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Patricia Palomo-López,1 Ricardo Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo,2 Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias,3 David Rodríguez-Sanz,4 César Calvo-Lobo,5 Daniel López-López6 1Department of Nursing, University Center of Plasencia, Universidad de Extremadura, Spain; 2School of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain; 3Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Spain; 4Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health, Exercise and Sport, European University of Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain; 5Nursing and Physical Therapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of León, Ponferrada, León, Spain; 6Research, Health and Podiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, Universidade da Coruña, Spain Background and purpose: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a foot disorder in adults secondary to an inflammatory response caused by repetitive micro-trauma. We evaluated and compared the impact on quality of life (QoL) related to foot health and general health between males and females with PF. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, patients with PF were recruited from a podiatry clinic. Physical examination, sociodemographic data, and the self-reported Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) were recorded. The FHSQ has three sections and provides two composite scores from 0 to 100. Higher scores (close to 100) reflect better QoL related to foot health and health in general; lower scores (close to 0) denote a worse QoL related to these health items. Results: One hundred patients (49 males [42.38 ± 14.065 years old] and 51 females [43.90 ± 14.305 years old]) were recruited. Section one of the FHSQ evaluates four foot domains, and significant differences (P0.05). Section two assesses four domains of general wellbeing, and significant differences (P

Daniel López-López,1 María Martínez-Vázquez,1 Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias,2 César Calvo-Lobo,3 David Rodríguez-Sanz,4 Patricia Palomo-López,5 Ricardo Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo6 1Research, Health and Podiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, Universidade da Coruña, Ferrol, Spain; 2Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain; 3Nursing and Physical Therapy Department, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, Ponferrada, León, Spain; 4School of Sports Science, European University, Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain; 5University Center of Plasencia, Universidad de Extremadura, Extremadura, Spain; 6School of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the health-related quality of life impact related to foot health and health in general in older adults with lesser toe deformities (LTD) and without any foot conditions. Methods: A case–control observational study was carried out following the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology criteria. A total of 100 older adults with a mean age of 74.39±6.02 years were recruited at an outpatient clinic; 50 of these subjects had LTD (case group) and 50 subjects were without any foot conditions (control group). Presence of LTD was determined in both feet using the Kelikian push-up test, and the Foot Health Status Questionnaire scores were self-reported.Results: The case group showed lower scores in quality of life in relation to health in general and to foot health specifically. Statistically significant differences (p

Patricia Palomo-López,1 David Rodríguez-Sanz,2 Ricardo Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo,3 Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias,4 Jorge Guerrero-Martín,5 Cesar Calvo-Lobo,6 Daniel López-López7 1Department of Nursing, University Center of Plasencia, University of Extremadura, 2Department of Physical Therapy and Podiatry, Physical Therapy and Health Sciences, Research Group, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, 3School of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University Complutense of Madrid, 4Faculty of Health Sciences, University Rey Juan Carlos, 5Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Badajoz. University of Extremadura, 6Nursing and Physical Therapy Department, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, Ponferrada, León, 7Research, Health and Podiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, Universidade da Coruña, Spain Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze and compare foot health and general health in a sample of women divided into two groups: 1) those with breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy treatment and 2) healthy women without breast cancer and with normalized reference values.Methods: A case–control observational study was performed. Two-hundred women with a mean age of 51.00±8.75 years were recruited from podiatric medicine and surgery clinics from the University of Extremadura (Plasencia, Spain) and the Hospital Infanta Cristina (Badajoz, Spain). The women were divided into case and control groups (undergoing chemotherapy treatment and healthy women, respectively). The Foot Health Status Questionnaire was used to assess foot health domain scores.Results: Significant differences between both groups were seen for foot pain (P=0.003), foot function (P

Cesar Calvo-Lobo,1 Juan Manuel Vilar Fernández,2 Ricardo Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo,3 Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias,4 David Rodríguez-Sanz,5 Patricia Palomo López,6 Daniel López López7 1Physical Therapy Department, Motion in Brains Research Group, Instituto de Neurociencias y Ciencias del Movimiento, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid; 2Modeling, Optimization and Statistical Inference Research Group, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña; 3School of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid; 4Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid; 5Physical Therapy & Health Sciences Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, el Ejercicio y el Deporte, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid; 6University Center of Plasencia, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz; 7Research, Health and Podiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain Background and purpose: Nonspecific low back pain (LBP) is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition in various age ranges and is associated with depression. The aim of this study was to determine the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores in participants with nonspecific LBP and no-pain by age distribution.Methods: A case–control study was carried out following the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology criteria. A sample of 332 participants, divided into the following age categories: 19–24 (n=11), 25–39 (n=66), 40–64 (n=90), 65–79 (n=124), and ≥80 (n=41) years was recruited from domiciliary visits and an outpatient clinic. The BDI scores were self-reported in participants with nonspecific acute or subacute (≤3 months) LBP (n=166) and no-pain (n=166).Results: The BDI scores, mean ± standard deviation, showed statistically significant differences (p

Marta Mellides González,1 Marta Elena Losa Iglesias,2 Inmaculada Corral-Liria,2 Ricardo Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo,3 Eva Maria Martinez-Jimenez,3 Sandra Fares-Medina,2 Sara González-Martín,2 Marta San-Antolín,4 Raquel Jiménez-Fernández2 1Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Usera, Madrid, 28041, Spain; 2Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcon, 28922, Spain; 3Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, 28040, Spain; 4Department of Psychology, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, 47002, SpainCorrespondence: Inmaculada Corral-Liria, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcon, 28922, Spain, Email inmaculada.corral.liria@urjc.esObjective: To evaluate the moral distress (MD)in health professionals of pediatric and adult units to show how the complexity of care in the pediatric field causes the professionals who carry out their activity in these units to present a higher level of moral distress and a worse climate ethical.Design: Observational study with health professionals who currently work in Spanish Hospitals.Methods: A 58-item questionnaire was electronically distributed which included sociodemographic and employment characteristics, the Spanish version of the Measure of Moral Unrest for Healthcare Professionals (MMD-HP-SPA) and the Hospital Ethical Climate Survey (HECS).Results: A total of 169 health professionals completed the questionnaire. The moral distress was significantly higher among nurses than among physicians and nursing assistant care technicians. Focusing on the type of unit, moral distress it was only significantly higher for those physicians treating adult patients compared to those treating pediatric patients. Regarding the total score of the HECS survey, the medical group shows higher scores compared to the nursing group.Conclusion: Statistically significant differences have been found only in the medical group that treats adult patients, presenting a higher level of moral unrests than the pediatrician group. The MMD-HP-SPA questionnaire is a valid and useful instrument to detect MD in our hospital units in order to be able to implement strategies/interventions that improve the ethical climate and other factors that can mitigate and prevent this MD.Keywords: moral unrest, ethical climate, surveys, questionnaires, pediatrics

Background: there is a high risk of falls in older adults. One of the factors contributing to fall episodes is advancing age due to deterioration of the proprioceptive system. Certain clinical procedures improve balance and posture, such as the use of insoles., Objective: the objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of hard and soft insoles on static foot balance in healthy older adults compared to barefoot people., Methods: a clinical trial was conducted with a sample size of 150 healthy adults (69 male and 81 women) with a mean age of 69.03 ± 3.82 years. Postural control was evaluated in different conditions of barefoot balance with hard and soft insoles., Results: All tests were statistically significant ( p < 0.001). The test with soft insoles presented higher stabilometric values and presented worse postural control compared to the barefoot and hard insoles in all eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions., Conclusions: Hard and soft insoles show no improvement in postural control compared to barefoot standing. The findings suggest that soft insoles may result in impaired balance during standing. The density of the materials in the insoles emerges as a significant factor influencing postural control.

