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PloS One 2024Minimalist shoes (MS) are beneficial for foot health. The foot is a part of the posterior chain. It is suggested that interventions on the plantar foot sole also affect... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
INTRODUCTION
Minimalist shoes (MS) are beneficial for foot health. The foot is a part of the posterior chain. It is suggested that interventions on the plantar foot sole also affect the upper segments of the body. This study aimed to investigate the local and remote effects along the posterior chain of four weeks of MS walking in recreationally active young adults.
METHODS
28 healthy participants (15 female, 13 male; 25.3 ± 5.3 years; 70.2 ± 11.9 kg; 175.0 ± 7.8 cm) were randomly assigned to a control- or intervention group. The intervention group undertook a four-week incremental MS walking program, which included 3,000 steps/day in the first week, increasing to 5,000 steps/day for the remaining three weeks. The control group walked in their preferred shoe (no MS). We assessed the following parameters in a laboratory at baseline [M1], after the four-week intervention [M2], and after a four-week wash-out period [M3]: Foot parameters (i.e., Foot Posture Index-6, Arch Rigidity Index), static single-leg stance balance, foot-, ankle-, and posterior chain range of motion, and muscle strength of the posterior chain. We fitted multiple hierarchically built mixed models to the data.
RESULTS
In the MS group, the Foot Posture Index (b = -3.72, t(51) = -6.05, p < .001, [-4.94, 2.51]) and balance (b = -17.96, t(49) = -2.56, p = .01, [-31.54, 4.37]) significantly improved from M1 to M2, but not all other parameters (all p >.05). The improvements remained at M3 (Foot Posture Index: b = -1.71, t(51) = -2.73, p = .009, [-4,94,0.48]; balance: b = -15.97, t(49) = -2.25, p = .03, [-29.72, 2.21]).
DISCUSSION
Walking in MS for four weeks might be advantageous for foot health of recreationally active young adults but no chronic remote effects should be expected.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Walking; Foot; Adult; Postural Balance; Shoes; Young Adult; Posture; Range of Motion, Articular; Muscle Strength
PubMed: 38900749
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304640 -
IEEE Open Journal of Engineering in... 2024The pathophysiology of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is not yet fully understood, but multifactorial hypotheses have been proposed that include defective central...
The pathophysiology of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is not yet fully understood, but multifactorial hypotheses have been proposed that include defective central nervous system (CNS) control of posture, biomechanics, and body schema alterations. To deepen CNS control of posture in AIS, electroencephalographic (EEG) activity during a simple balance task in adolescents with and without AIS was parsed into EEG microstates. Microstates are quasi-stable spatial distributions of the electric potential of the brain that last tens of milliseconds. The spatial distribution of the EEG characterised by the orientation from left-frontal to right-posterior remains stable for a greater amount of time in AIS compared to controls. This spatial distribution of EEG, commonly named in the literature as class B, has been found to be correlated with the visual resting state network. Both vision and proprioception networks provide critical information in mapping the extrapersonal environment. This neurophysiological marker probably unveils an alteration in the postural control mechanism in AIS, suggesting a higher information processing load due to the increased postural demands caused by scoliosis.
PubMed: 38899012
DOI: 10.1109/OJEMB.2024.3399469 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Jun 2024The zero-profile implant system (Zero-P) and conventional plates have been widely used in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) to treat cervical spondylosis.... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
The zero-profile implant system (Zero-P) and conventional plates have been widely used in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) to treat cervical spondylosis. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of the application of Zero-P and new conventional plates (ZEVO, Skyline) in ACDF on the sagittal imaging parameters of cervical spondylosis patients and to analyze their clinical efficacy.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective study on 119 cervical spondylosis patients from January 2018 to December 2021, comparing outcomes between those receiving the Zero-P device (n = 63) and those receiving a novel conventional plate (n = 56, including 46 ZEVO and 10 Skyline plates) through ACDF. Cervical sagittal alignment was assessed pre- and postoperatively via lateral radiographs. The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were recorded at baseline, after surgery, and at the 2-year follow-up to evaluate patient recovery and intervention success.
