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Background: Hard insoles have been proposed to decrease plantar pressure and prevent foot pain and paresthesia due to repetitive loading. The aim of this research was to analyze the effect of three different hard insoles in cycling on healthy subjects. Methods: A crossover randomized trial was carried out. The mean age of the subjects was 35 ± 3.19 years, and all of them were men. While the subjects were cycling on a stationary bicycle, their plantar pressure was recorded with nine in-shoe sensors placed in nine specific foot areas to test a standard ethylene-vinyl-acetate 52° Shore A hardness insole, a polypropylene 58° Shore D insole, and a polypropylene 580 Shore D insole with selective aluminum 60 HB Brinell hardness in the metatarsal head and hallux. Results: The maximum plantar pressure decreased significantly with the polypropylene insole containing selective aluminum in the metatarsal head and hallux areas. The maximum plantar data of the polypropylene aluminum insole in the M2 area (5.56 kgF/cm2), fifth metatarsal styloid process (6.48 kgF/cm2), M3–M4 area (4.97 kgF/cm2), and hallux (8.91 kgF/cm2) were of particular interest compared to the other insoles. Conclusions: The use of insoles made of polypropylene with aluminum in the metatarsal head and hallux areas decreases the maximum plantar pressure in cycling compared to standard EVA and polypropylene insoles.

Background: Hallux limitus is a common foot disorder whose incidence has increased in the school-age population. Hallux limitus is characterized by musculoskeletal alteration that involves the metatarsophalangeal joint causing structural disorders in different anatomical areas of the locomotor system, affecting gait patterns. The aim of this study was to analyze dynamic plantar pressures in a school-aged population both with functional hallux and without. Methods: A full sample of 100 subjects (50 male and 50 female) 7 to 12 years old was included. The subjects were identified in two groups: the case group (50 subjects characterized as having hallux limitus, 22 male and 28 female) and control group (50 subjects characterized as not having hallux limitus, 28 male and 22 female). Measurements were obtained while subjects walked barefoot in a relaxed manner along a baropodometric platform. The hallux limitus test was realized in a seated position to sort subjects out into an established study group. The variables checked in the research were the surface area supported by each lower limb, the maximum peak pressure of each lower limb, the maximum mean pressure of each lower limb, the body weight on the hallux of each foot, the body weight on the first metatarsal head of each foot, the body weight at the second metatarsal head of each foot, the body weight at the third and fourth metatarsal head of each foot, the body weight at the head of the fifth metatarsal of each foot, the body weight at the midfoot of each foot, and the body weight at the heel of each foot. Results: Non-significant results were obtained in the variable of pressure peaks between both study groups; the highest pressures were found in the hallux with a p-value of 0.127 and in the first metatarsal head with a p-value 0.354 in subjects with hallux limitus. A non-significant result with a p-value of 0.156 was obtained at the second metatarsal head in healthy subjects. However, significant results were observed for third and fourth metatarsal head pressure in healthy subjects with a p-value of 0.031 and regarding rearfoot pressure in subjects with functional hallux limitus with a p-value of 0.023. Conclusions: School-age subjects with hallux limitus during gait exhibit more average peak plantar pressure in the heel and less peak average plantar pressure in the third and fourth metatarsal head as compared to healthy children aged between 7 and 12 years old.

[Abstract] Background: The footwear assessment tool was designed to advise an appropriate footwear for each situation and patient. Footwear alterations structures can influence in musculoskeletal disorders, developing foot ulcers, increase the peak plantar pressure, bacterial growth, low back pain. Methods: To validate the study 101 subjects were recruited. The study was tested by two expert podiatrists using the tool for the assessment of footwear characteristics that is composed by five domains, fit, general features, general structure, motion control properties and cushioning system. Each domain analyzes different shoe items. Results: An excellent agreement between the test-retest. A suitable Cronbach’s α was suggested for the five domains of fit (α = 0.952), general features (α = 0.953), general structure (α = 0.947), motion control properties (α = 0.951), and cushioning system (α = 0.951). Test-retest reliability was excellent for all domains. There were no significant differences between any domain (p > 0.05). There was only statistically significant difference in the item forefoot height (p = 0.011). For all the domains items there were no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The tool for the assessment European footwear is a suitable repeatability and reliability footwear tool that can be used in Spanish language subjects.

