. The 7-1 loss to Germany in 2014 generated memes that showed that the national identity had not been affected. In 2018, the elimination against Belgium generated narratives of a technical nature.

Introducción: Las reflexiones de Arno Vogel en el libro Universo do Futebol son fundamentales para que entendamos el significado de las derrotas y conquistas de la selección brasileña de fútbol en los mundiales. La derrota de 1950 y el tricampeonato de 1970 se sintieron como derrota y victoria de proyectos nacionales. La selección generaba sentimientos antagónicos de tragedia y carnaval, de pesimismo y patriotismo exacerbado. Objetivos: En este artículo, hablaremos sobre el desvanecimiento de la ecuación fútbol-nación a partir de la década de 1990. El período de los Mundiales de 1994 a 2002 es fundamental, ya que el equipo logró una hazaña sin precedentes al participar en tres finales consecutivas, habiendo ganado dos y se consagró pentacampeón del mundo. Otro momento relevante es el Mundial de 2014, organizado en Brasil, cuando el equipo perdió por 7-1 ante la selección alemana en las semifinales, así como el Mundial de 2018. Metodología: El corpus del análisis consiste en material recolectado en los periódicos O Globo y Folha de São Paulo sobre la participación de la selección brasileña de fútbol en los Mundiales. Consideraciones provisorias: las narrativas periodísticas ya no tratan al fútbol como metonimia de la nación. Los logros de 1994 y 2002 y la derrota en la final de 1998 no trascendieron el universo deportivo. La derrota por 7-1 ante Alemania en 2014 generó memes que demostraron que la identidad nacional no había sido afectada. En 2018, la eliminación ante Bélgica generó narrativas de carácter técnico.

Influence of unstable shoes on women with lumbopelvic postpartum pain: randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Back pain is a normal symptom during pregnancy and is expected to become worse beyond the first three months after childbirth. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of wearing unstable shoes instead of conventional shoes, regarding pain intensity, low back mobility and stability, among women with lumbopelvic pain (LPP) during the postpartum period. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective, single-blinded, randomized clinical trial conducted at a podiatry and physiotherapy clinical center. METHODS: A nine-week program of wearing either unstable shoes (A) or conventional shoes (B) was implemented. The following outcomes were measured in three assessments: pain intensity, using a visual analogue scale (VAS); low-back mobility, using a modified Schober test; and stability, using a pressure platform. RESULTS: The lateral stability speed, anterior stability speed and anterior center of pressure (COP) showed significant (P < 0.05) decreases in the unstable shoes group after nine weeks, in relation to the conventional group. Intra-group measurements showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in VAS between the second and third assessments and between the first and third assessments in both groups. Intra-group evaluations also showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in the lateral stability speed and anterior stability speed. CONCLUSIONS: Unstable shoes were effective in decreasing the pain intensity at five and nine weeks in women with postpartum LPP. In addition, their use produced decreases in lateral stability speed, anterior stability speed and anterior COP at nine weeks.

Effects of a rebound shoe to reduce impact forces in jump-landing tasks.

OBJECTIVES: Impact forces are risk factors for injuries during jump-landing tasks. Rebound shoes could reduce impact forces and show potential applications in training and rehabilitation programs. Here, we determine the capacity of a rebound shoe in attenuating impact forces during different motor tasks involving foot landing. DESIGN: Crossover laboratory research design. SETTINGS: Women not trained for jump-landing tasks performed different exercises while the vertical ground reaction force impact peak, time to peak, and asymmetries were determined. They were wearing a commercial rebound shoe and a control running shoe. Paired t-tests were used to compare the shoes and asymmetries. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen physically active women (average age of 23 years old, height of 1.64 m, and body mass of 63 kg). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ground reaction forces. RESULTS: The rebound shoe reduced the impact peak force and elicited slight asymmetries between the legs. The rebound shoe also showed a longer time to peak. CONCLUSIONS: The rebound shoe tested reduced impact forces during jump-landing tasks, which is a potential application in training sessions and rehabilitation programs, requiring lower impact forces to the lower extremity. The effects of long-term use of these shoes still need to be investigated.