RESULTS
There were significant differences in the postoperative C0-C2 Cobb angle and postoperative sagittal segmental angle (SSA) between patients in the novel conventional plate group and those in the Zero-P group (P < 0.05). Postoperatively, there were significant changes in the C2‒C7 Cobb angle, C0‒C2 Cobb angle, SSA, and average surgical disc height (ASDH) compared to the preoperative values in both patient groups (P < 0.05). Dysphagia in the immediate postoperative period was lower in the Zero-P group than in the new conventional plate group (0% in the Zero-P group, 7.14% in the novel conventional plate group, P = 0.046), and the symptoms disappeared within 2 years in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of complications of adjacent spondylolisthesis (ASD) at 2 years postoperatively (3.17% in the Zero-P group, 8.93% in the novel conventional plate group; P = 0.252). According to the subgroup analysis, there were significant differences in the postoperative C2‒C7 Cobb angle, C0‒C2 Cobb angle, T1 slope, and ASDH between the ZEVO group and the Skyline group (P < 0.05). Compared with the preoperative scores, the JOA, NDI, and VAS scores of all groups significantly improved at the 2-year follow-up (P < 0.01). According to the subgroup analysis, the immediate postoperative NDI and VAS scores of the ZEVO group were significantly better than those of the Skyline group (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
In ACDF, both novel conventional plates and Zero-P can improve sagittal parameters and related scale scores. Compared to the Zero-P plate, the novel conventional plate has a greater advantage in correcting the curvature of the surgical segment, but the Zero-P plate is less likely to produce postoperative dysphagia.
Topics: Humans; Female; Retrospective Studies; Male; Spinal Fusion; Middle Aged; Bone Plates; Diskectomy; Cervical Vertebrae; Treatment Outcome; Spondylosis; Aged; Adult; Postural Balance; Follow-Up Studies
PubMed: 38898467
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04857-y -
Journal of Sport Rehabilitation Jul 2024Dual-task (simultaneous cognitive-motor activities) assessments have been adapted into reliable and valid clinical concussion measures. However, abundant motor and...
CONTEXT
Dual-task (simultaneous cognitive-motor activities) assessments have been adapted into reliable and valid clinical concussion measures. However, abundant motor and cognitive variations leave researchers and clinicians uncertain about which combinations elicit the intended dual-task effect. Our objective was to examine differences between commonly employed dual-task motor and cognitive combinations among healthy, college-aged individuals.
DESIGN
Cross-sectional laboratory study.
METHODS
Twenty participants (age: 21.3 [2.4] y; height: 176.0 [9.1] cm; mass: 76.0 [16.4] kg; 20% with concussion history) completed 4 motor tasks (gait, tandem gait, single-leg balance, and tandem balance) under 5 cognitive conditions (single task, subtraction, month reversal, spelling backward, and visual Stroop) in a research laboratory. The motor performance outcomes were spatiotemporal variables for gait and tandem gait and center of pressure path length (in centimeters) for single-leg and tandem balance. Cognitive outcomes were response rate (responses/second) and cognitive accuracy. We used separate repeated-measures analyses of variance for each motor and cognitive outcome with post hoc Tukey t tests.
RESULTS
Gait velocity, gait stride length, and tandem gait velocity demonstrated significant cognitive-motor interactions (P's < .001) such that all dual-task conditions resulted in varyingly slower or shorter movement than single task. Conversely, single-leg balance (P = .627) and tandem balance (P = .434) center of pressure path length did not significantly differ among the dual-task cognitive conditions or relative to single task. Statistically significant cognitive-motor interactions were observed only for spelling backward accuracy (P = .004) and response rates for spelling backward, month reversal, and visual Stroop (P's < .001) such that worse accuracy, but faster response rates, occurred during motor tasks.
CONCLUSIONS
Gait and tandem gait motor tasks accompanied with spelling backward or subtraction cognitive tasks demonstrated consistently strong dual-task effects and, therefore, may be the best suited for clinical and research use following concussion.
Topics: Humans; Brain Concussion; Male; Cross-Sectional Studies; Young Adult; Female; Postural Balance; Gait; Cognition; Task Performance and Analysis; Adult; Neuropsychological Tests
PubMed: 38897580
DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2023-0292 -
Arthroscopy : the Journal of... Jun 2024Posterior shoulder instability (PSI) is an uncommon condition accounting for 2-12% of shoulder instability cases. However, PSI might be more common and possibly accounts...
Posterior shoulder instability (PSI) is an uncommon condition accounting for 2-12% of shoulder instability cases. However, PSI might be more common and possibly accounts for up to 24% of all young, active patients treated for shoulder instability. The etiology of PSI is complex and multifactorial, making accurate diagnosis, classification and treatment challenging. The accurate diagnosis of PSI is problematic and varies with symptoms ranging from pain, decreased strength or endurance to mechanical symptoms such as clicking or popping and only a minority of patients present after a posterior shoulder dislocation. Appropriate imaging is necessary and should include radiographs and advanced imaging with MRI, preferably MRI arthrography. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent or reduce recurrence. Both surgical and conservative treatment is demanding and both osseous and soft tissue pathology needs to be addressed adequately. Typically, a conservative approach should be considered first for the first six months, with a focus on proprioceptive exercises, strengthening of the dynamic stabilizers and improving scapulothoracic mechanics. The primary indication for surgery is recurrent symptoms. Controversies exist regarding the choice between open and arthroscopic stabilization of soft tissue defects, the treatment of the McLauglin lesion and the management of osseous defects.
