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Background: The cost of losing foot health is significant to the person, healthcare systems, and economy, with diabetes related foot health issues alone costing over £1 billion annually in the UK. Yet many foot health problems are preventable through alternative health behaviour. It is therefore important to understand how feet, foot health and footwear are conceptualised to gain understanding about how these might influence foot health behaviour and inform health messages that seek to protect or improve foot health through altered health behaviour. This research seeks to explore attitudes and beliefs and identify phenomena that may act as barriers or motivators to the proactive self-management of foot health. Methods: Public conversations involving 2,699 expressions related to feet, footwear or foot health on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram were extracted. Conversations on Facebook and Twitter were scraped with NVivo's NCapture plugin whereby data is extracted and downloaded to NVivo. Extracted files were uploaded to the Big Content Machine (software developed at the University of Salford) which facilitated the search for keywords 'foot', 'feet', 'footwear', 'shoe', and 'shoes'. Instagram was scraped by hand. Data was analysed using a Thematic Analysis approach. Results: Three themes were identified; 1) connections and disconnections derived from social and cultural constructs, 2) phenomena beyond attitudes and beliefs that relate to symbolic representations and the impact when foot health is lost, and 3) phenomena relating to Social Media as a conduit for the exploration of attitudes and beliefs. Conclusions: This novel research exemplifies complex and sometimes incongruous perspectives about feet including their value for what they facilitate, contrasted with negative feelings about the negative impact that can have aesthetically when feet work hard. Sometimes feet were devalued, with expressions of disgust, disconnection, and ridicule. The importance of contextual, social, and cultural phenomena with implications for optimising foot health messages. Knowledge gaps including factors related to children's foot health and development, and how to treat foot health problems. The power of communities with shared experience to influence decisions, theories, and behaviour about foot health was also revealed. While people do talk about feet in some social contexts, it is not always in a way that promotes overt, positive foot health behaviour. Finally, this research demonstrates the benefit of exploring perspectives in uncontrived settings and illuminates the potential utility of social media (SoMe) platforms Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as vehicles to promote foot health self-management behaviour that is responsive to the social and demographic variances of engagers who inhabit those spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Selecting footwear with appropriate fit in children is challenging due the changes with foot size and dimensions which occur throughout childhood. Access to appropriate footwear is important but recent challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in closure of retail stores for prolonged periods where parents/carers could not physically purchase footwear for their children and the footwear industry suffered disruption to their supply chain, and falls in retail sales. Simultaneously increased use of social media platforms for health information seeking throughout the pandemic have been documented. This likely would have included parents/carers seeking information online to support footwear purchases for their children. The primary aim of this work was to explore how searches for online fitting information for children changed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown periods. A secondary aim was to identify how searches were influenced by footwear style. Methods: We employed Google Trends to obtain search engine traffic related to footwear fitting information for children. We collected data spanning the three years pre, during and post the main national lockdown for three eight-week windows: (1) first eight weeks of the U.K. national lockdown; (2) the first eight weeks of the calendaryear; (3) the eight weeks leading up to children going back-to-school for the new academic year in the U.K. The search terms reflected parents/carers searching for footwear fit information relating to children and were grouped by style of footwear: children, infants, babies and toddlers as well as school shoes. Results: We identified increased searching for footwear fit information for children during the pandemic, which reduced following post pandemic in all except the searches which related to school shoes. We saw reductions in searching related to fit of school shoes as schools closed indefinitely and an increase in online searches with the pandemic. This was also maintained post-pandemic despite shops reopening, suggesting that some of these changes in information reflect new consumer behaviours which may continue. Conclusions: Increased searches for online resources regarding footwear fit highlights the importance of ensuring high quality accessible online information on footwear fit is available to support those buying footwear for their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This presents a new method for creating a footwear mark Ground Truth Database. • The processes employed were based upon evidence taken from crime recording systems. • The data produced will support footwear examiners in the evaluation of evidence. • This study provides the groundwork for the creation of an (inter)national dataset. Ground Truth Data is data that comes from a known source, where the truth about the data is known and not inferred (FSR, 2021). The Forensic Science Regulator requires forensic units (that carry out certain forensic processes) to undertake tests against ground truth data for the purposes of quality assurance/quality