Objectives The prevalence of myofascial pain syndrome varies from 21% 93%. Several studies have shown that myofascial induction is effective in treating myofascial pain syndrome. Although these techniques have shown some effectiveness in clinical practice, there have been little study into their effects, and have deep effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate if the application of a single myofascial induction technique for each foot, targeted to the plantar fascia resulted in changes in balance and footprint variables. Design A quasi-experimental study. Setting An outpatient clinic. Subjects 20 healthy participants (12 females and 8 males) were evaluated pre and post Myofascial induction technique for each foot in plantar fascia during 5 min. Methods We measured static footprint and stabilometry variables in asymptomatic subjects. The footprint surface area was divided: bilateral rear foot, bilateral midfoot, bilateral fore foot. Results We found differences in the footprint variables: maximun pressure in forefoot (p = 0.025), surface in forefoot (p = 0.03). The myofascial induction has no effects on stabilometry variables. Conclusions The immediate effects of the longitudinal technique of myofascial induction of the plantar fascia are the increase of surface and maximum pressure in fore foot.

Clinical trial [Abstract] Background: Chronic foot pain (CFP) is a widespread condition worldwide; however, few studies that relate CFP and foot health-related quality of life have been reported. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the impact of foot health and health in general in a sample of adult people with CFP compared with a control group. Study design: This study was designed as a retrospective case-control study. Setting: Podiatric section of a care center. Methods: Two hundred adults were included in the study. Patients were divided into CFP patient (n = 100) and control groups (n = 100). All of them regularly attended a private podiatric clinic to take care of their foot health. Self-reported data and medical histories for people with and without CFP were evaluated. All findings were compared with quality of life (QoL) scores based on the Foot Health Status Questionnaire, Spanish version. Results: Adults with CFP (compared to the control group) showed reductions in QoL linked to overall health and foot health in particular and were statistically significant with respect to several domains: (1) foot pain, (2) foot function, (3) general health, and (4) physical activity. These differ-ences were evaluated with a t-test for independent samples, and statistical significance was consid-ered a P value of P < 0.05. Limitations: The study was not a randomized controlled trial. Although primary outcome data were self-reported, the assessor was not blinded. Conclusions: CFP patients, regardless of gender, recorded a negative influence on QoL-related foot health that seems to be linked with the presence of this chronic condition.

Objectives To assess the effects of a vists prior to hospital admission on anxiety, depression and satisfaction of patients admitted electively to an intensive care unit (ICU). Design A randomised clinical trial [NCT03605407]. Setting A sample of 38 patients was recruited who were to be electively admiited to ICU divided into experimental (n = 19 patients receiving one visit prior to hospital ICU admission for surgery) and control (n = 19 patients not receiving a visit prior to hospital ICU admission for surgery) groups. Main outcome measurements Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) were self-reported by patients before ICU admission, at 3-days and 90-days after ICU discharge. Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) and Family Satisfaction with Care in the Intensive Care Unit (FS-ICU) were used to measure the users’ satisfaction before ICU admission and 3-days after ICU discharge. Results There were statistically significant differences between experimental and control groups for FS-ICU, but not for HADS, IES-R and CCFNI. Indeed, control group patients were more satisfied with regard to emotional support, ease of getting information, control feeling, concerns and questions expression ability and overall score for decision-making satisfaction. Conclusions The visit prior to hospital admission did not seem to modify anxiety or depression, but may impair satisfaction of ICU patients.

Background: El embarazo es un momento en la vida de la mujer cuyos cambios fisiológicos, hormonales, y morfológicos generan grandes cambios corporales. Estos cambios se producen en un periodo de tiempo muy corto y provocan una pérdida de estabilidad y de cambios cinemáticos y cinéticos en su marcha que generan caídas y molestias musculoesqueléticas en el miembro inferior y pie. Métodos: Se ha realizado una revisión de la literatura científica para identificar los posibles estudios científicos sobre la marcha y embarazo. Se han consultado los principales buscadores y bases de datos biomédicas: Medline-pubmed, Enfispo, Scielo y Science Direct®. El periodo de búsqueda estuvo comprendido febrero-junio de 2018. Resultados: En nuestra búsqueda hallamos 912 resúmenes de artículos con las palabras clave seleccionadas. 892 artículos de los anteriormente mencionados fueron excluidos tras leerlos por no cumplir los criterios de selección del estudio. Por lo tanto, obtuvimos 20 relevantes. Conclusión: Existen estudios experimentales que evidencian cambios en la cinemática, cinética de la marcha del tronco, pelvis, miembro inferior y pie en el embarazo y postparto.

