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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]

Background: This study aimed to determine the risk factors of hallux valgus angle among preprofessional adolescent dancesport athletes. Methods: A total of 275 athletes, (73 males and 202 females) aged between the ages of 11 and 18 years, participated in this study. A cross‐sectional questionnaire was used to survey their demographic characteristics (sex and age), training information (starting age, weekly training time, and athletic career [number of years of training at this specific dancesport school]), and measured their height and weight. The hallux valgus angle was measured based on foot photographs. The chi‐square test was used to compare the difference with prevalence of hallux valgus between male and female athletes. A normal distribution test was performed, and based on the test results, unpaired t‐test and multiple logistic regression were conducted to identify training factors for the hallux valgus in this cohort. Results: Chi‐square test showed higher prevalence of hallux valgus in female elite adolescent dancesport athletes than males. The t‐test results did not show any significant differences between the hallux valgus group and non‐hallux valgus groups with start age, athletic career, and weekly training time. Multiple logistic regression analysis with hallux valgus as the dependent variable revealed that the female sex was a strong predictor of a higher prevalence of hallux valgus (odds ratio [OR]: 3.954, 95% confidence interval 95% CI: 2.193–7.131, and p < 0.001). Weekly training time was also entered into the multiple logistic regression model (OR: 1.033, 95% CI: 1.001–1.067, and p = 0.041). Conclusions: Our findings revealed that the prevalence of hallux valgus in adolescent dancesport athletes was higher in females than in males. Longer weekly training time was also a risk factor for hallux valgus. Training factors should be considered in preventive programs for elite adolescent dancesport athletes, and special attention should be paid to female athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to clarify the differences in the movement of the superficial microchambers and deep macrochambers of the heel fat pad during loading and unloading movements, and to clarify the influence of height and weight on this movement. Methods: The subjects were 21 healthy adults. The right foot was placed on an evaluation instrument stand made of polymethylpentene (PMP) resin plate, and the left foot was placed on a scale stand used to adjust the amount of load. When measuring, the heel fat pad is divided into the superficial microchamber layer and the deep macrochamber layer, and the thickness due to loading from 0% to 100% of the body weight and unloading from 100% to 0% is measured. Measurement was performed every 20% using an ultrasound imaging device. We also examined the rate of change in the thickness of the superficial and deep layers of the heel fat pad when applying 100% load (end load) from 0% load (unload). Results: No changes were observed in the superficial layer of the heel fat pad during unloading, but significant changes were observed in the deeper layers. Additionally, the thickness of the microchamber and macrochamber layers tended to increase under each loading condition as the height and weight increased. On the other hand, the rate of change in the thickness of the macrochamber layer tended to decrease. Conclusion: The microchamber layer and the macrochamber layer of the heel fat pad may have different functions. As height and weight increase, the thickness of the microchamber and macrochamber layers may increase, and the rate of change in the thickness of the macrochamber layer appears to decrease. Although the thickness increases as the load increases, we found that the related elasticity decreases. Level of Evidence: Level Ⅳ, cross-sectional survey study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The menstrual cycle is an important indicator of health in female athletes. Female elite adolescent dancers are expected to control their weight while also training intensely, which can lead to menstrual disorders. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body composition and menstrual status in female elite adolescent dancers. Methods: In total, 131 female elite adolescent dancers (age: 15.9 ± 1.5 years) were enrolled in this study. We measured the height, weight, and body fat percentage (BFP) for each participant and calculated their body mass index (BMI). We gathered information on individual menstruation patterns and the participants' menstrual cycles over the previous year using recall methods. We then compared the differences between dancers with menstrual cycle disorders and those without. Primary amenorrhea was defined as menarche occurring after the age of 15, while secondary amenorrhe was defined as experiencing fewer than 5 or no menstrual periods for at least 3 of the previous 12 months. We conducted a reliability test using the same questionnaire 2 weeks later. Statistical significance was defined as P < .05, and we calculated the effect sizes (d) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: The average BMI and BFP were 22.6 ± 3.0% and 19.4 ± 2.2 kg/m², respectively. Low BFP and low BMI were observed in 51 (38.6%) and 47 (35.6%) participants, respectively. Primary amenorrhea in 3 participants (2.3%) and 29 (22.1%) reported experiencing secondary amenorrhea; they had lower BFP than the dancers who did not experience amenorrhea (P = .041, 95% CI, -2.51 to -0.05). Conclusion: Female elite adolescent dancers in China may have lower BFP and menstrual problems. Given that lower BFP may contribute to the occurrence of menstruation disorders, it is essential to pay an attention to both BFP and the menstruation status in female elite adolescent dancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with total knee arthroplasty occasionally develop postoperative abnormalities such as posttraumatic knee stiffness and arthrofibrosis, which may affect activities of daily living. However, there are no clear assessment methods or interventions for knee stiffness. Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging enables real-time evaluation of mobility and flexibility of tissues. The purpose of this case report was to describe the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging for evaluating the optimal location and methods of passive manipulation. The patient was an 82-year-old woman who had undergone total knee arthroplasty. She was unable to climb stairs due to limited knee flexion. Based on the results of musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging assessment, we hypothesized that the knee flexion limitation was caused by decreased sliding movement of the suprapatellar pouch. Hence, we performed passive manipulation on the tissue with decreased sliding under musculoskeletal ultrasound guidance. The patient's knee flexion angle increased from 90° to 110° within 1 week of intervention, and her gait speed improved from 16.48 to 13.2 s per 10 m. Furthermore, after the intervention, she was able to climb 10 steps using a handrail. Ultrasound imaging is important because it allows the examination of tissues with mobility changes such as in arthrofibrosis. Our work highlights the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging for identifying the target region for therapy and for providing guidance during passive manipulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose The flexor digitorum longus and posterior tibial tendon as well as the perforating veins are located along the distal posteromedial tibial border. Adipose tissue may surround these structures and possibly play a role in reducing mechanical stress. This study aimed to examine the adipose tissue along the posteromedial tibial border via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and gross anatomical examination. Methods The lower legs of 11 healthy individuals were examined every 3 cm from the medial malleolus using MRI and ultrasound. The fat fraction was calculated using fat fraction images. In addition, the gross anatomy of the flexor digitorum longus origin and adipose tissue along the posteromedial tibial border was examined in seven fresh cadavers. The fat fraction was compared at different heights along the posteromedial tibial border and in Kager’s fat pads; we also compared the height of the flexor digitorum longus origin and adipose tissue. Results In vivo, the adipose tissue was identified along the entire posteromedial tibial border using MRI and ultrasound. There was no significant difference in fat fraction between Kager’s fat pads and the adipose tissue along the posteromedial tibial border, except at the 6 cm mark. All seven cadavers presented adipose tissue along the posteromedial tibial border, significantly more distal than the flexor digitorum longus origin. Conclusion The adipose tissue was identified along the posteromedial tibial border via MRI, ultrasound, and gross anatomical examination; thus, this tissue may play a role in reducing friction and compressive stress in tendons.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifaceted metabolic disorder influenced by biomechanical, inflammatory, and immune system factors. Although autologous protein solution (APS) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) have shown promise for treating mild-to-moderate knee OA, their efficacy for severe cases remains limited when administered individually. Thus, we examined the combination effects of APS and ESWT for severe knee OA. Twenty-four cases (33 knees) of Kellgren–Lawrence grade 4 knee OA with bone marrow lesions and synovitis detected via magnetic resonance imaging from December 2019 to November 2022 were included. All patients underwent an ESWT session before the APS injection. The study included 20 knees in the APS + ESWT group, which underwent an average of 4.5 ESWT sessions, and 13 in the APS-alone group. We evaluated both groups' Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOSs) before the APS injection at 3 and 6 months. Additionally, we compared the mean KOOS changes between the APS + ESWT and APS-alone groups at 3 months (Pre-3M) and from 3 to 6 months (3–6M). Pre-3M showed no significant difference in the KOOSs between the two groups; however, there was a significant change in 3–6M (p < 0.05). Combining APS therapy with ESWT in severe knee OA was more effective and durable than APS alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of impaired foot function and floating toes of 91 baseball players with disabled throwing shoulder or elbow were retrospectively investigated. Foot function was evaluated by foot "rock paper scissors" and floating toes were confirmed if none of the toes made contact with the mat in standing posture. The prevalence of impaired foot function and floating toes and the relationship between between them were determined. Abnormal foot function was observed in 83 players (91%); of those, 73 players (88%) also had floating toes, and the prevalence was statistically significant compared to those without it (12%) (P < 0.001). Floating toes were observed in 74 players (81%); of those, 73 players (99%) had impaired foot function, and the prevalence was also statistically significant compared to those without them (59%) (P < 0.001). Baseball players with disabled throwing shoulder or elbow have high rates of impaired foot function and floating toes. [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]