control processes such as accreditation. However, the data collected must form a meaningful dataset that will enable relevant tests to be performed that inform the end-user. This technical note discusses how a forensic unit in the UK planned and developed a method for collecting ground truth data for footwear mark evidence. It discusses the materials and variables that were considered when developing the method and the evidence-based, decision-making processes that enabled its creation. Recommendations and considerations are provided to assist other forensic units collect data relevant to their jurisdiction. Whilst the method is not prescriptive, if it is used as a guide, it may facilitate the development of a large and relevant national dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three different types of TreadMatch (TM) scans were compared with validated test marks. • Dynamic TM footwear scans showed good repeatability compared with test marks. • Zoomed TM scans were as reliable as dynamic TM scans. • Hand-rolled TM footwear scans are not as reliable as dynamic TM scans. • Using TM for preliminary footwear comparisons could save time and resources. Currently in the UK, if a person is arrested or charged with a recordable offence, they can have prints of their footwear taken whilst in custody. The tread pattern recorded in these prints can be searched for using the National Footwear Database to find out if the same footwear pattern has been recovered at previous crime scenes, generating forensic intelligence. TreadMatch is a digitised system for collecting footwear prints seized from detainees in custody for this purpose. Whilst its use for generating intelligence is accepted, validation experiments have not been conducted to understand its level of performance in assisting in forensic comparison purposes for identification, because in the absence of an incorporated scale, it is not known how well TreadMatch reproduces the pattern size of a tread, threatening the validity of the comparison. If it can be determined that the measurements of TreadMatch scans are consistent with the more commonly used aluminium powder test marks, this could save Police time and resources if the digital scans could be used for preliminary assessment prior to the footwear being physically submitted for evidential comparison. Therefore, this study set out to compare three different types of TreadMatch scans ('dynamic', 'zoomed' and 'rolled') for thirty different pieces of footwear, with test marks of the same footwear using the traditional method (fingerprint powder). Length and width measurements were obtained from each tread pattern using GNU Image Manipulation Program software. The resulting data were analysed to assess for agreement between TreadMatch scans and test marks using 95% Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) and 95% Bland-Altman plots of Limits of Agreement (LOA). Additionally, an intra-sample study using fifteen repeated measurements of the same piece of footwear for different TreadMatch scanning methods was carried out to support the larger validity study. 95% ICC 3,1 resulted in coefficients ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 across all measurements. 95% LOA displayed close agreement. There was less agreement and more variation displayed between the test marks and the TreadMatch rolled scans for both length and width measurements. This variation for hand-rolled prints must be taken into consideration and a standard approach developed. The study suggests TreadMatch can be used for preliminary assessments in assisting forensic comparisons, particularly for dynamic and zoomed prints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three‐dimensional (plastic) footwear impressions are frequently found at, or in the vicinity of a crime scene, and may provide a valuable form of evidence or intelligence. This paper compares the traditional methods of casting and/or two‐dimensional photography with Structure from Motion (SfM) photogrammetry. We focus both on the recovery of class characteristics (sole pattern) and randomly acquired characteristics caused by damage. We examine how different recovery techniques influence visualization of outsole features and discuss what effect this may have on evidential value. Five shoes and their associated three‐dimensional impressions made in both sand and soil were compared using a grid system and tread descriptors commonly used in the UK. We conclude that within the limitations of this study SfM photogrammetry allows superior levels of visualization of both class and randomly acquired characteristics, giving a better definition in detail in some instances. The use of SfM as a complementary approach can therefore lead to a potential increase in evidential value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoarthritis is a major cause of pain and disability worldwide, therefore ways of treating this condition are paramount to a successful health system. The purpose of the study was to investigate the changes in spatial-temporal gait parameters and clinical measurements following treatment with a non-invasive foot-worn biomechanical device on patients with knee osteoarthritis within the UK.Methods: A retrospective analysis was carried out on 455 patients with knee osteoarthritis. All patients were evaluated using a computerized gait test and two self-assessment questionnaires (WOMAC and SF-36) at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. The biomechanical device is a shoe-like device with convex pods under the sole that have the capability of changing foot centre of pressure and training neuromuscular control. The device was individually calibrated for each patient to minimise symptoms whilst walking and train neuromuscular control. Patients used the device for short periods during activities of daily living. Repeated measures statistical analyses were performed to compare differences over time.Results: After 6 months of treatment significant improvements were seen in all gait parameters (p < 0.01). Specifically, gait velocity, step length and single limb support of the more symptomatic knee improved by 13, 7.8 and 3%, respectively. These were supported by significant improvements in pain, function and quality of life (48.6, 45.7 and 22% respectively; p < 0.001). A sub-group analysis revealed no baseline differences between those who were recommended joint replacement and those who were not. Both groups improved significantly over time (p < 0.05 for all).Conclusions: Our results suggest that the personalised biomechanical treatment can improve gait patterns, pain, function and quality of life. It may provide an additional solution to managing UK patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis but needs to be tested in a controlled setting first. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