Tailor&rsquo, s bunion (TB) disease should be considered one of the foot injuries that causes disability in feet as well as general health. This case&ndash, control descriptive study investigated and contrasted the effects of different TB types in a sociodemographic population using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). A sample of 100 subjects with a mean age of 51.70 &plusmn, 17.78 years was recruited and requested to reply to a foot health survey. Results were self-reported. Subjects were scored. Participants with TB type III (TB3) registered lower scores for foot pain, foot function, footwear, and foot health. Physical activity and social capacity had higher scores, and vigor and general health were lower. A Kruskal&ndash, Wallis test was used for systematic differences between the FHSQ and different TB types. In all analyses, statistical significance was considered a p-value &lt, 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. Statistically significant differences were found between all domains of the FHSQ and TB, except for the social capacity domain and vigor. The FHSQ is an important measurement tool in TB subjects, showing that factors such as sex, age, and footwear used throughout an individual&rsquo, s life are significantly associated with the development of TB3 and its influence on foot pain and foot health.

[Abstract] Background: The lateral ankle ligament complex is the most frequently injured ligament secondary to strong ankle inversion movement during lateral ankle sprains (LAS). Among these injuries, anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury is the most frequent condition (present in 66-85% of such injuries). The purpose of this research was to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the association between ankle tendon, ligament, and joint conditions and ATFL injuries. Methods: A case-control MRI study was carried out to compare the presence of ankle muscle, tendon, ligament, and joint conditions in patients with injured ATFLs (case group; n=25) and non-injured ATFLs (control group; n=25). Results: Achilles tendinopathy was present in 1/25 (4%) patients with injured ATFLs and 7/25 (28%) non-injured ATFL subjects (P=0.048). Injured calcaneofibular ligaments (CFLs) were present in 19/25 (76%) patients with injured ATFLs and 1/25 (4%) non-injured ATFL subjects (P

Aims To determine the fit factor and compliance with American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements of surgical masks and filtering respirators in male versus female nurses. Design A case–control gender study performed from 2016 to 2019. Methods A gender and age matched‐paired sample of 74 nurses was recruited and divided into men (n = 37) and women (n = 37). FFP3 filtering respirators and surgical masks fit factors were compared between male and female nurses by Mann–Whitney U tests. These measurements were tested to pass or fail according to the OSHA (≥100) and AIHA (≥50) criteria by Fisher exact tests for a 95% confidence interval. Results Global fit factor mean (standard deviation) was 2.86 (2.73) and 3.55 (6.34) for male and female nurses wearing surgical masks (p = .180), respectively, and nobody passed neither OSHA nor AIHA criteria (p = 1.00). Nevertheless, global fit factor were 30.82 (28.42) and 49.65 (43.04) for male and female nurses wearing FFP3 respirators, respectively, being significantly lower and worse in male nurses (p = .037). According to OSHA criteria, only 2.70% and 13.51% of male and females nurses, respectively, passed with non‐significant difference (p = .199), meanwhile 21.62% and 48.64% of male and female nurses, respectively, passed AIHA criteria showing significant differences (p = .027) wearing FFP3 respirators. Conclusions All male and female nurses wearing surgical masks failed to pass OSHA and AIHA criteria. Global fit factor of the proposed FFP3 filtering respirators was decreased and worse in male than female nurses. Impact Our recommendation is to avoid surgical masks use for protective purposes and use the proposed FFP3 filtering respirators among nurses. Each nurse should be fit tested for its own respirator with special caution in male nurses due to their lower fit factor achieved and most of them failed to pass OSHA and AIHA criteria, especially during COVID‐19 pandemic.

A literature review did not reveal any studies concerning the intramedullary transfer of the flexor digitorum brevis tendons (FDB) technique with a single longitudinal incision through the proximal phalanx of the toes. The main goal of this investigation was to demonstrate whether the FDB tendons of the toes are long enough to enable intramedullary transfer to the dorsal area of the proximal phalanx.We examined whether the technique would allow the surgeon to transfer the FDB tendons through the proximal phalanx of the toes. The technique transfers the FDB tendons through the proximal phalanx dorsal area of the toes using an intramedullary transfer of the FDB tendons. The intramedullary transfer of the FDB tendons was performed through a single dorsal incision.The FDB tendons for the second, third, and fourth toes were performed in 100% of the feet. No ruptures in any toe in which the surgical technique was performed was noted, and no proximal phalanges of the second, third, and fourth toes were fractured.Transfer of FDB tendons via the intramedullary approach of the proximal phalanx of the second, third, and fourth toes is possible. The FDB tendons have sufficient length for transfer via an intramedullary transfer and were carried out in 100% of the second toes. For a successful transfer, it is essential to perform a thorough resection of the extensor digitorum longus aponeurosis since it has expansions intimately attached to the plantar base of the proximal phalanx of the toe.