Absenteeism and associated factors: a study addressing the workers from a footwear manufacturer / Ausentismo y factores asociados: estudio con trabajadores en una industria del calzado / Absenteísmo e fatores associados: estudo com trabalhadores de uma indústria calçadista

ABSTRACT Objectives: To characterize absenteeism among the workers of a footwear manufacturer and analyze associated factors. Method: This quantitative and cross-sectional study addressed 572 workers from a footwear company located in southern Brazil, totaling 1,902 sick leaves in 2017. Analyses considered absolute and relative frequencies, and univariate and multivariate Poisson regression models were performed. Results: Most workers taking a leave from work were women with a job position in the operational sector to accompany a family member to attend a medical appointment or take exams. In the multivariate analysis, the following variables appeared associated with leaves longer than three days: being ≥ 50 years older, working in the Production Support sector, working in the company from 16 to 20 years, and nine groups of diseases (ICD-10). Conclusion: The findings contribute to understanding this industry's absenteeism profile, supporting strategies to promote positive economic and social impact, and promote adequate occupational health and safety.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Caracterizar el absentismo de los trabajadores en una industria en el sector del calzado y analizar los factores asociados con el tiempo de ausencia de los trabajadores. Método: Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo y transversal realizado con572 trabajadores del calzado en el sur de Brasil que tuvieron 1902 eventos de abandono en 2017. Los análisis se realizaron tanto por frecuencias absolutas como relativas y utilizando el modelo de regresión de Poisson univariado y multivariado. Resultados: Predominio femenino; sector operativo y cargo; certificados médicos y motivos de ausencia por seguimiento familiar, consultas y reconocimientos. En el análisis multivariado, mantuvieron asociación con más de tres días de ausencia: edad ≥ 50 años, sector de Apoyo a la Producción y tiempo de trabajo en la empresa de 16 a 20 años, además de nueve grupos de enfermedades de la ICD-10. Conclusión: Tales hallazgos contribuyen a la comprensión del perfil de absentismo de la industria, favoreciendo la planificación de estrategias asertivas a los impactos económicos y sociales y la asistencia adecuada a la salud y seguridad de los trabajadores.

RESUMO Objetivos: Caracterizar o absenteísmo de trabalhadores de uma indústria do setor calçadista e analisar fatores associados com o tempo de afastamento dos trabalhadores. Método: Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo e transversal com 572 trabalhadores calçadistas do Sul do Brasil que tiveram 1902 eventos de afastamento no ano de 2017. As analises foram realizadas tanto por frequências absolutas e relativas, quanto usando o modelo de Regressão de Poisson univariada e multivariada. Resultados: Predomínio do sexo feminino; de setor e cargo operacionais; de atestados médicos e de motivos de afastamento por acompanhamento familiar, consultas e exames. Na análise multivariada, mantiveram associação com mais de três dias de afastamento: idade ≥ 50 anos, setor Apoio à Produção e tempo de trabalho na empresa de 16 a 20 anos, além de nove grupos de doenças do CID-10. Conclusão: Os achados contribuem na compreensão do perfil de absenteísmo da indústria, favorecendo o planejamento de estratégias assertivas aos impactos econômicos e sociais e adequada assistência à saúde e segurança do trabalhador.

Footwear designed to enhance energy return improves running economy compared to a minimalist footwear: does it matter for running performance?

The present study compared the effects of a footwear designed to enhance energy return (thermoplastic polyurethane, TPU) vs minimalist shoes on running economy (RE) and endurance performance. In this counterbalanced and crossover design study, 11 recreational male runners performed two submaximal constant-speed running tests and two 3-km time-trials with the two shoe models. Oxygen uptake was measured during submaximal constant-speed running tests in order to determine the RE at 12 km/h and oxygen cost of running (CTO2) at individual average speed sustained during the 3-km running time-trials wearing either of the two shoes. Our results revealed that RE was improved (2.4%) with TPU shoes compared with minimalist shoes (P=0.01). However, there was no significant difference for CTO2 (P=0.61) and running performance (P=0.52) comparing the TPU (710±60 s) and the minimalist (718±63 s) shoe models. These novel findings demonstrate that shoes with enhanced mechanical energy return (i.e. TPU) produced a lower energy cost of running at low (i.e., 12 km/h) but not at high speeds (i.e., average speed sustained during the 3-km running time-trial, ∼15 km/h), ultimately resulting in similar running performance compared to the minimalist shoe.

Using a Support-Vector Machine Algorithm to Classify Lower Extremity EMG Signals During Running Shod/Unshod With Different Foot Strike Patterns.