Introduction: Falls are one of the most frequent difficulties in patients with Parkinson's disease. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between foot pain and the risk of falls in participants with Parkinson's disease compared to a group of participants without Parkinson's disease., Materials and Methods: The subjects (124) were divided into two groups, cases (n = 62) and controls (n = 62). They completed the Downton scale that collects the following 5 dimensions: previous falls, medications, sensory deficit, mental state, and ambulation., Results: Analyzing the Downton scale using dimensions, a significant difference was observed between both groups in all dimensions except mental state. Regarding the global result of risk of falls, the participants who had a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease presented a high risk of falls, 40.3% compared to 3.2% of the non-Parkinson's disease group, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). For the numerical value of the Downton scale, there was a clear statistically significant difference between groups (2.65 ± 0.96 vs. 1.31 ± 1.19)., Conclusion: This research confirms further evidence that people with Parkinson's disease who suffer from foot pain are at high risk of falling, regardless of gender., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Foot and Ankle Research published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Podiatry Association and The Royal College of Podiatry.)

Benefits of neural mobilization (NM) have been described in musculoskeletal patients. The effects of NM on balance appear to be unclear in research, and no studies have tested the possible effects of NM on plantar pressures. Eighteen subjects were evaluated pre and post bilateral gliding of the sciatic nerve and its branches posterior tibial nerve, lateral dorsocutaneous, medial and intermediate dorsocutaneous nerves. Static variables of the plantar footprint and stabilometric variables were measured in a pre-post study. We found no differences in plantar pressure variables, Rearfoot maximum pressure (p = 0.376), Rearfoot medium pressure (p = 0.106), Rearfoot surface (p = 0.896), Midfoot maximum pressure (p = 0.975), Midfoot medium pressure (p = 0.950), Midfoot surface (p = 0.470) Forefoot maximum pressure (p = 0.559), Forefoot medium pressure(p = 0.481), Forefoot surface (p = 0.234), and stabilometric variables either, X-Displacement eyes-open (p = 0.086), Y-Displacement eyes-open (p = 0.544), Surface eyes-open (p = 0.411), Medium speed latero-lateral displacement eyes-open (p = 0.613), Medium speed anteroposterior displacement eyes-open (p = 0.442), X Displacement eyes-closed (p = 0.126), Y-Displacement eyes-closed (p = 0.077), Surface eyes-closed (p = 0.502), Medium speed latero-lateral displacement eyes-closed (p = 0.956), Medium speed anteroposterior displacement eyes-closed (p = 0.349). All variables don´t have significant differences however the measurements had a high reliability with at least an ICC of 0.769. NM doesn´t change plantar pressures or improve balance in healthy non-athletes subjects. NCT05190900., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Onychocryptosis is a nail deformity that occurs when the side of the nail grows into soft tissue, which causes pain, sepsis and the formation of granulation. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare different levels of kinesiophobia in subjects with onychocryptosis before and after surgery to eliminate this condition., Methods: A descriptive and observational study was conducted with a total sample size of 25 subjects with a mean age of 40.96 ± 18.25 years. The pretest sample was composed of the 25 subjects before the surgical treatment of onychocryptosis and the posttest sample was composed of the same 25 subjects after the surgical treatment of onychocryptosis. Kinesiophobia levels and total scores were self-reported using the Spanish version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11)., Results: The Wilcoxon test for related samples and the Mann-Whitney U test for independent samples were used to compare the results before and after the surgical treatment. It was observed that in all the items as well as in the total score, there were significant changes in the levels of kinesiophobia, after the surgical intervention for onychocryptosis ( P  < 0.05) compared to the levels before surgery, except for items 4 and 11 in which there were no significant differences ( P  > 0.05). Before surgery, 0% of the subjects with onychocryptosis reported not being afraid of movement, 16% reported mild fear of movement, 8% reported moderate fear of movement and 76% of the subjects with onychocryptosis reported severe and maximum fear of movement. On the other hand, 100% of the subjects did not report kinesiophobia after surgical treatment ( P  < 0.01)., Conclusions: The levels of kinesiophobia were higher in the subjects with onychocryptosis compared to the subjects after having undergone surgery to eliminate onychocryptosis., Competing Interests: The authors declare there are no competing interests., (©2024 Montesinos Verdú et al.)

Background: The aging of the population highlights the need to establish empathetic connections with older adults. To achieve this, age simulation suits have been designed, allowing users to experience the physical limitations associated with aging. This study aimed to evaluate the experience of dental students with these devices, using psychometric tools to measure the impact on their understanding and empathy., Methods: A pre/post-test study was conducted with the participation of 63 dental students from Rey Juan Carlos University who were fitted with an age simulation suit and asked to perform different tasks. Psychometric tools were used to assess specific parameters. Empathy was measured using the Jefferson Empathy Scale, emotional intelligence was assessed with the Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24 (TMMS-24), and the emotional attention dimension was analyzed using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS)., Results: The scores on the Jefferson Empathy Scale significantly improved from 88.44 ± 6.8 to 91.06 ± 10.11 after using the simulation suit ( P  < 0.026). Pearson's product moment correlation analysis showed no significant positive association or correlation between age and scores from the three questionnaires. In the rest, a positive and significant correlation was observed ( P  < 0.0001)., Conclusions: Age simulation activities effectively enhance empathy among dental students. However, more studies are needed to foster positive attitudes toward aging and prevent negative stereotypes., Competing Interests: The authors declare there are no competing interests., (©2024 Rodriguez-Molinero et al.)

Background: COVID-19 disease affected the cognitive level of institutionalized patients in nursing homes, especially in the older subjects regardless of gender. This study aims to assess cognitive impairment using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) before and after COVID-19 infection, and to determine whether these changes varied based on gender., Methods: A pre- and post-COVID-19 study was conducted, involving 68 geriatric patients (34 men and 34 women) from two nursing homes. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the MMSE., Results: COVID-19 infection had a notable impact on the cognitive health of older adults residing in nursing homes, primarily attributed to the social isolation they experienced. This effect was more pronounced in older individuals. A comparison of the MMSE results by gender before and after contracting COVID-19 revealed significant differences in attention and calculation, with women obtaining the worst score before the virus. However, following their recovery from the virus, men demonstrated significantly lower scores in time and space orientation and evocation., Conclusion: COVID-19 has led to a decline in cognitive functioning, significantly worsening the mental state of older individuals, even after recovery from the virus. Consequently, it is crucial to implement proactive measures to prevent isolation and safeguard the cognitive well-being of this vulnerable population., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of simultaneous bilateral visual diaphragm biofeedback (BFB) from ultrasonography in conjunction with inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on diaphragmatic thickness during normal breathing and respiratory and clinical outcomes in patients with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) and determine the influence of age and sex. Methods: A single-blind randomized clinical trial was carried out (NCT04582812). A total sample of 96 patients with NSLBP was recruited and randomized by sex-based stratification into IMT ( n = 48) and BFB + IMT ( n = 48) interventions over 8 weeks. Bilateral diaphragmatic thickness at maximum inspiration (T ins ) and expiration (T exp ), respiratory pressures, lung function, pain intensity, bilateral pressure pain threshold (PPT), disability, and quality of life were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks. Results: The BFB + IMT group showed significant differences ( p < 0.05) with increased left hemidiaphragm thickness at T ins and T ins-exp ( d = 0.38-053), and right and left PPT ( d = 0.71-0.74) versus the IMT group. The interaction with sex was statistically significant ( p = 0.007; F (1,81) = 7.756; η p 2 = 0.087) and higher left hemidiaphragm thickness at T ins was predicted by the BFB + IMT group ( R 2 = 0.099; β = 0.050; F (1,82) = 8.997; p = 0.004) and male sex ( R 2 = 0.079; β = 0.045; F (1,81) = 7.756; p = 0.007). Furthermore, greater left hemidiaphragm thickness at T ins-exp was predicted by younger age ( R 2 = 0.052; β = -0.001; F (1,82) = 4.540; p = 0.036). Discussion: The simultaneous bilateral visual diaphragm biofeedback by ultrasonography in conjunction with IMT was effective in both increasing the left diaphragmatic thickness during inspiration, which was positively influenced and predicted by male sex and younger age, and increasing the bilateral PPT of the paraspinal muscles in patients with NSLBP., Competing Interests: The authors declare competing financial interests due to a patent registration carried out as a utility model for the bilateral thoracic orthosis, including both the right and left holding devices for two ultrasound probes, in the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (Number of application: U202200045; Publication number: ES1288519; Issue Date: 30 March 2022)., (Copyright © 2024 Molina-Hernández, Rodríguez-Sanz, Chicharro, Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo, Losa-Iglesias, Vicente-Campos, Marugán-Rubio, Gutiérrez-Torre and Calvo-Lobo.)