Nowadays, the use of insoles in sport practice have been recognized to decrease the foot and lower limb injury patterns. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of four types of hardness insoles (HI) in the activity patterns of the hip and thigh muscles (HTM) in motoriders during motorcycling sport. The study was a crossover trial. Subjects were elite motoriders. The mean age was 33 &plusmn, 5.14 years. Electromyography (EMG) of hip and thigh muscles (HTM) data was registered via surface while subjects were riding on an elite motorcycle simulator. Subjects had to complete different tests with randomly hardest insoles (HI): 1: only polypropylene (58&deg, D Shore), 2: Polypropylene (58&deg, D Shore) with selective aluminium in hallux and metatarsal heads (60 HB Brinell hardness), 3: Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) (52&deg, A Shore), and finally, 4: Ordinary EVA (25&deg, A Shore) as the control. EMG patterns of the HTM, riding on an elite motorcycle simulator, showed the lowest peak amplitude with the insoles with polypropylene and selective aluminium. Using the hardest insoles in our study (selective aluminium) the EMG amplitude peaks decreased in all HTM.

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is one of the most common gynecological disorders in women of reproductive age that may affect quality of life. It is believed that the underlying cause of PD may be the excessive production of prostaglandins (PGs), however, between 20%-25% of women with PD did not respond to pharmacological treatments, showing that nociceptive mechanisms underlying PD are still not understood. The purpose of this study was to measure and compare, through the use of ultrasound imaging, the thickness at rest of the abdominal wall, as well as the interrecti distance (IRD), in women with and without PD. Methods: A cross-sectional study has been performed using ultrasound imaging (USI) to measure the resting thickness of the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), transversus abdominis (TrAb), rectus abdominis (RA), as well as the IRD in a sample of 39 women, 19 with PD and 20 without PD (median ± IR age: 20 ± 4 and 22.5 ± 7 years, respectively). Results: Findings of muscular thickness did not reveal statically significant differences (p < 0.05) in EO, IO, TrAb, RA, and the IRD between the PD group and control group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the thickness of the abdominal wall is not associated with PD. Sin financiación 3.706 JCR (2020) Q2, 45/169 Medicine, General & Internal 0.622 SJR (2020) Q3, 70/121 Clinical Biochemistry No data IDR 2019 UEM

Objectives: Our primary aim was to develop a transcultural adaptation of a cycling questionnaire using the Borg CR-10 scale as a tool to describe the discomfort among motorcyclists during the riding process in two trial sessions. Design: A transcultural adaptation and descriptive cross-sectional study. Settings: Jarama motorcycling circuit (Madrid, Spain). Participants: The participants were riders recorded across in a final motorcycling race. Interventions: The study design is based in two tools, the adapted Motorcyclist Questionnaire (MQ-21) with 21 items and Borg CR10 Scale&reg, was used to determine discomfort level during motorcycling performance. The translation procedure, reliability, and reproducibility were performed. Results: All items showed an almost perfect intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (ICC = 0.909&ndash, 1.00), except for item 9 (ICC = 0.881). Almost perfect internal consistency was shown for the total score (Cronbach &alpha, = 0.899). No systematic differences existed among test and retest in all items (p &gt, 0.05) according to Bland&ndash, Altman plots. Respondents experienced slight discomfort on their body parts during the test-retest 1 h riding process. Foot discomfort was scored as 1.20, being the eighth of the 12 studied body parts. Conclusions: Internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the MQ-21 questionnaire were excellent and this questionnaire may be recommended to be used in motorcycling sports and clinical settings to evaluate the discomfort.