PubMed: 38897485
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2024.06.009 -
Disability and Rehabilitation Jun 2024To translate the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to Hungarian and to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the Hungarian version (HU-BBS).
PURPOSE
To translate the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to Hungarian and to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the Hungarian version (HU-BBS).
METHODS
In total, 150 institutionalised older adults were recruited for the study. Eighty-one participants completed the retesting. Internal consistency, intra- and inter-rater reliability, and 95% limits of agreement of the HU-BBS were examined. Construct validity was assessed through convergent, discriminant, and known-group validity.
RESULTS
The overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.943. The intra- and inter-rater reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.92). The Bland-Altman analysis revealed a mean inter-rater difference of 0.284 [-2.193-2.744] and a mean intra-rater difference of 0.259 [-2.657-3.162]. Regarding convergent validity, the HU-BBS was correlated with the functional status ( = 0.833), Timed Up and Go test (r= -0.824), and age (r= -0.606). The HU-BBS scores of women were similar to those of men ( = 0.104), showing discriminant validity. Additionally, the HU-BBS scores were lower among faller than among non-faller participants ( ˂ 0.0001), establishing known-group validity.
CONCLUSIONS
Translation and cultural adaptation of the original scale was successful. The HU-BBS proved to be a reliable, valid tool confirming that it can be used in future clinical and scientific work on Hungarian older adults.Implications for rehabilitationInstitutionalised older adults are vulnerable and at a high risk of developing further decline in postural control, contributing to an increase in limited functional mobility and risk for falls.The Berg Balance Scale is a widely used tool originally developed to measure postural control in older adults.The Hungarian version of the Berg Balance Scale tested on institutionalised older adults shows excellent test-retest reliability, good internal consistency, and acceptable convergent construct validity.The Hungarian version of the Berg Balance Scale is a valid and reliable tool for measuring postural control among Hungarian-speaking institutionalised older adults both in clinical practice and scientific studies.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Postural Balance; Hungary; Aged; Reproducibility of Results; Psychometrics; Aged, 80 and over; Geriatric Assessment; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Translations; Translating; Accidental Falls; Institutionalization
PubMed: 38896556
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2232717 -
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... Jun 2024Breast cancer surgery can cause changes in the anatomical structure of the shoulder and in shoulder mobility, leading to the increased possibility of long-term arm... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
PURPOSE
Breast cancer surgery can cause changes in the anatomical structure of the shoulder and in shoulder mobility, leading to the increased possibility of long-term arm morbidity such as lymphedema. This study aims to evaluate the active shoulder joint position sense (AJPS) with and without lymphedema in postmastectomy patients.
METHODS
A total of 66 women, including 22 patients with lymphedema, 22 patients without lymphedema, and 22 healthy controls, were enrolled in the study. Pain severity was evaluated with the Numeric Pain Scale and edema severity was measured with circumferentially at 10 cm intervals. The normal range of motion of the shoulder joint was evaluated with the universal goniometer and the AJPS was assessed by active position repetition testing at 55°, 90°, and 125° shoulder flexion targets using the smartphone application "Clinometer."
RESULTS
AJPS at 55°, 90°, and 125° shoulder flexion target angles with and without lymphedema were different in all target angles compared to healthy controls (p < 0.01). There was a difference between the absolute error value of AJPS at 55° flexion (p < 0.05), and no difference at 90° and 125° flexion between the with and without lymphedema groups (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
This study shows that the AJPS was negatively affected in with and without lymphedema postmastectomy patients compared to healthy controls. This result emphasizes the importance of adding personalized methods for the restoration of joint position sense in addition to rehabilitation programs generally applied to the patient group.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Mastectomy; Proprioception; Breast Neoplasms; Range of Motion, Articular; Shoulder Joint; Case-Control Studies; Adult; Aged; Lymphedema; Pain Measurement
PubMed: 38896143
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08651-8 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Postural instability is a common complication in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) associated with recurrent falls and fall-related injuries. The test of retropulsion,...