The present study aimed to use a Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm to identify and classify shod and barefoot running as well as rearfoot and forefoot landings. Ten habitually shod runners ran at self-selected speed. Thigh and leg muscle surface electromyography (EMG) were recorded. Discrete Wavelet transformation (DWT) and Fast Fourier transformation (FFT) were used for the assembly of vectors for training and classification of a SVM. Using the FFT coefficients for the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles presented the best results for differentiating between rearfoot/forefoot running in the window before foot-floor contact possibly due to these muscles' critical role in determining which part of the foot will first touch the floor. The classification rate was 76% and 67% respectively, with a probability of being random of 0.5% and 4% respectively. For the same terms and conditions of classification, the DWT produced a reduction in the percentage of correctness of 60% and 53% with a probability of having reached these levels randomly of 15% and 35%. In conclusion, based on EMG signals, the use a FFT to train a SVM was a better option to differentiate running forefoot/rearfoot than to use the DWT. Shod/barefoot running could not be differentiated.

Allergic contact dermatitis to shoes: contribution of a specific series to the diagnosis

Abstract: Background: In our country, the Brazilian Standard Series is the most used for the etiological diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis to shoes. However, there is no assessment of the usefulness of specific allergens for shoes. Objectives: To measure the improvement in diagnostic accuracy of allergic contact dermatitis to shoes with the use of a specific complementary series in patch testing and describe the characteristics of the affected population, such as gender, location of lesions, time of evolution, and the most common allergens. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated the results of 52 patients with suspected shoe dermatitis subjected to patch tests with the standard and specific series to quantify the gain in diagnostic accuracy. Results: Among the 52 suspected cases, 29 cases (56%) were confirmed. In 13 (45%) cases the diagnosis was determined through the specific series, which results in an 81% increase in the number of diagnoses. Study limitation: Small sample size. Conclusions: Women were more commonly affected, with a mean time for the final diagnosis of 45 months, and the most common localization was the dorsum of the feet. There was an increase in diagnostic accuracy with the introduction of new haptens in the patch test of patients with suspected shoes dermatitis.

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.

Immediate effects of EVA midsole resilience and upper shoe structure on running biomechanics: a machine learning approach.

BACKGROUND: Resilience of midsole material and the upper structure of the shoe are conceptual characteristics that can interfere in running biomechanics patterns. Artificial intelligence techniques can capture features from the entire waveform, adding new perspective for biomechanical analysis. This study tested the influence of shoe midsole resilience and upper structure on running kinematics and kinetics of non-professional runners by using feature selection, information gain, and artificial neural network analysis. METHODS: Twenty-seven experienced male runners (63 ± 44 km/week run) ran in four-shoe design that combined two resilience-cushioning materials (low and high) and two uppers (minimalist and structured). Kinematic data was acquired by six infrared cameras at 300 Hz, and ground reaction forces were acquired by two force plates at 1,200 Hz. We conducted a Machine Learning analysis to identify features from the complete kinematic and kinetic time series and from 42 discrete variables that had better discriminate the four shoes studied. For that analysis, we built an input data matrix of dimensions 1,080 (10 trials × 4 shoes × 27 subjects) × 1,254 (3 joints × 3 planes of movement × 101 data points + 3 vectors forces × 101 data points + 42 discrete calculated kinetic and kinematic features). RESULTS: The applied feature selection by information gain and artificial neural networks successfully differentiated the two resilience materials using 200(16%) biomechanical variables with an accuracy of 84.8% by detecting alterations of running biomechanics, and the two upper structures with an accuracy of 93.9%. DISCUSSION: The discrimination of midsole resilience resulted in lower accuracy levels than did the discrimination of the shoe uppers. In both cases, the ground reaction forces were among the 25 most relevant features. The resilience of the cushioning material caused significant effects on initial heel impact, while the effects of different uppers were distributed along the stance phase of running. Biomechanical changes due to shoe midsole resilience seemed to be subject-dependent, while those due to upper structure seemed to be subject-independent.

Nivel de orientación empática en los estudiantes de terapia física y rehabilitación de una universidad estatal / Level of empathic orientation in students of physical therapy and rehabilitation of a state university

Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de orientación empática en los estudiantes de Terapia Física y Rehabilitación de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, 2016. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de enfoque cuantitativo de tipo descriptivo-observacional, prospectivo, con diseño no experimental de corte transversal. Realizado en 134 estudiantes de Terapia Física y Rehabilitación del 2do al 5to año de carrera de la Escuela Académico Profesional de Tecnología Médica de la UNMSM; se empleó la Escala de Empatía Médica de Jefferson (EEMJ). Resultados: En general se obtuvo una puntuación media de 114.60±14.424, que corresponde a un nivel alto de orientación empática. Cualitativamente esta categoría está representada por el 85.1%. Respecto a las dimensiones, se obtuvieron puntuaciones medias de "Toma de perspectiva" (61.33, nivel alto [91.0%]), "Atención por compasión" (41.16, nivel alto [82.8%]) y "Capacidad de Ponerse en el Lugar del Paciente" (12.38, nivel medio [61.2%]). No hay diferencias significativas en general ni en las dimensiones según sexo y según edad (p>0.05), pero sí se encuentran diferencias significativas según año de carrera. Conclusión: Los estudiantes de Terapia Física y Rehabilitación de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, presentan del 3er, 4to y 5to año respecto al 2do año de carrera (p≤0.05) una orientación empática favorable; específicamente se muestran prestos a la comprensión de los sentimientos de los pacientes y en poner atención a las experiencias personales de los pacientes como medio terapéutico