[Resumen] Objetivos: Conocer cuál de los dos abordajes quirúrgicos presenta menos complicaciones y mejores resultados post-quirúrgicos según las escalas descritas, para el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Haglund: endoscópico o abierto. Material y métodos: Se consultaron las bases de datos Pubmed, Bucea, Enfispo y Dialnet, desde enero del 2003 hasta 2018, en español y en inglés, bajo los términos siguientes: “Haglund’s deformity”, “treatment Haglund”, “Haglund síndrome”, “Diagnostic Haglund”, "Haglund surgery”, “Calcaneal osteotomy”, “Haglund”. Resultados: Se incluyeron 33 artículos para la realización de este trabajo, de los cuales 13 eran estudios en los que se mostraba la comparación entre tratamiento quirúrgico abierto y endoscópico en sujetos con deformidad de Haglund. Se incluyeron 393 sujetos de los cuales se intervinieron 415 pies (161 por vía endoscópica y 187 mediante abordaje abierto). 58% de los sujetos tratados por endoscopia calificaron este tratamiento como excelente y las complicaciones reportadas, que fueron menores, sólo estuvieron presentes en 2 individuos, a diferencia de los tratados con cirugía abierta, donde 8 presentaron complicaciones menores y 5 complicaciones mayores. Conclusiones: El abordaje endoscópico tiene un porcentaje mayor de satisfacción según los resultados post-quirúrgicos obtenidos además de una menor tasa de complicaciones. [Abstract] Objectives: to know which of the two surgical approaches is more effective and presents fewer complications for the treatment of Haglund's disease: endoscopic or open. Material and methods: The Pubmed, Bucea, Enfispo and Dialnet databases were consulted from January 2003 to 2018, in Spanish and English, under the following terms: "Haglund's deformity", "Haglund treatment", "Haglund syndrome", "Diagnostic Haglund", Haglund surgery "," Calcaneal osteotomy"," Haglund ". Results: Thirty-three articles were included for the realization of this work, of which 13 were studies in which the comparison between open and endoscopic surgical treatment in subjects with Haglund deformity was shown. We included 393 subjects of whom 415 feet were operated (161through endoscopy and 187 through open access). 58% of the subjects treated by endoscopy rated this treatment as excellent and reported complications, which were minor, were only present in 2 individuals, unlike those treated with open surgery, where 8 presented minor complications and 5 major complications. Conclusions: The endoscopic approach have a higher percentage of satisfaction as well as a lower rate of complications.

BACKGROUND: Foot pain and paresthesia are common in cycling, due to plantar pressure and repetitive loading. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to investigate the effect of foot insoles on plantar pressure of the foot in motorcycling, as well as self-reported comfort. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized crossover clinical trial. METHODS: A flexible foot pressure mat (GP MobilData WiFi® Gebiomized®) with different sizes was utilized. RESULTS: Maximum pressure values occurred predominantly in the hallux with 4.90 ± 1.19 N/cm2, followed by second and third metatarsal areas with 4.57 ± 0.73 N/cm2, followed by the first metatarsal area with 4.30 ± 0.96 N/cm2, and followed by the fourth and fifth metatarsal areas with 3.22 ± 0.89 N/cm2 when using the control foot insole and using aluminum foot insole, which reduces maximum pressure to 1.55 ± 0.34, 1.56 ± 0.75, 1.09 ± 0.43, and 1.07 ± 0.59 N/cm2, respectively ( p

Resumen El tratamiento de las onicomicosis precisa de herramientas necesarias para su diagnostico. Una adecuada interpretacion de los resultados de los estudios realizados mediante examen directo micologico nos proporciona la seguridad de pautar un adecuado tratamiento contra la onicomicosis. El acceso restringido a metodos precisos de diagnostico para la onicomicosis ha condicionado la forma de actuar frente a esta patologia tan prevalente, contribuyendo a la cronicidad de la misma y al empleo de tratamientos prolongados que llevan aparejados elevados costes y numerosos efectos colaterales, especialmente con el empleo de antimicoticos por via sistemica. El objetivo de la nota clinica es ofrecer una herramienta valida, de bajo coste y facil accesibilidad para diagnosticar la onicomicosis. El diagnostico de la onicomicosis aborda de principio a fin la toma de muestra y la tecnica de examen directo mediante microscopia utilizando hidroxido de potasio, asi como sus variaciones mas comunes. Pese a que en la actualidad existen tecnicas con mayor sensibilidad, la tecnica de examen directo sigue siendo una herramienta diagnostica valida, de facil ejecucion y coste-efectiva.