Objective: To evaluate the foot-health-related quality of life in individuals with versus without lower-limb lymphedema., Methods: A case-control study was carried out in an academic clinic in Lisbon, Portugal. Eighty participants (40 controls and 40 with lymphedema) were included in the study. The researchers examined sociodemographic and clinical data and foot-health-related quality of life in both groups. In the group with lymphedema, lower-limb lymphedema was also characterized., Results: Individuals with lower-limb lymphedema had significantly lower scores on all dimensions of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire in comparison with the control group., Conclusions: Individuals with lower-limb lymphedema appear to have a poorer foot-health-related quality of life than the general population., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

The aim of the present study was to determine the gender respiratory differences of bilateral diaphragm thickness, respiratory pressures, and pulmonary function in patients with low back pain (LBP). A sample of 90 participants with nonspecific LBP was recruited and matched paired by sex (45 women and 45 men). Respiratory outcomes included bilateral diaphragm thickness by ultrasonography, respiratory muscle strength by maximum inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) pressures, and pulmonary function by forced expiratory volume during 1 s (FEV 1 ), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV 1 /FVC spirometry parameters. The comparison of respiratory outcomes presented significant differences ( p < 0.001), with a large effect size ( d = 1.26-1.58) showing means differences (95% CI) for MIP of -32.26 (-42.99, -21.53) cm H 2 O, MEP of -50.66 (-64.08, -37.25) cm H 2 O, FEV 1 of -0.92 (-1.18, -0.65) L, and FVC of -1.00 (-1.32, -0.69) L, with lower values for females versus males. Gender-based respiratory differences were presented for maximum respiratory pressures and pulmonary function in patients with nonspecific LBP. Women presented greater inspiratory and expiratory muscle weakness as well as worse lung function, although these differences were not linked to diaphragm thickness during normal breathing.

Background: Here we report the reliability and test/re-test validity of a Castillan version of the PCL-5 (PCL5-C) in mental health nurses., Methods: A sample of 52 consecutive nurses was recruited from two psychiatric hospitals and four psychiatrists units of general hospitals in Madrid, Spain., Results: We detected high internal consistency for the study questionnaire at the test assessment (n = 52) and at retest 0.929 and 0.935, respectively, by total Cronbach's α. All of the items at test and re-test correlated with the total score., Conclusions: Reproducibility analysis showed excellent test/re-test reliability for the total score and each item. Based on our findings, we conclude that the PCL5-C is a valid and reliable questionnaire when applied among Spanish mental health nurses population., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, inflammatory, and autoimmune disease. This condition primarily affects the axial skeleton and presents direct foot involvement, such as Achilles enthesitis or plantar fascia involvement., Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of foot health on the quality of life of individuals with AS compared to a control group without AS., Materials and Methods: A sample of 112 subjects was recruited, with a mean age of 46.80 ± 10.49 years, divided into two groups: 56 individuals with AS (cases) and 56 individuals without AS (controls). Demographic data were collected, and the scores obtained in the Foot Health Status Questionnaire domains were recorded., Results: Of the participants, 27.79% ( N  = 30) were men and 73.21% ( N  = 82) were women. The mean age in the group was 46.80 ± 10.49. Significant differences ( p  < 0.05) were found in the domains of foot function, foot pain, footwear, overall foot health, general health-related physical activity, and social capacity between the AS group and the control group., Conclusion: Individuals with AS exhibited a decreased quality of life, as indicated by their Foot Health Status Questionnaire scores., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Cortes-Rodríguez, Alves-Gomes, Losa-Iglesias, Gómez-Salgado, Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo, Saavedra-García, Montiel-Luque, López-López and Jiménez-Cebrián.)

Background: This research evaluated whether the relationships between factors of resilience, self-esteem, depression, and anxiety in dental students with changes in teaching and learning methods. We also studied the psychological impact of face-to-face lectures during the COVID-19 pandemic., Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study used Google Forms to collect data with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), Connor-Davidson Risk Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI and BDI-II). An open-ended question was also asked about important learning difficulties., Results: The analysis revealed very high levels of resilience (30.23 ± 5.84), self-esteem in the normal range (29.08 ± 4.03), minimal depression levels (12.32 ± 8.05), and low anxiety levels (17.20 ± 12.41). There were no significant differences between sociodemographic variables ranges in regard to all psychological questionnaires. No high levels of depression and anxiety were found., Conclusions: The levels were low compared to other studies in which online teaching was used, which is explained by the fact that the students retained adequate resilience and self-esteem thanks to being able to contact teachers and, above all, their own peers., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Kinesiophobia and lymphedema appear to be related conditions, and it is important to understand this relationship, as many of the symptoms and comorbidities presented by individuals with lower limb lymphedema are prevented and treated through movement, thus constituting kinesiophobia as a barrier to intervention. The objective of this study is, therefore, to evaluate and analyze the kinesiophobic beliefs reported by individuals with and without lower limb lymphedema, regarding the agreement, severity and differences found, and to establish levels of kinesiophobia., Methods: A case-control study with a total sample of 80 participants (40 with lower limb lymphedema and 40 without) was performed. Both groups (with and without lymphedema) were characterized anthropologically, sociodemographically, and clinically. In the case group, lymphedema was evaluated. Participants in both groups completed the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia - 13 items (TSK-13)., Results: Individuals with lower limb lymphedema had higher TSK-13 scores than their matched group without lymphedema. The items belonging to the activity avoidance subscale had the highest agreement and score in both groups. Differences between groups were mainly established for items belonging to the somatic focus subscale, showing that individuals with lower limb lymphedema have kinesiophobic beliefs related to the perceived severity of their lymphedema. The prevalence of kinesiophobia was increased in both groups, but the severity was mild., Conclusions: Considering the apparent tendency of people with lower limb lymphedema to present kinesiophobia and movement-limiting beliefs regarding the condition, greater attention should be paid to its assessment, prevention and treatment from a multidisciplinary and multimodal perspective, which takes into account the multiplicity of factors inherent to kinesiophobia and lymphedema and thus reduce their impact on the management of lymphedema., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Monteiro, de Labra, Losa-Iglesias, Dias, Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo, Silva-Migueis, Macedo, López-López and Gómez-Salgado.)