Objective: To determine the level of empathic orientation in students of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation of Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM), 2016. Materials and methods: A quantitative descriptive-observational prospective non-experimental cross-sectional study performed in 134 second- to fifth-year students of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation at Escuela Académico Profesional de Tecnología Médica of UNMSM. The Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) was used. Results: In general, a mean score of 114.60 ± 14.424 was obtained, corresponding to a high level of empathic orientation. This category is qualitatively represented by 85.1%. Regarding the dimensions, mean scores were obtained in "Perspective Taking" (61.33, high level [91.0%]), "Compassionate Care" (41.16, high level [82.8%]) and "Standing in the Patient's Shoes" (12.38, mean level [61.2%]). There were no significant differences neither in general terms nor in gender and age (p>0.05), but there were significant differences in the year of the career. Conclusion: Third, fourth and fifth-year students of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation of Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos have a favorable empathic orientation compared to second-year students (p≤0.05). They specifically show willingness to understand patients' feelings and pay attention to patients' personal experiences as therapeutic means

Impact of shoe size in a sample of elderly individuals / Impacto do tamanho do calçado em uma amostra de idosos

Summary Introduction: The use of an improper shoe size is common in older people and is believed to have a detrimental effect on the quality of life related to foot health. The objective is to describe and compare, in a sample of participants, the impact of shoes that fit properly or improperly, as well as analyze the scores related to foot health and health overall. Method: A sample of 64 participants, with a mean age of 75.3±7.9 years, attended an outpatient center where self-report data was recorded, the measurements of the size of the feet and footwear were determined and the scores compared between the group that wears the correct size of shoes and another group of individuals who do not wear the correct size of shoes, using the Spanish version of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire. Results: The group wearing an improper shoe size showed poorer quality of life regarding overall health and specifically foot health. Differences between groups were evaluated using a t-test for independent samples resulting statistically significant (p<0.05) for the dimension of pain, function, footwear, overall foot health, and social function. Conclusion: Inadequate shoe size has a significant negative impact on quality of life related to foot health. The degree of negative impact seems to be associated with age, sex, and body mass index (BMI).

Resumo Introdução: o uso de sapatos com tamanhos inadequados é comum em pessoas idosas e acredita-se resultar em efeito negativo sobre a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde do pé. O objetivo é descrever e comparar o impacto de uma amostra de participantes usando calçados de tamanho adequado e indivíduos com calçados de tamanho inadequado, e as pontuações relacionadas com a saúde do pé e geral. Método: de uma amostra de 64 participantes, com idade média de 75,3±7,9, de um centro ambulatorial, dados de autorrelato foram registrados e medidas do tamanho dos pés e dos calçados foram determinadas. Os escores foram comparados pelo Foot Health Status Questionnaire, na versão em espanhol, entre os grupos que usavam sapatos de tamanhos corretos e incorretos. Resultados: o grupo que utilizava sapatos inadequados mostrou pior qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde geral e no pé. Diferenças entre os grupos foram avaliadas utilizando o teste t para amostras independentes, sendo estatisticamente significativas (p<0,05) para dimensão da dor, função, calçados, saúde geral, do pé e função social. Conclusão: o uso de calçado inadequado tem um impacto negativo significativo sobre a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde do pé. O grau de impacto negativo parece estar associado com idade, sexo e índice de massa corpórea (IMC).

