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Balance is important in lifesaving competitions. We aimed to investigate the relationship between dynamic balance and physical characteristics and functions in elite lifesavers by measuring the foot muscle cross-sectional area, ankle joint muscle strength, toe grasp strength, plantar superficial sensation, and dynamic balance (Y-balance test). In this observational study, we measured the foot muscle cross-sectional area, ankle dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, external flexion, isometric muscle strength, toe grasp strength, and superficial foot sensation of 15 adult lifesavers (12 males). The results show that toe grasp strength and ankle plantar flexion isometric muscle strength are particularly important for the dynamic balance of elite lifesavers working on sandy surfaces. Sand training improves intrinsic muscle strength and dynamic balance function. However, high training intensity may reduce plantar surface sensation; this needs to be verified through sand training interventions in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the foot muscle morphology and foot posture between healthy adults and lifesavers in sandy beach sports. The participants included 15 lifesaver athletes and 15 healthy adults. Using a non-contact three-dimensional foot measurement device, the foot length, width, and arch height of the right foot were measured while standing and sitting without back support, and the transverse arch length ratio and arch height index were subsequently calculated. Muscle cross-sectional area was measured using an ultrasound imaging device. Muscle cross-sectional areas, arch height, foot width, arch height index, and transverse arch length ratio were larger in the lifesaver than in the healthy adult group. Lifesavers had higher arches and more developed intrinsic and extrinsic muscles than healthy adults. Performing physical activity while barefoot on sandy beaches may effectively develop the foot intrinsic and extrinsic muscles and raise the arch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To elucidate the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis ( RA) as well as osteoarthritis ( OA), we analyzed protein profiles of bone marrow-derived adherent cells ( BMACs) from patients with these diseases. Methods Proteins, extracted from BMACs from three RA and three OA patients, were comprehensively analyzed by 2-dimensional differential image gel electrophoresis (2 D- DIGE). Then a part of the detected proteins, differently expressed between the two diseases, were identified by mass spectrometric analysis. Results 2 D- DIGE analysis detected more than 1600 protein spots in both RA and OA BMACs. Out of these, expression of 340 spots was significantly altered between the diseases (more than 1.5-fold: RA > OA, 26 spots; OA > RA, 314 spots; P < 0.05). Eleven protein spots the intensity of which were significantly altered by more than 2.0-fold were identified, which included vimentin and annexin A5 as increased proteins in RA rather than in OA. As increased proteins in OA compared to RA, alpha chain of collagen VI, a membrane anchor for acetylcholine esterase, heat shock protein 27, caldesmon and cytoskeletal proteins, such as beta actin and alpha tubulin, were identified. Conclusions We here report different protein profiles of BMACs between RA and OA for the first time. BMACs possessing differently expressed proteins may be involved in the pathophysiology of the two diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]