Foot problems are very common in the community. Studies indicate that between 18% and 63% of people have foot pain or stiffness and that foot problems have a large impact on people's functional decline and a significant detrimental impact on measures of quality of life related to health. The general objective of this research was to compare foot health in people from the rural population compared to people from the urban population and its relationship with quality of life. A case-control descriptive study was developed with a sample of 304 patients, 152 patients from the rural population and 152 patients from the urban population. Quality of life was measured through the SF-36 Health Questionnaire in its Spanish version. The rural population group had a mean age of 46.67 ± 13.69 and the urban population group 49.02 ± 18.29. Regarding the score of the lowest levels of quality of life related to foot problems, the rural population group compared to the urban population group showed: for body pain (52.21 ± 30.71 vs. 67.80 ± 25.28, p < 0.001); and for mental health (69.58 ± 18.98 vs. 64.60 ± 14.88, p < 0.006). Differences between groups were analysed using Student's t-test for independent samples, which showed statistical significance (p < 0.05). This research offers evidence that the rural population presents better levels of mental health and lower levels of bodily pain in the domains of the SF-36 Health Questionnaire comparing with the urban population., (© 2024 The Authors. International Wound Journal published by Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The aim of the study was to determine the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in patients with intractable plantar keratosis (IPK) by comparing the histopathological findings of biopsies. A prospective, observational, and concordance study was carried out. Three different specimens were taken from each IPK. A first punch was sent for histopathological examination, and a second punch and a superficial skin scraping were both sent for HPV  polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and type determination. A total of 51 patients were included. From the histopathological examination, it was determined that 35 (68.6%) samples were diagnosed as warts and 16 (31.3%) as keratosis. However, the presence of HPV was confirmed by PCR in 49 (96.1%) and in 42 (82.4%) samples obtained by punch and superficial scraping, respectively. In the 49 PCR-positive samples, the most common HPV types were HPV1, HPV2, HPV27, HPV57, and HPV65, accounting for 81.6% of the samples. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that HPV infection and IPK lesions are very closely related. Although we cannot confirm that HPV is the cause of the development of IPK, the high prevalence of HPV observed in these lesions calls for a change to the procedures for managing IPK., (© 2024 The Authors. Journal of Medical Virology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Functional Hallux Limitus (FHL) is a dynamic foot dysfunction characterized by a limitation of hallux dorsiflexion when the first metatarsal head is under load. FHL plays a role in the development of osteoarthrosis in the first metatarsophalangeal joint (IMTPJ). Forefoot disorders can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, leading to dysfunction and pain. The aim of this project was to evaluate the quality of life of school-aged individuals with and without FHL using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ)., Methods: A case-control study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes in paediatric age. A total sample of 116 children between 6 and 12 years old was used to conduct this research. The sample was divided into two groups: (i) the healthy group ( n  = 58) and the FHL group ( n  = 58). The FHSQ was completed and the FHL test was performed in a seated position to classify the patients into the selected group., Results: Non-significant changes were observed when the mean values of the FHSQ domains were compared between the groups with and without FHL, except for the "general foot health" domain ( p  = 0,024) associated with the specific foot health section (section 1) of the Questionnaire. For the domains linked with the general well-being section (section 2), there was not a statistically difference in the mean of the scores obtained between the two school-aged groups with and without FHL, being slightly lower in the group with the presence of FHL for the overall health and physical function domains. Both the healthy and case groups obtained and identical range of scores (10-100) for the "foot pain" domain. Nevertheless, the mean of the score was lower for the participants with FHL., Conclusions: The perception of the quality of general foot health was poorer in the school-aged group with FHL. Variables such as foot pain and footwear are likely contributors influencing the perception of foot health quality. The school-aged population with FHL faces a decline in the quality of foot life. Ensuring adequate foot control in children and implementing future foot programs for this population are imperative for enhancing school children's perception of foot health and managing the development of pain and footwear-related issues., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2023 Cuevas-Martínez, Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo, Losa-Iglesias, Navarro-Flores, Pérez-Palma, Martiniano, López-López, Casado-Hernández and Gómez-Salgado.)

Background: The diaphragm is considered the main muscle involved in breathing and also linked to trunk stabilization functions. Up to date, rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) has been the most used technique to evaluate unilaterally the transcostal diaphragm thickness. Nevertheless, the inspiratory activity of both hemi-diaphragms is bilaterally performed at the same time, and its simultaneous evaluation with a thoracic orthosis could improve its assessment as well as its re-education with visual biofeedback of both hemi-diaphragms at the same time. The purpose was to evaluate the reliability and repeatability of simultaneous thickness measurements of both hemi-diaphragms bilaterally during normal breathing using a thoracic orthosis that allowed bilateral fixation of both right and left ultrasound probes., Methods: The study was conducted in 46 healthy subjects, whose diaphragm thickness was measured bilaterally and simultaneously in the anterior axillary line during relaxed breathing with a designed thoracic orthosis and 2 ultrasound tools. Intra-examiner (same examiner), inter-examiner (2 examiners), intra-session (1 hour) and inter-session (1 week) reliability and repeatability between each pair of measurements of diaphragm muscle thickness were analyzed during normal breathing., Results: Reliability and repeatability for intra-session evaluations using the thoracic orthosis were excellent to evaluate simultaneous thickness of both hemi-diaphragms by bilateral probes fixation (intraclass correlation coefficient =0.919-0.997; standard error of measurement =0.002-0.007 cm; minimum detectable change =0.006-0.020 cm), without systematic errors (P>0.05) between each pair of measurements. Nevertheless, inter-session evaluations varied from good to excellent using the bilateral probes fixation (intraclass correlation coefficient =0.614-0.984; standard error of measurement =0.006-0.028 cm; minimum detectable change =0.017-0.079 cm), although some systematic errors were presented (P<0.05)., Conclusions: Good to excellent reliability and repeatability was shown for simultaneous thickness measurements of both hemi-diaphragms bilaterally during normal breathing. Despite systematic errors were presented for some inter-examiner assessments, the use of the thoracic orthosis that allowed bilateral fixation of ultrasound probes could be recommended for simultaneous hemi-diaphragms breathing re-education by visual biofeedback., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://qims.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/qims-23-329/coif). JLC, RBdBV, DRS, and CCL report competing financial interests due to a patent registry was carried out as a utility model for the bilateral thoracic orthosis including both right and left holding devices for 2 ultrasound probes in the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (number of application: U202200045; publication number: ES1288519; issue date: 30 March, 2022). The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2023 Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: the area beneath the metatarsal heads is a common location of foot pain, which is often associated with high plantar pressures. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the application of a Morton's extension on the pressure in the metatarsal bones of the foot using a pressure platform., Methods: twenty-five subjects without musculoskeletal pathology were selected for this study, and an experiment was conducted with them as the subjects, before and after application of a Morton's extension. The foot regions were divided into the forefoot (transversely subdivided into six areas corresponding to the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth metatarsal heads, and the hallux), midfoot, and rearfoot, and then the maximum and average pressures exerted at each region were measured before and after placing a Morton's extension., Main Findings: we found a pressure reduction, with a p -value less than ( p < 0.05), in the head of the second and third metatarsals in statics and dynamics., Conclusions: we can conclude that the Morton's extension produces a variation in plantar pressures on the lesser metatarsals. The application of a Morton's extension may be beneficial for the management of forefoot pathology. This study will help clinicians consider various tools to treat forefoot disorders. NCT05879094 (ClinicalTrial.gov (accessed on 18 May 2023)).