Vertical ground reaction force analysis during gait with unstable shoes / Análise da força vertical de reação do solo durante a marcha com calçado instável

AbstractIntroduction Footwear is no longer just an accessory but also a protection for the musculoskeletal system, and its most important characteristic is comfort.Objectives This study aims to identify and to analyze the vertical ground reaction force in barefoot women and women with unstable shoes.Methodology Five women aged 25 ± 4 years old and mass of 50 ± 7 kg participated in this study. An AMTI force plate was used for data acquisition. The 10 trials for each situation were considered valid where the subject approached the platform with the right foot and at the speed of 4 km/h ± 5%. The instable shoe of this study is used in the practice of physical activity.Results The results showed that the first peak force was higher for the footwear situation, about 5% and significant differences between the barefoot and footwear situation. This significant difference was in the first and second peaks force and in the time of the second peak.Conclusion The values showed that the footwear absorbs approximately 45% of the impact during gait.

ResumoIntrodução O calçado deixou de ser acessório e tornou-se uma proteção para o sistema musculoesquelético, tendo como principal objetivo o conforto.Objetivo O presente estudo tem como objetivo verificar e analisar a componente vertical de reação do solo em mulheres descalço e com calçado instável.Metodologia Participaram deste estudo cinco mulheres com idade de 25 ± 4 anos e massa de 50 ± 7 kg. Para a aquisição dos dados foi utilizado plataforma AMTI. Foram consideradas válidas 10 tentativas de o sujeito abordar a plataforma com o pé direito e na velocidade de 4 km/h ± 5%. O calçado instável deste estudo foi utilizado na prática de atividade física.Resultados Os resultados apresentaram que o primeiro pico de força foi maior para a situação calçado, cerca de 5%, e diferenças significativas entre a situação descalço e com calçado para o primeiro pico de força, segundo pico de força e tempo do segundo pico de força.Conclusão Verificou-se que o calçado absorve aproximadamente 45% do impacto durante a marcha.

Long-term use of minimal footwear on pain, self-reported function, analgesic intake, and joint loading in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Efforts have been made to retard the progressive debilitating pain and joint dysfunction in patients with knee osteoarthritis. We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of a low-cost minimalist footwear on pain, function, clinical and gait-biomechanical aspects of elderly women with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Throughout a randomized, parallel and controlled clinical trial, fifty-six patients with medial knee osteoarthritis were randomly allocated to an intervention (n=28) or control group (n=28), and assessed at baseline and after three and six months. The intervention involved wearing Moleca(®) footwear for at least 6h/day, 7 days/week, over 6 months. The pain subscale of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index was the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes were the other subscales, Lequesne score, distance walked in 6 min, knee oedema and effusion, knee adduction moment and paracetamol intake. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed using two-way casewise ANOVA (< .05) and Cohen's d coefficient. FINDINGS: Intervention group showed improvement in pain (effect size: 1.41, p<.001), function (effect size: 1.22, p=.001), stiffness (effect size: 0.76, p=.001), Lequesne score (effect size: 1.07, p<.001), and reduction by 21.8% in the knee adduction moment impulse (p=.017) during gait wearing Moleca(®). The analgesic intake was lower in the intervention group. INTERPRETATION: The long-term use of Moleca(®) footwear relieves pain, improves self-reported function, reduces the knee loading while wearing Moleca(®), refrains the increase of analgesic intake in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis and can be considered as a conservative mechanical treatment option. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01342458).

What do recreational runners think about risk factors for running injuries? A descriptive study of their beliefs and opinions.

STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews. OBJECTIVES: To describe the beliefs and opinions of runners about risk factors associated with running injuries. BACKGROUND: Despite the health benefits of running, a high prevalence of injury has been reported in runners. Preventive strategies for running injuries may be more successful with a better knowledge of runners' beliefs. METHODS: A semi-structured interview of recreational runners was based on the question, "What do you think can cause injuries in runners?" Analysis of the interviews was performed in 3 steps: (1) organizing the data into thematic units, (2) reading and reorganizing the data according to frequency of citation, and (3) interpreting and summarizing the data. The runner interviews were continued until no new beliefs and opinions of runners regarding injuries were being added to the data, indicating saturation of the topic. RESULTS: A total of 95 recreational runners (65 men, 30 women) between the ages of 19 and 71 years were interviewed. Of those interviewed, the average running experience was 5.5 years and approximately 45% had experienced a running-related injury in the past. The factors suggested by the runners were divided into extrinsic and intrinsic factors. The most cited extrinsic factors were "not stretching," "excess of training," "not warming up," "lack of strength," and "wearing the wrong shoes." For the intrinsic factors, the main terms cited were "not respecting the body's limitations" and "foot-type changes." CONCLUSION: Recreational runners mainly attributed injury to factors related to training, running shoes, and exceeding the body's limits. Knowing the factors identified in this study may contribute to the development of better educational strategies to prevent running injuries, as some of the runners' beliefs are not supported by the research literature.