ObjectiveTo compare central sensitization symptoms, presence of central sensitivity syndrome (CSS), catastrophism, rumination, magnification, and helplessness symptoms between athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain and healthy athletes. Furthermore, to predict central sensitization symptoms based on sociodemographic and descriptive data, catastrophism features, and presence of gastrocnemius myofascial pain in athletes.DesignCase–control study.SettingOutpatient clinic.SubjectsFifty matched paired athletes were recruited and divided into patients with chronic (more than three months) gastrocnemius myofascial pain (N = 25) and healthy subjects (N = 25).MethodsCentral sensitization symptoms and CSS presence (≥40 points) were determined by the Central Sensitization Questionnaire (CSQ). Catastrophism symptoms and rumination, magnification, and helplessness domains were measured by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Statistical significance was set at P ResultsStatistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) with a large effect size (d = 1.05–1.19) were shown for higher CSQ scores and PCS total and domain scores in athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain vs healthy athletes. Nevertheless, CSS presence (CSQ ≥ 40 points) did not show statistically significant differences (P = 0.050) between groups. A linear regression model (R2 = 0.560, P ConclusionsGreater symptoms of central sensitization, catastrophism, rumination, magnification, and helplessness were shown in athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain compared with healthy athletes. Nevertheless, there was not a statistically significant presence of CSS comparing both groups. Greater central sensitization symptoms were predicted by catastrophism symptoms, female sex, and presence of gastrocnemius myofascial pain in athletes.

Customized foot insoles (CFI) have been recognized to reduce the prevalence of foot disorders in sport. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of four types of CFI on the activity patterns of the lower limb muscles (LLM) in healthy people during sport motorcycling. Methods: This was a cross-over trial (NCT03734133. Participants were recruited from an outpatient foot specialist clinic. Their mean age was 33 &plusmn, 5.14 years. While participants were sport motorcycling in a simulator, the electromyography (EMG) function was registered for LLM via surface electrodes. Participants completed separate tests while wearing one of four types of CFI: (1) only polypropylene (58&deg, Shore D), (2) selective aluminum (60 HB Brinell hardness) in metatarsal and first hallux areas and polypropylene elsewhere (58&deg, Shore D), (3) ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) (52&deg, Shore A), and (4) standard EVA (25&deg, Shore A) as the control. Results: The activity patterns of the LLM while sport motorcycling showed significantly lower peak amplitude for the selective aluminum CFI than the other types of CFI. Conclusion: EMG amplitude peaks for several LLM were smaller for the hardest CFI (selective aluminum 60 HB Brinell hardness) than the other CFIs (polypropylene 58&deg, Shore D, EVA 52&deg, Shore A, and standard EVA 25&deg, Shore A), except for the fibularis longus in right curves that is increased when the knee touches the road increasing the stability.

Some studies suggest that gender is related to gait. Females show significantly higher ankle motion and vertical ground reaction forces. Males have significantly larger plantar contact surface areas in all regions of the foot than females in most, but not all, prior studies. However, there is no research on sex differences in a functional equinus condition. In this study, 119 individuals, including 59 females (29.7 &plusmn, 5.15 years, 58.74 &plusmn, 6.66 kg, 163.65 &plusmn, 5.58 cm) and 60 males (31.22 &plusmn, 6.06 years, 75.67 &plusmn, 9.81 kg, 177.10 &plusmn, 6.16 cm), with a functional equinus condition walked onto a pressure platform. In two separate testing sessions, five trials of each foot were conducted for the first, second, and third steps. We measured the contact surface areas for each of the three phases of the stance phase. We computed the intraclass correlation coefficient and standard error of the mean to assess the reliability. We found significantly greater contact surface areas in males than females in the first, second, and third steps in all phases of the stance phase: heel strike, mid-stance, and take-off. This is important information for the design of footwear and orthotics and gender knowledge. In a functional equinus condition, males have registered greater contact surface areas than females in all phases of the dynamic footprint of the stance phase.

The purpose was to evaluate intra and inter-rater reliability, repeatability and absolute accuracy between ultrasound imaging (US) and caliper measures to determine Spring ligament (SL) dimensions in cadavers. SLs were identified from 62 human feet from formaldehyde-embalmed cadavers. Intra and inter-observer reliability, repeatability and absolute accuracy of SL width, thickness and length between US and caliper measurements were determined at intra and inter-session by intraclass correlation coefficients, Pearson´s correlation coefficients, Student t tests, standard errors of measurement, minimum detectable changes, values of normality, 95% limits of agreement, and Bland-Altman plots. Excellent inter-session and inter-rater reliability, adequate absolute accuracy, almost perfect agreement and strong correlations were shown for caliper, US and their comparison for all SL dimensions. US measurements presented higher absolute accuracy than caliper measures for SL length and thickness dimensions, while caliper displayed greater absolute accuracy for SL width dimensions. Good repeatability (P > 0.05) was shown for all SL dimensions by US, caliper and their comparison, except for SL width dimension measured with US (P = 0.019). Both US and caliper could be recommended for all SL dimensions evaluation due to their excellent reliability and absolute accuracy in cadavers, although width dimensions should be considered with caution due to US repeatability differences.