Background: The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted several changes in the learning methods of students. The purpose of this study was to establish whether a relationship between levels of resilience, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and academic stress in both hybrid and virtual learning education exist., Methods: A descriptive and observational case-control study was carried out in universities that offer nursing designation. A total sample of 140 freshman nursing students was recruited. Concretely, 70 participants were recruited from an university receiving hybrid education and 70 participants were recruited from another university receiving virtual learning education. Nursing students self-reported the following questionnaires: the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, the 10 CD-Risk Connor-Davidson Risk Resilience Scale, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory and the Academic Stress Coping Scale., Results: Significant differences (P = 0.001) showed higher depression levels for students who received virtual education versus received hybrid education. Differences in Rosenberg test for self-esteem and Beck Anxiety Inventory for anxiety (P > 0.05) were not found., Conclusion: Students who received online education presented higher depression levels which could be due to they had not face-to-face relationships with teachers or classmates, whereas the hybrid education group received a different type of direct interaction with teachers and peers., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

There are studies that show the better balance after dry needling in lumbar pain. However, the postural control effects after foot dry needling are unknown. Our objective was to check if dry needling reduces postural control. Eighteen subjects with flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscle Myofascial trigger point were evaluated pre- and post-deep dry needling. We measured stabilometric variables in a pre-post study. We have found significant differences in three stabilometric variables: surface with eyes closed (29.36-53.21 mm 2 ) (p = 0.000), medium speed of the laterolateral displacement with eyes closed (1.42-1.64 mm/s) (p = 0.004), and medium speed of the anteroposterior displacement with eyes closed (1.30-1.53 mm/s) (p = 0.025). Dry needling therapy application in FDB muscle reduces standing postural control with eyes closed., (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Anatomy published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Anatomical Society.)

Background This study aimed to check the diagnostic accuracy of a new test to identify Achilles tendinopathy., Study Design: Observational study., Methods: Seventy patients recruited from a private medical centre met the diagnostic criteria for unilateral Achilles tendinopathy (age, 45.1 ± 12.7 years; weight, 75.00 ± 10 kg; height, 1.75 ± 0.1 m) and were tested based on both Achilles tendons. Seventy patients with a unilateral Achilles tendinopathy ultrasound diagnosis were tested using David's test., Results: Most (86%) subjects demonstrated Kager's fat pad asymmetry in relation to the Achilles tendon in the complete passive dorsiflexion in the prone position (David's sign). No healthy tendons had David's sign., Conclusions: The presence of asymmetry in Kager's fat pad in relation to the Achilles tendon during complete passive dorsiflexion is strongly indicative of ultrasound-diagnosed tendinopathy. David's test demonstrated a sensitivity of 85.71% (95% CI, 77.51% to 93.91%) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI, 100% to 100%), while noting the lack of blinding of the assessors and the uncertainty of the diagnostic measures (95% CI). Asymmetry of the fat pad could potentially serve as a characteristic marker for patients with Achilles tendinopathy.

Background: Foot health problems can affect quality of life and general health producing a source of discomfort and pain. Low levels of foot health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are present in patients with foot disabilities, such as hallux valgus, plantar fasciitis, or minor toe deformities., Objective: The objective was to analyze the foot health status in patients with and without foot problems in a rural population and its relationship with quality of life., Material and Methods: A prospective case-control study was developed with a sample of 152 patients, 76 subjects with podiatric pathologies and 76 without, in a rural population. HRQoL was measured through the SF-36 Health Questionnaire in the Spanish version., Results: The case group had a mean age of 49.18 ± 14.96 and the control group 44.16 ± 11.79. Regarding the score of the lowest levels of quality of life related to foot problems, the case group compared to the controls showed: for physical function (79.86 ± 26.38 vs. 92.63 ± 11 0.17, p < 0.001); for the physical role (73.68 ± 41.00 vs. 88.48 ± 27.51, p < 0.0022); for body pain (45.81 ± 27.18 vs. 73.68 ± 41.00, p < 0.035); and for general health (60.36 ± 30.58 vs. 68.71 ± 18.52, p < 0.047). The differences between groups were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, which showed statistical significance (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: In the rural population, people with foot pathologies present a worse quality of life compared to those who do not present foot pathology, especially for the health domains: physical function, physical role, body pain and health general., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest Maria Victoria Andreo-García, Emmanuel Navarro-Flores, Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias, Ricardo Becerro de Bengoa Vallejo, Juan Gómez Salgado, Daniel López-López, declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

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 58 0 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/cm 2 ), fifth metatarsal styloid process (6.48 kgF/cm 2 ), M3-M4 area (4.97 kgF/cm 2 ), and hallux (8.91 kgF/cm 2 ) 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.

Objectives: Depression is a condition that can be associated with other illnesses, especially chronic illnesses. Lower limb lymphedema is a chronic, disabling condition that can affect the quality of life and be related to psychological and psychosocial factors that interfere with people's lives. This study aims to characterize and analyze the depressive symptoms and their severity reported by people with lower limb lymphedema and compare them with a matched group without lymphedema., Methods: A case-control study was carried out ( n  = 80) with participants divided into a case group (40 people with lower limb lymphedema) and a control group (40 people without lower limb lymphedema). Both groups were anthropometrically, sociodemographically, and clinically characterized. In the case group, a characterization of lymphedema was performed. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II., Results: Individuals with lower limb lymphedema have higher BDI-II scores than the matched group without lymphedema. Somatic depressive symptoms were, in general, the most reported and the ones with the highest scores. The depressive symptoms most reported by the case group were tiredness or fatigue, loss of energy, and changes in sleeping. Tiredness or fatigue, loss of energy, and loss of interest in sex were the most severe depressive symptoms reported by individuals with lower limb lymphedema., Conclusion: Considering the apparent tendency to depression, greater attention should be given to the mental health of people with lower limb lymphedema., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Monteiro, de Labra, Losa-Iglesias, Dias, Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo, Silva-Migueis, Cardoso, López-López and Gómez-Salgado.)

Purpose: This study assessed the impact of different types of medial foot arch on postural stability and core center of gravity muscle activity among collegiate athletes., Methods: The study sample included 103 university-level athletes across various sports (soccer, rugby, basketball, volleyball, field tennis, table tennis, karate, and cheerleading) from the College of Magdalena (Colombia) who exhibited distinct types of medial foot arch: 32 high, 35 low, and 36 neutral arches. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was employed to assess conduction velocity, magnitude values, latency, and fatigue in focal muscles including the spinal erector (SE), internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO), and rectus abdominis (AR), while measurements of static and dynamic postural control were also considered. Post hoc analysis was performed with Bonferroni correction for all electromyographically measured muscle groups, as well as for measurements of static and dynamic postural stability. Pearson's or Spearman's correlation tests were used to compare the different types of feet., Results: There were no substantial differences observed between the distinct types of feet in terms of focal muscle activity, static stability, or dynamics. Even though the mean values indicated higher muscle activity and stability among those with high foot arches and lower values among those with low arches compared to the neutral foot type, this observed difference was deemed statistically insignificant. We also observed a positive correlation between internal oblique muscle activity and the average power of dynamic postural stability, which remained consistent across all foot types. Our findings indicate that static instability is directly correlated with dynamic instability in the anteroposterior direction, while a clear inverse relationship was established in the lateral direction upon examining the variable correlations., Conclusions: The presence of high or low foot arches did not significantly impact the activity of the muscles responsible for maintaining the body's center of gravity or postural stability among university-level athletes. This suggests the existence of neuromuscular compensation mechanisms that attempt to restore balance and compensate for any changes in postural stability caused by varying foot types. Through targeted training that emphasizes activation of the internal oblique muscle, athletes may see improved postural stability. Our findings indicate that static stabilization exercises can also prove beneficial in improving dynamic stability in the anteroposterior plane, while a more dynamic approach may be required to improve dynamic stability in the lateral plane.