State-socialist academics have been highly sceptical of worker co-operatives. Following the Webbs’ classic studies, they assume that capitalist market competition renders them either inefficient or undemocratic. The experience of the Britishco-operative co-partnership(COCP) movement, from the late nineteenth to the early twenty-first century, suggests a more optimistic reading, with implications for future alternative forms of work organization. COCP worker co-operatives were long-lived and participative, while advancing other social goals, such as good wages and working conditions, union membership and better housing. This article introduces the theory of COCP, stressing the stakeholder model and the predominance of employee representatives. Next, I establish Leicestershire as a major regional centre for both shoemaking and COCP, linked to the wider institutions of consumer co-operation. Six co-operatives are discussed: three Leicester city societies, Equity, Anchor and Self-Help; and three village societies, Barwell Sperope, Glenfield Progress and Sileby Excelsior. The article concludes that footwear COCP was a relatively successful small-scale endeavour, not subject to the fatal contradictions predicted by the Webbs. The movement died out because the bureaucratic ‘spirit of the age’ in the British co-operative and wider labour movement, turned against these initiatives from below, which therefore failed to rejuvenate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small sided football is the most popular and fastest growing area of adult football in the UK with an estimated 1.5m adults playing every week. The sport's popularity has led to an influx of commercial football centers offering organized 5, 6 and 7-a-side leagues on third generation artificial pitches. The range of quality and maintenance of these pitches is not fully understood despite the established links between surface quality, player performance and injury. Currently researchers and manufacturers use national governing body standards as guidelines for quality; however, many commercial centers are not approved by governing bodies and therefore are not obliged to meet these criteria. In this paper we characterize the quality of 23 pitches at five, UK based, commercial football centers using portable, low cost methods including; the FIFA rotational resistance test, the Clegg Impact Hammer and an infill depth probe. This paper describes the range of qualities observed, alongside maintenance procedures and usage statistics. To the authors knowledge this is the first study that characterizes commercial football center pitches. Twenty-two of the 23 pitches met the FIFA 1 star guidelines for rotational resistance (25 - 50 Nm), however, mean Clegg Impact Hammer readings are high (208 G), suggesting surface compliance in commercial centers falls outside FIFA standards. Within pitch variance was common at all centers and was an order of magnitude higher in some pitch comparisons. These findings have two practical implications; 1) pitch quality and maintenance at commercial centers is highly variable across and within pitches, 2) the harder surfaces and the high levels of variability found in commercial football centers suggests that players require footwear researched and designed specifically for these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Appropriate footwear is regarded as an important component of falls prevention in older people. Scant data exists regarding the types of footwear older patients wear in hospital, which may hinder the development of future interventions in this high-risk fall group. To address this, we conducted a service evaluation to examine and describe the style and quality of footwear worn by older patients in hospital. Methods: The footwear of older patients admitted to an acute NHS trust in England was assessed using the Footwear Assessment Tool. Patients were interviewed about their footwear choices. Results: A total of 730 pairs of footwear from 675 patients were assessed. The most common types of footwear worn were slippers (46%) and gripper socks (37%). Much of the footwear had a good fit, but over 50% lacked adequate structure, stability and support, more than 60% had no cushioning and 60% had no fixation. Approximately 60% of footwear was more than 12 months old, with signs of moderate to excess wear. Patients valued comfort and the familiarity of their own footwear. Conclusions: This service evaluation provides new information on footwear worn by older inpatients in hospital. Many patients are wearing footwear with insufficient structure to promote optimal stability or gait. Providing safe footwear that is suitable for use in hospital is potentially a low-technology and resource-efficient way to promote safety in older patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on research which was conducted to investigate the kinematics and kinematics of two types of military athletic footwear; the PT-03 cross-trainer and PT 1000 running shoe. They found that the PT-3 was linked to kinetic and kinematic factors associated with injuries and concluded that the PT 1000 should be used for running exercises.