Postural instability is a common complication in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) associated with recurrent falls and fall-related injuries. The test of retropulsion, consisting of a rapid balance perturbation by a pull in the backward direction, is regarded as the gold standard for evaluating postural instability in PD and is a key component of the neurological examination and clinical rating in PD (e.g., MDS-UPDRS). However, significant variability in test execution and interpretation contributes to a low intra- and inter-rater test reliability. Here, we explore the potential for objective, vision-based assessment of the pull test (vPull) using 3D pose tracking applied to single-sensor RGB-Depth recordings of clinical assessments. The initial results in a cohort of healthy individuals ( = 15) demonstrate overall excellent agreement of vPull-derived metrics with the gold standard marker-based motion capture. Subsequently, in a cohort of PD patients and controls ( = 15 each), we assessed the inter-rater reliability of vPull and analyzed PD-related impairments in postural response (including pull-to-step latency, number of steps, retropulsion angle). These quantitative metrics effectively distinguish healthy performance from and within varying degrees of postural impairment in PD. vPull shows promise for straightforward clinical implementation with the potential to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of postural instability assessment and fall risk prediction in PD.
Topics: Humans; Parkinson Disease; Postural Balance; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Aged; Accidental Falls; Reproducibility of Results; Posture; Adult
PubMed: 38894463
DOI: 10.3390/s24113673 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024In the construction industry, falls, slips, and trips (FST) account for 42.3% of all accidents. The primary cause of FST incidents is directly related to the...
In the construction industry, falls, slips, and trips (FST) account for 42.3% of all accidents. The primary cause of FST incidents is directly related to the deterioration of workers' body stability. To prevent FST-related accidents, it is crucial to understand the interaction between physical fatigue and body stability in construction workers. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of fatigue on body stability in various construction site environments using Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) analysis. We conducted experiments reflecting six different fatigue levels and four environmental conditions. The analysis process involves comparing changes in DTW values derived from acceleration data obtained through wearable sensors across varying fatigue levels and construction environments. The results reveal the following changes in DTW values across different environments and fatigue levels: for non-obstacle, obstacle, water, and oil conditions, DTW values tend to increase as fatigue levels rise. In our experiments, we observed a significant decrease in body stability against external environments starting from fatigue Levels 3 or 4 (30% and 40% of the maximum failure point). In the non-obstacle condition, the DTW values were 9.4 at Level 0, 12.8 at Level 3, and 23.1 at Level 5. In contrast, for the oil condition, which exhibited the highest DTW values, the values were 10.5 at Level 0, 19.1 at Level 3, and 34.5 at Level 5. These experimental results confirm that the body stability of construction workers is influenced by both fatigue levels and external environmental conditions. Further analysis of recovery time, defined as the time it takes for body stability to return to its original level, revealed an increasing trend in recovery time as fatigue levels increased. This study quantitatively demonstrates through wearable sensor data that, as fatigue levels increase, workers experience decreased body stability and longer recovery times. The findings of this study can inform individual worker fatigue management in the future.
Topics: Humans; Construction Industry; Fatigue; Adult; Male; Postural Balance; Wearable Electronic Devices; Accidental Falls
PubMed: 38894258
DOI: 10.3390/s24113469 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Robotic devices are known to provide pivotal parameters to assess motor functions in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) as dynamic balance. However, there is still a lack of...
BACKGROUND
Robotic devices are known to provide pivotal parameters to assess motor functions in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) as dynamic balance. However, there is still a lack of validation studies comparing innovative technologies with standard solutions. Thus, this study's aim was to compare the postural assessment of fifty people with MS (PwMS) during dynamic tasks performed with the gold standard EquiTest and the robotic platform hunova, using Center of Pressure (COP)-related parameters and global balance indexes.
METHODS
Pearson's ρ correlations were run for each COP-related measure and the global balance index was computed from EquiTest and hunova in both open (EO) and closed-eyes (EC) conditions.
RESULTS
Considering COP-related parameters, all correlations were significant in both EO (0.337 ≤ ρ ≤ 0.653) and EC (0.344 ≤ ρ ≤ 0.668). Furthermore, Pearson's analysis of global balance indexes revealed relatively strong for visual and vestibular, and strong for somatosensory system associations (ρ = 0.573; ρ = 0.494; ρ = 0.710, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Findings confirm the use of hunova as a valid device for dynamic balance assessment in MS, suggesting that such a robotic platform could allow for a more sensitive assessment of balance over time, and thus a better evaluation of the effectiveness of personalized treatment, thereby improving evidence-based clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Postural Balance; Male; Robotics; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Self-Help Devices
PubMed: 38894116
DOI: 10.3390/s24113325