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.

Background: The presence of hallux limitus in adulthood is frequently encountered in clinical practice, generating other biomechanical, structural, and functional compensations in dynamics secondary to blockage of the main pivot in the sagittal plane, the first metatarsophalangeal joint. In addition, the presence of functional hallux limitus (FHL) in school-age children is also increasing. Currently, there is a lack of scientific literature about this condition in the pediatric population, and early diagnosis is necessary to reduce future biomechanical disorders and avoid the development of foot arthritis. The purpose of this research was to identify static plantar pressures in school-age children with and without hallux limitus., Methods: A total sample of 106 children aged between six and twelve years old was divided into two groups: the case group (53 subjects with functional hallux limitus) and the control group (53 subjects without functional hallux limitus). Data were acquired with the participants in a standing barefoot position on the pressure platform, and the hallux limitus functional test was performed in a sitting position to classify the individuals into the determined study group. The variables analyzed in the research were: plantar pressure, bilateral forefoot and rearfoot surface area, bilateral forefoot and rearfoot ground reaction forces, bilateral forefoot and rearfoot distribution of body weight, total left and right surface area, maximum pressure of the left foot and right foot, medium pressure of the left foot and right foot, ground reaction forces of the left foot and right foot, and the weight of each foot., Results: Age was the only descriptive quantitative variable that showed a significant difference between the two study groups, with a p -value of 0.031. No statistically significant differences were found between groups in the bilateral forefoot and rearfoot surface area, ground reaction forces, distribution of body weight, or maximum and medium plantar pressure in the left and right foot., Conclusions: Changes in the location of the maximum pressure were observed, particularly in older participants with FHL, but these results were not significant. The findings of this study did not show significant differences between the static plantar pressures of school-age individuals with and without functional hallux limitus.

Background: One of the measures for controlling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was the mass closure of gyms. This measure leads us to determine the differences between indoor and outdoor air quality. That is why the objective of this study was to analyse the indoor air quality of a sports centre catering to small groups and rehabilitation., Methods: The study was conducted in a single training centre, where 26 measurements were taken in two spaces (indoors and outdoors). The air quality index, temperature, relative humidity, total volatile compounds, carbon monoxide, ozone, formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter were measured indoors and outdoors using the same protocol and equipment. These measurements were taken twice, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, with all measurements made at the same time, 10 am and 6 pm, respectively. Additionally, four determinations of each variable were collected during each shift, and the number of people who had trained in the room and the number of trainers were counted., Results: In the different variables analysed, the results show that CO 2 and RH levels are higher indoors than outdoors in both measurement shifts. Temperatures are higher outside than inside and, in the evening, than in the morning. TVOC, AQI and PM show less variation, although they are higher outdoors in the morning. CO is highest indoors. HCHO levels are almost negligible and do not vary significantly, except for a slight increase in the afternoon outside. Ozone levels are not significant. All the variables showed practically perfect reliability in all the measurements, except for ozone measured outside in the morning. On the other hand, the variables exhibit variations between indoors and outdoors during the morning and afternoon, except for the three types of PM. Also, the data show that all the main variables measured inside the sports training centre are similar between morning and afternoon. However, outside, temperature, relative humidity and HCHO levels show significant differences between morning and afternoon while no differences are observed for the other variables., Conclusion: The indoor air quality of the training centre assessed was good and met current regulations; some of its components even exhibited better levels than fresh air. This article is the first to measure indoor air quality in a sports training centre catering to rehabilitation and small groups., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© 2023 Mazoteras-Pardo et al.)

The Podiatric Health Questionnaire (PHQ) is a foot health psicometric tool consisting of six items for measuring foot health status. Currently, PHQ has been adapted into Spanish. Thus, this research focused on develop the Persian translation and adaptation of the PHQ. The translation into Persian and test-retest reliability methods were applied from english version questionnarie. As regards to the total mark for each sub-scale, internal consistency and reliability were determined by the Cronbach α and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. High internal consistency was shown for the six sub-scales: a) walk with a Cronbach α of 0.775; b) hygiene and c) nail care with 0.789 and 0.796 respectively; d) foot on pain with 0.779; e) concern domain with 0.788; and f) quality of life with 0.798; and g) visual analogic scale with 0.803. Excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.912 [95% CI = 0.845-0.950]) was shown for the total score. Conclusions: The persian version of the PHQ was shown to be a valid and reliable tool for an acceptable use in the Iran population., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors of this paper certify none conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Deep dry needling (DDN) and percutaneous electrolysis (PE) provide the benefit of the mechanical effect of the needle, and PE adds the potential advantages of the galvanic current it incorporates in myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) therapy. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term efficacy between PE and DDN on active MTrPs of the levator scapulae by considering pain intensity. A simple-blind randomized controlled trial was carried out, recruiting patients suffering from non-specific neck pain lasting more than 3 months and with active MTrPs in the levator scapulae muscle (n = 52). Patients were divided into intervention (PE; n = 26) and control (DDN; n = 26) groups and received one treatment session on the active MTrPs of the levator scapulae. Patients were assessed for pain intensity, pressure pain threshold (PPT), cervical range of motion (CROM), neck disability and post-needling soreness, immediately after treatment, at 72 h and at 14 days. In addition, pain during treatment was recorded after the procedure. There were no significant differences for pain intensity, post-needling soreness and PPT. We found significant differences in CROM, immediately after treatment ( p = 0.043), and at 72 h ( p = 0.045), in favor of the PE group. Significant differences were found for neck disability ( p < 0.047), immediately post-treatment, in favor of the DDN group. Moreover, there were significant differences for pain during the intervention ( p < 0.002), in favor of the DDN group (4.54 ± 2.21) versus the PE group (6.54 ± 2.27). PE and DDN appear to have similar short-term effects. PE proved to be a more painful treatment than DDN. Clinical trial registry: NCT04157426.

This study explores a range of informal health-seeking behaviors, including the use of Fang Traditional Medicine (FTM) for medical or cultural afflictions in Equatorial Guinea (EQ), the therapeutic methods used, the health problems handled, the learning process, traditional medicine user profiles and the social images of Fang Traditional Healers (FTHs). Ethnography was employed as a qualitative strategy using emic-etic approaches. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 45 individuals, including 6 community leaders, 19 tribal elders, 7 healthcare professionals, 11 FTHs and 2 relatives of traditional healers in 5 districts of EQ. FTM offers a cure for malaria and treatments for reproductive health issues, bone fractures and cultural illnesses. Several methods used to learn FTM are based on empirical observation, and without the need for traditional schooling, unlike with Western medical professionals: for example, watching a family member, or the spirits or ancestors, can reveal healing knowledge. Materials from forests, including tree barks and plants, and rituals are used to keep Fang populations healthy; in addition, two rituals known as " osuiñ " and " etoak " (infusions of tree barks with the blood of sacrificed animals) are the most commonly used treatments. In addition, elders and women are the most active consumers of FTM. FTM plays a relevant role in curing medical and cultural afflictions in Fang communities. The informal health-seeking behavior among the Fang community is conditioned by the explanation model of illness.