The interaction between footwear and surfaces influences the forces experienced by tennis players. The purpose of this study was to investigate traction demand and kinematic adaptation during tennis-specific movements with changes in traction characteristics of surfaces. We hypothesised that players would increase the utilised coefficient of friction (horizontal to vertical ground reaction force ratio) when the shoe surface combination had a high coefficient of friction and flex their knee after contact to facilitate braking. Eight participants performed two separate movements, side jump out of stance and running forehand. Ground reaction force was measured and three-dimensional kinematic data were recorded. Clay surface and cushioned acrylic hard court (low vs. high shoe–surface friction) were used. The peak utilised coefficient of friction was greater on clay than the hard court. The knee was less flexed at impact on clay ( − 5.6 ± 10.2°) and at peak flexion ( − 13.1 ± 12.0°) during the running forehand. Our results indicate that tennis players adapt the level of utilised friction according to the characteristics of the surface, and this adaptation favours sliding on the low friction surface. Less knee flexion facilitates sliding on clay, whereas greater knee flexion contributes to braking on the hard court. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Research has been conducted to explore a process that delivers insoles for personalised footwear for the high street using additive manufacturing (AM) and to evaluate the use of such insoles in terms of discomfort. Therefore, the footwear personalisation process was first identified: (1) foot capture; (2) anthropometric measurements; (3) insole design; and (4) additive manufacturing. In order to explore and evaluate this process, recreational runners were recruited. They had both feet scanned and 15 anthropometric measurements taken. Personalised insoles were designed from the scans and manufactured using AM. Participants were fitted with footwear under two experimental conditions: personalised and control, which were compared in terms of discomfort. The mean ratings for discomfort variables were generally low for both conditions and no significant differences were detected between conditions. In general, the personalisation process showed promise in terms of the scan data, although the foot capture position may not be considered 'gold standard'. Polyamide, the material used for the insoles, demonstrated positive attributes: visual inspection revealed no signs of breaking. The footwear personalisation process described and explored in this study shows potential and can be considered a good starting point for designer and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The aim of this study was to develop a greater understanding of the impact of RA on women’s self-image and self-presentation via an exploration of their clothing choices.Methods. Located within a qualitative symbolic interactionist approach, 15 women with RA (age range 38–74 years, disease duration 1–47 years) each participated in two interviews. The first explored the impact of RA on their feelings about their bodies and their appearance; the second explored the factors that informed their clothing choices and the way they presented themselves. All interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim, digital photographs of the women’s clothes and shoes were taken. Data were analysed jointly by both authors using thematic network analysis.Results. Shoes were identified as greatly influencing the women’s clothing choices and how they presented themselves. Three themes were identified that explored the structural and symptomatic impact of RA on the women’s feet, the strategies they had developed to resolve their footwear needs outside of prescription footwear and the significant impact that footwear had on their clothing choices and self-presentation. Insights from these data highlight the polarity that exists between the clinical, functional attitudes towards shoes and their social status.Conclusion. While aesthetic issues challenge the acceptability of prescription footwear, problems also exist with the functionality and comfort of footwear available on high streets. A more collaborative approach to the design of footwear is required for both prescription and mainstream footwear to meet the needs of women with RA. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: When volatile flammable vapours are released, they can mix with surrounding air and form a vapour cloud. Ignition of this fuel/air mixture will produce a flame front that will flash through the vapour. Items exposed to the flame front, including a suspect''s clothing and footwear, may sustain superficial heat damage. At The Forensic Science Service Ltd this is referred to as flashburning. This paper describes the concept of flashburning, the laboratory methodology used to identify it and how an assessment on the overall distribution of that damage may allow a scientist to evaluate its evidential significance. Two anonymised casework examples are used to demonstrate how this information has been interpreted and used in evidence in United Kingdom courts of law. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lymphoedema is a chronic progressive condition of the lymphatic system. It occurs because of poor lymphatic drainage of an area of the body leading to an increase in interstitial volume secondary to a build up of lymphatic fluid, and chronic oedema (Lymphoedema Framework, 2006; Tiwari A, et al 2003). Lymphoedema may affect any part of the body but the arms and legs are the most common sites. It is estimated that there are at least 100 000 sufferers in the UK alone (Moffat C et al, 2003). This article seeks to look at the importance of appropriate footwear in patients with chronic swelling caused by lymphoedema and takes a look at some of the practical problems encountered with footwear in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over a million injuries caused by slipping of footwear are believed to require treatment by doctors every year in the United Kingdom and many domestic animals are injured by slipping. Recent research has revealed that surface roughness of solings and floors is an important determinant of grip on lubricated surfaces and it is also known that soling friction is affected by hardness. The bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) an animal species which has adapted to a slippery environment, was studied to elucidate optimum roughness and hardness and other features which influence grip. Four adult ewes were examined in the London Zoo. The cloven hooves of this species are very mobile and the cranial tips of the hooves are the first parts to make contact with the ground A very small contact area ensures penetration of a film of water. Mean roughness of the contact area was found to be 53 microns Rtm and the mean hardness 63 Shore A. These characteristics appear to facilitate an excellent grip on wet slippery rock but not on smooth ice. Further studies of the feet of wild species could contribute to an understanding of the factors which determine the safety of solings and floors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Footwear allergens used for patch testing vary between dermatology centres in the UK. The aim of our study is to ascertain the footwear allergens currently in use and their test results in several dermatology centres in the UK. Data were obtained from databases in 9 dermatology departments. A new footwear series consisting of 19 allergens including those with positive results and current/past relevance in this study based on collective experience is proposed for wider use and further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]