Background: Infrared thermography devices have been commonly applied to measure superficial temperature in structural composites and walls. These tools were cheaper than other thermographic devices used to measure superficial human muscle tissue temperature. In addition, infrared thermography has been previously used to assess skin temperature related to muscle tissue conditions in the triceps surae of athletes. Nevertheless, the reliability and repeatability of an infrared thermography device designed for materials, such as the Manual Infrared Camera PCE-TC 30, have yet to be determined to measure skin temperature of the triceps surae muscle tissue of athletes., Objective: The purpose was to determine the procedure's intra- and inter-session reliability and repeatability to determine skin temperature within the Manual Infrared Camera PCE-TC 30 thermography device in the triceps surae muscle tissue of athletes, which was initially designed to measure the superficial temperature of materials., Methods: A total of 34 triceps surae muscles were bilaterally assessed from 17 healthy athletes using the Manual Infrared Camera PCE-TC 30 thermography device to determine intra- (at the same day separated by 1 h) and inter-session (at alternate days separated by 48 h) reliability and repeatability of the skin temperature of the soleus, medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles. The triceps surae complex weas measured by a region of interest of 1 cm 2 through five infrared thermography images for each muscle. Statistical analyses comprised intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimum detectable change (MCD), systematic error of measurement, correlation ( r ), and Bland-Altman plots completed with linear regression models ( R 2 )., Results: Intra- and inter-session measurements of the proposed infrared thermography procedure showed excellent reliability (ICC (1,2) = 0.968-0.977), measurement errors (SEM = 0.186-0.232 °C; MDC = 0.515-0.643 °C), correlations ( r = 0.885-0.953), and did not present significant systematic error of measurements ( P > 0.05). Adequate agreement between each pair of measurement moments was presented by the Bland-Altman plots according to the limits of agreement and non-significant linear regression models ( R 2 = 0.000-0.019; P > 0.05)., Conclusions: The proposed procedure to determine skin temperature within the Manual Infrared Camera PCE-TC 30 thermography device presented excellent intra- and inter-session reliability and repeatability in athletes' triceps surae muscle tissue. Future studies should consider the SEM and MDC of this procedure to measure the skin temperature of soleus, medial, and lateral gastrocnemius muscles to promote triceps surae muscle prevention and recovery in athletes., Competing Interests: César Calvo-Lobo, David Rodríguez-Sanz and Ricardo Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo declare conflict of interest due to the Contract 83 between the Complutense University and PCE Ibérica S.L. (Reference number: 6-2020) was specifically carried out to study the reliability of the Manual Infrared camera PCE-TC 30 thermography device., (© 2023 Calvo-Lobo et al.)

Objectives: To assess quality of life or factors related to the foot and general health and to determine the impact taking into account foot health status in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: 50 subjects with MS and 50 healthy subjects were studied using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire, that is a validated and is reliable tool was used to assess foot health and quality of life. This instrument comprise four domains for evaluate the foot health (foot function, foot pain, footwear and general foot health) in the first section and for measure the general health comprise four domains (general health, physical activity, social capacity and vigor) for second section and was use for all participants. Results: In both groups of the sample, 50% ( n = 15) were men and 50% ( n = 35) women, and the mean age in the case group was 48.04 ± 10.49 and the control group was 48.04 ± 10.45 were recruited. A statistically significant difference ( p < 0.05) was shown for foot function, general foot health, general health, physical activity and vigor domains, stating that people with MS have a lower related to foot health (lower FHSQ scores) compared to healthy subjects who have higher FHSQ scores. There were no statistically significant differences ( p > 0.05) for the scores of the other domains of the FHSQ (foot pain, footwear and social capacity). Conclusion: Patients with MS suffer a negative impact on the quality of life related to foot health, which appears to be associated with the chronic disease., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they do not have any conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Ruiz-Sánchez, Martins, Losa-Iglesias, Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo, Gómez-Salgado, Romero-Morales, Jiménez-Cebrián and López-López.)

Previous studies have reported the potential emission of nail dust to the indoor air of the podiatrist's workplace during nail drilling procedures. The main objective of this study was to analyse the fungal bioaerosol present in the indoor air of podiatry rooms, including during the nail drilling procedure. Seventeen private clinics were sampled in Madrid during spring and summer. The most prevalent filamentous fungi detected were Cladosporium spp. and Penicillium spp. in both seasons. The presence of Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale was reported in samples during the drilling procedures, establishing a positive association with the clinical suspicion of onychomycosis (p = 0.002) and the utilization of aspiration systems (p=0.04). The present study concludes that airborne fungal concentrations in podiatrist's clinics are consistent with national and international guidance. Occupational exposure to dermatophytes may briefly occur during definite periods across the daily activity despite the use of dust aspiration systems.

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., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing Interest The authors have declared no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: Apps for smartphones that can measure the breathing rate easily can be downloaded., Objective: The aim of this study was to demonstrate agreement in measuring breath rates between the stethoscope and Breath Counter health app., Methods: We performed a repeatability study with 56 healthy volunteers. The patient's demographic data and breathing rates per minute were collected. Breathing rates were measured via two methods: (1) using a stethoscope placed in the upper area of the right lung and (2) a Breath Counter app developed by Vadion on a Samsung Fold smartphone., Results: This study demonstrated high repeatability and validity with respect to the breathing rate parameter of healthy adults using the aforementioned 2 systems. Intrasession repeatability measure using the intraclass correlation coefficient was >0.962, indicating excellent repeatability. Moreover, the intraclass correlation coefficient between methods was 0.793, indicating good repeatability, and coefficients of variation of method errors values were 1.83% with very low values in terms of other repeatability parameters. We found significant correlation coefficients and no systematic differences between the app and stethoscope methods., Conclusions: The app method may be attractive to individuals who require repeatability in a recreational setting., (©Ricardo Becerro de Bengoa Vallejo, Marta Elena Losa Iglesias, Oscar David Robles Sanchez. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (https://www.jmir.org), 12.01.2023.)

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects both health of the feet, as to gait patterns. This study aimed to find out about foot problems and their impact on self-perceived quality of life and related to foot health in Parkinson's patients compared to a group of healthy subjects and to measure it with Spanish Podiatry Health Questionnaire (PHQ-S). It is about a case-control study in a sample of Parkinson's patients n = 62, healthy controls n = 62. The PHQ-S was reported, it describes perception the subject has in each of podiatric 6 dimensions consulted, assessing appreciation of health status of interviewee's feet and a self-rated the foot health score on the visual analog scale (VAS). There were statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in the dimensions that assessed problems with walking and moving, nail trimming, concern feet state, and affectation of quality of life related foot health. Regarding the self-perception of state of their feet, Parkinson's patients perceive a worse state of health of their feet than healthy subjects. The mean value was 4.8 (SD 2.2) for Parkinson's patients and 3.8 (SD 2.3) for healthy subjects. In conclusion, patients with PD have problems in walking or moving, foot pain, difficulties in foot hygiene and in cutting for their nails, as well as the concern they suffer from deterioration in state of their feet affect them and decrease their quality of life. Podiatric problems in Parkinson's patients have a great impact in reducing quality of life related to foot health., (© 2022 The Authors. International Wound Journal published by Medicalhelplines.com Inc (3M) and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: The diabetes people show a significant presence of foot health problems are usually all over the world, causing in big economic effects for these persons, their families and world population OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research is to evaluate and relate the impact of foot health associated with the quality of life (QoL) in a group of people with and without diabetes MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 150 persons of a mean age of 71.45 ± 11.93 years came to a foot and ankle specialist outpatient center. Self-reported data were medical records where persons'with and without diabetes was evaluated. All findings obtained was compared with scores quality of life using the tool Foot Health Status Questionnaire, spanish version RESULTS: The diabetes group revealed a reduction of QoL linked to overall health and to foot health in particular. Differences among both groups were analyzed by means of a independent Student's t-test samples, displaying a p-value lower than 0.05 statistically significant for the domains of foot pain, foot function footwear and social capacity CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes people recorded a negative influence on the QoL related with foot health, that seems to be linked with the presence of chronic disease in diabetes people., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Calcaneal osteotomy is a commonly established method used to correct various foot malalignment surgery problems that produce varus and valgus hindfoot abnormality as well as Haglund's deformity, cavovarus foot reconstruction, flatfoot deformity, plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendon insufficiency and planovalgus foot. After decades, several procedures in orthopaedic foot surgery have been suggested for reducing the risk of wound and neurovascular complications. The goal of this Prisma statement guidelines compliant systematic review was to establish the effectiveness and safety of calcaneal osteotomy in foot surgery. We have performed a novel systematic review of the current published literature in order to evaluate the scientific evidence now available on this association, assigning predefined exclusion and inclusion criteria. Eight investigations were selected which had 191 cases. The adult flatfoot, tibialis posterior reconstruction and cavovarus foot deformity were treated with different procedures of calcaneal osteotomy techniques. The adequate level of effectiveness of calcaneal osteotomy is associated with the kind and location of the incision, with or without screw application, in each specific foot condition. There is a limited number of scientific investigations of the effectiveness and safety of the different kinds of calcaneal osteotomy in foot surgery, and there is the need to enhance outcome knowledge on this foot surgery technique., (© 2021 The Authors. International Wound Journal published by Medicalhelplines.com Inc (3M) and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

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.

The home confinement caused by COVID-19 has caused university students to express feelings, negative experiences, and concerns about the confinement situation they were experiencing. This prompted the development of research on resilience, which shows that it is closely related to well-being. The general objective is to determine if resilience acts as a guarantor of personal growth and, therefore, of the self-perception of well-being. The research is developed with qualitative methodology and is framed in the interpretative phenomenological analysis approach and is framed in the hermeneutic-dialectical method. The selection of participants was carried out through an intentional sampling, by non-random methods, among university students. Fifty-two students participated, 41 are women (78.84%) and 11 men (21.15%), with an average age of 20.7 years. The information was collected through a diary card in which they had to collect their experiences and prepare a short speech identifying three temporal moments of confinement: beginning, during, and end. The information was collected between 16 April and 15 May 2020. An inductive analysis was carried out, and the emerging categories were defined: personal growth, resilience, and well-being. Personal growth materializes through three subcategories: personal changes, interpersonal changes, and changes in the philosophy of life. The university students showed that the vital transformation related with resilience acts as a guarantor of personal growth and self-perception of well-being. A voluntary, conscious, and intelligent evolution of people is detected, and personal changes, interpersonal changes, and changes in the philosophy of life are identified as factors of personal growth.

Diaphragmatic weakness and thickness reduction have been detected in athletes with lumbopelvic pain (LPP). Strength training of inspiratory muscles may be necessary for athletes with LPP. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and visual biofeedback by rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) have been proposed as possible interventions. Here, we determine the effectiveness of visual biofeedback by RUSI with a proposed novel thoracic orthotic device to facilitate diaphragmatic contraction in conjunction with high-intensity IMT in athletes with non-specific LPP. A single-blinded, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial was performed (NCT04097873). Of 86 participants assessed for eligibility, 64 athletes with non-specific LPP (39 males and 25 females; mean age, 33.15 ± 7.79 years) were recruited, randomized, analyzed and received diaphragm visual biofeedback by RUSI in conjunction with high-intensity IMT (RUSI+IMT; n = 32) or isolated high-intensity IMT (IMT; n = 32) interventions for 8 weeks. Diaphragmatic thickness during normal breathing, maximum respiratory pressures, pain intensity, pressure pain threshold on lumbar musculature, disability by the Roland−Morris questionnaire, quality of life by the SF-12 questionnaire and spirometry respiratory parameters were assessed at baseline and after the 8-week intervention. There were significant differences (p = 0.015), within a medium effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.62) for the forced expiratory volume in 1-s (FEV1), which was increased in the RUSI+IMT intervention group relative to the IMT alone group. Adverse effects were not observed. The rest of the outcomes did not show significant differences (p > 0.05). Diaphragm visual biofeedback by RUSI with the proposed novel thoracic orthotic device in conjunction with high-intensity IMT improved lung function by increasing FEV1 in athletes with non-specific LPP., Competing Interests: Authors declared a conflict of interest due to a patent being registered as a utility model, providing a holding device for the ultrasound probe at the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (Number of application: U202000080; Number of publication: ES1245754; Issue Date: 24 August 2020).

Background: Hemophilia is an inherited recessive hemorrhagic disorder of the X-linked type, suffered by the male sex. Adults with hemophilia are coping with numerous diagnostics, associated comorbidities, pain, and difficult gait by arthropathy in ankles and feet. Physical pains contribute to depression in patients with hemophilia., Purpose: The study aimed to assess the impact of depression in adult patient with hemophilia and to compare it with healthy matched-paired controls. Methods: The sample consisted of 100 participants (median age 42.50 ± 30). Patients with hemophilia were recruited from Spanish Hemophiliac Associations ( n = 50) and healthy subjects ( n = 50) from a Clinic Podiatry Practices (University of Malaga, Spain)., Results: Results and categories of the Spanish-translated version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were gathered. A clear statistically significant difference ( p < 0.001) was presented in the variation of the BDI scores between both groups. Patients with hemophilia presented worse results with a BDI = 7.50 ± 11.25 points compared to healthy subjects with BDI = 2.50 ± 5 points. In the BDI categories, statistically significant differences ( p = 0.004) were found in greater BDI categories in the Hemophilia group compared with healthy subjects. Moderate and severe depression categories were only shown in patients with hemophilia., Conclusions: Greater depression scores and range status were observed in patients with hemophilia compared to non-patients with hemophilia. Patients with hemophilia are at increased risk of depressiveness., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Jiménez-Cebrián, Palomo-López, Becerro-de-Bengoa Vallejo, Losa-Iglesias, Navarro-Flores, San-Antolín, Calvo-Lobo and López-López.)

Background: Intensive care units (ICUs) may produce stress on the relatives of patients that have long-term physiological and psychological implications., Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the relatives´ visit prior to hospital admission(s) on the patient's scheduled cardiac surgery regarding depression, anxiety, and satisfaction of the patient's family in an ICU., Methods: A randomized clinical trial [NCT03605420] was carried out according to the CONSORT criteria. Thirty-eight relatives of ICU patients were recruited at an ICU and randomized into study groups. Experimental group participants ( n  = 19) consisted of relatives who received 1 ICU visit prior to the patient's admission. Control group participants ( n  = 19) consisted of patients' relatives who received standard care alone. A self-report test battery, including the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), was completed by the patient's relative prior to the patient's ICU admission and again three and 90 days after ICU discharge. Furthermore, the Family Satisfaction with Care in the Intensive Care Unit (FS-ICU) and Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) were administered to help determine the respondents' satisfaction three days after the patient's ICU discharge., Results: Statistically significant differences in FS-ICU results were found between control and experimental groups; no statistically significant differences were found in IES-R, HADS, and CCFNI results. Thus, members in the control group were more satisfied with the time elapsed to raise their concerns ( p =0.005), emotional support provided ( p =0.020), quality of care ( p =0.035), opportunities to express concerns and ask questions ( p =0.005), and general satisfaction with the ICU's decision-making ( p =0.003)., Conclusions: Relatives' satisfaction during patients' ICU admission may be impaired after their prior visit to the hospital admission. Relative's anxiety and depression scores did not seem to be significantly affected. Relatives´ visit prior to elective cardiac surgery hospital admission impaired their satisfaction in an ICU and may not be advisable for healthcare practice., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Sara González-Martín et al.)