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Acta Bioeng Biomech 2018 ;20(4):69-76

Laboratory of Functional Anatomy, Faculty of Motor Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.

Purpose: Many pregnant women suffer from pelvic girdle pain (PGP) during pregnancy. Etiologies are multifactorial and affect the joint stability of the sacroiliac joint. Pelvic belts could restore stability and reduce pain during gait. Read More

Acta Bioeng Biomech 2018 ;20(4):139-144

Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.

Purpose: The effect of age on structural foot characteristics as well as on the plantar pressure distribution has been shown previously. However, the number of studies focused also on gender gait differences of elderly is lacking. The purpose of this study was to compare dynamic gait characteristic in younger and older elderly and to investigate the gender differences as the life-long load and footwear choice differ in males and females. Read More

Acta Bioeng Biomech 2018 ;20(3):3-9

University of Ostrava, Faculty of Education, Department of Human Movement Studies, Ostrava, Czech Republic.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine how minimalist running shoes (MRS), conventional running shoes (CRS) and the dominance of lower limbs influence the running gait.

Methods: Trained recreational runners (N = 13) who have been engaged in regulary running for more than one year were participants in this study. They were experienced with using MRS and CRS for more than half year and they used both types of shoes. Read More

Motor Control 2018 Dec 5:1-10. Epub 2018 Dec 5.

5 The University of Queensland.

Multifractal analyses have been used in recent years as a way of studying balance, with the goal of understanding the patterns of movement of the center of pressure at different spatial scales. A multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis was used to compare obese and nonobese children to investigate the cause of previously demonstrated deficiencies in balance for obese children. Twenty-two children (11 obese and 11 nonobese), aged 8-15 years, performed 30-s trials of bilateral static balance on a plantar pressure distribution measuring device. Read More

J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2018 Nov 23. Epub 2018 Nov 23.

Objective: To examine the immediate effect on dynamic and static balance of a manual protocol of plantar stimulation in healthy subjects.

Materials And Method: Of the 144 healthy and physically active volunteers recruited, 98 subjects participated. Subjects were randomly assigned and allocated to the experimental group (EG) (n= 50), in which a 10-min manual protocol of plantar stimulation was applied on the right foot, or to the control group (CG) (n= 48). Read More

Foot Ankle Surg 2018 Nov 13. Epub 2018 Nov 13.

Tianjin First Center Hospital, Fukang Road No. 24, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300192, China. Electronic address:

Background: To conduct a meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of general ESWT with that of other therapies and to assess its effectiveness in chronic plantar fasciitis.

Methods: A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library for information from the earliest date of data collection to March 2018. Studies comparing the benefits and risks of extracorporeal shock wave therapy with those of other therapies for chronic plantar fasciitis were included. Read More

J Bone Joint Surg Am 2018 Dec;100(23):2015-2023

Movement Science Lab (K.A.J., A.L.E., and W.R.S.) and Department of Orthopaedics (L.A.K.), Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas, Texas.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess function, at the age of 10 years, of children initially treated nonoperatively for clubfoot with either the Ponseti or French physiotherapy program and to compare outcomes in feet that had undergone only nonoperative treatment with those that required subsequent surgery.

Methods: Gait analysis, isokinetic ankle strength, parent-reported outcomes, and daily step activity data were collected when patients who had been treated for idiopathic clubfoot reached the age of 10 years. Patients who had undergone only nonoperative treatment were compared with those who subsequently underwent extra-articular surgery or intra-articular surgery (posterior release or posteromedial release). Read More

Int J Dermatol 2018 Dec 4. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

Department of Dermatology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, I+12 Research Institute, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.

Sensors (Basel) 2018 Nov 30;18(12). Epub 2018 Nov 30.

College of Electronic Information Engineering & Hebei Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China.

The center of plantar pressure (COP) reflects the dynamic balance of subjects to a certain extent. In this study, wearable pressure insoles are designed, body pose measure is detected by the Kinect sensor, and a balance evaluation system is formulated. With the designed games for the interactive actions, the Kinect sensor reads the skeletal poses to judge whether the desired action is performed, and the pressure insoles simultaneously collect the plantar pressure data. Read More

Cell Rep 2018 Nov 29. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Electronic address:

Haired skin is a defining characteristic of mammals. However, some specialized skin regions, such as human palms, soles and ventral wrist, and mouse plantar foot, are entirely hairless. Using mouse plantar skin as a model system, we show that the endogenous secreted Wnt inhibitor DKK2 suppresses plantar hair follicle development and permits the formation of hairless skin. Read More

Foot Ankle Surg 2018 Nov 22. Epub 2018 Nov 22.

Ankle and Foot Medicine and Surgery of UNIFESP - Paulista Medical School, Brazil.

Background: Although the classic definition of the Turf-toe injury refers to a very specific clinical and pathological picture, we think that the concept can be broadened to encompass a wide variety of traumatic lesions of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP1). These are lesions typically difficult to diagnose, with a large variation of outcomes and a potential to impair patients' functional performance on a definitive and perennial basis. The objective of this study is to present the result obtained by treating 24 cases of traumatic injuries to the MTP1 joint in a midterm follow-up time. Read More

Neurosci Lett 2018 Nov 27;694:99-103. Epub 2018 Nov 27.

Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, LNSC (Laboratoire de Neurosciences Sensorielles et Cognitives-UMR 7260), Marseille, France. Electronic address:

Kinesthesia, the perception of our own body movements, relies on the integration of proprioceptive information arising mostly from muscle spindles, which are sensory receptors in skeletal muscles. We recently showed that emotions alter the proprioceptive messages from such muscle afferents, making them more sensitive to muscle lengthening when participants were listening sad music. Presently, we investigated whether these changes in proprioceptive feedback relating to emotional state may affect the perception of limb movements. Read More

J Vasc Surg 2018 Nov 26. Epub 2018 Nov 26.

Vascular Surgery Service, San Antonio Military Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Tex; Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Md. Electronic address:

Objective: Functionally limiting exertional lower extremity pain and neurologic symptoms are commonly encountered in military and civilian settings. Exertional muscle compression of the popliteal artery (PA) and tibial nerve in the proximal calf (the "popliteal outlet") can be associated with these symptoms but is rarely investigated as a cause. Exertional ankle-brachial index (EABI) and dynamic PA ultrasound imaging may be suitable to screen for this syndrome of "functional" popliteal entrapment, but neither has been rigorously studied. Read More

Gait Posture 2018 Nov 12;68:181-186. Epub 2018 Nov 12.

Motion Innovation Center, Korea National Sport University, 1239, Yangjaedaero, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05541, Republic of Korea.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate how lower extremity kinematics and kinetics change when running downhill.

Methods: Fifteen male recreational runners ran on an instrumented treadmill with three different slope conditions [level (0°), moderate (-6°), and steep (-9°)] at a controlled speed of 3.2 m/s. Read More

Poult Sci 2018 Nov 29. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Institute of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany.

The present study shows the prevalence and severity of foot pad dermatitis (FPD) in turkeys reared in organic production systems assessed at slaughterhouses in Germany. The investigations of altogether 1,860 turkeys of the strains Kelly Broad Breasted Bronze (Kelly BBB; 540 toms, 540 hens) and British United Turkeys (B.U. Read More

Med Sci Sports Exerc 2018 Nov 26. Epub 2018 Nov 26.

Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.

Microvascular function is reduced with age, disease, and inactivity. Exercise is well known to improve vascular health and has the potential to improve microvascular function in aging and disease.

Purpose: The study aimed to assess changes in peripheral microvascular function in sedentary older adults following aerobic exercise training. Read More

Oxf Med Case Reports 2018 Dec 26;2018(12):omy105. Epub 2018 Nov 26.

Department of Oncology, Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, Horfield Road, Bristol, UK.

Cabozantinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor which is increasingly being used for the treatment of metastatic renal cell cancer. Skin toxicity such as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia is not uncommon with such agents. However, bullous skin reactions are not common and we report the case of a patient with metastatic renal cell cancer who experienced such cutaneous toxicity. Read More

Mymensingh Med J 2018 Oct;27(4):798-804

Dr Md Saiful Islam, Associate Professor, Orthopedic Surgery, Community Based Medical College Bangladesh, Mymensingh.

We conducted a study to evaluate the reliability of the medial hemi-soleus muscle flap for wound coverage of infected open fracture of distal third of tibia. Wound coverage of exposed lower third tibia and ankle region remains a difficult task. Muscle flaps are preferred for infected wounds especially where there are exposed bone, joint and/or tendons. Read More

Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2018 Nov 29. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Department of Neurology, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital.

We present the unique case of a patient with lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy (LRPN) and a small intramedullary lesion, probably an infarction, in the spinal cord. A previously healthy 58-year-old female developed acute severe pain involving the entire right lower limb, followed by weakness of the right lower limb a few hours later. The patient could not walk and was referred to our clinic. Read More

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2018 Nov 29;19(11):3039-3044. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Pathology and Stem Cell Research Center, erman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Email:

Breast cancer is the first of the most important causes of the deaths of women in the world and in Iran. There are various causes and causes of this cancer, one of which has recently been described as a cause of breast cancer, is the human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV is transmitted through sexual contact and skin lesions. Read More

Int J Dent Hyg 2018 Nov 28. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

Department of Dental Hygiene, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea.

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to analyze the effects of working posture, physical balance, and work accumulation on shifts in plantar pressure in dental hygienists, by measuring REBA, which evaluates working posture, and plantar pressure, which evaluates physical balance.

Methods: This study was conducted on 24 dental hygienists currently working in dental clinics. The ergonomic assessment method of the Rapid Entire Body Assessment was used to evaluate working posture in the dental hygienists, and a Gait Analyzer was used to measure plantar pressure. Read More

An Bras Dermatol 2018 Nov/Dec;93(6):878-880

Division of Dermatopathology, Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil.

Granuloma annulare is a relatively common, idiopathic, benign inflammatory dermatosis, with a varied clinical presentation that often makes diagnosis difficult. It mainly affects the extremities, such as the dorsa of the hands and feet, forearms and legs. Palmar and plantar regions are generally spared. Read More

Int J Hyperthermia 2018 Nov 1:1-10. Epub 2018 Nov 1.

a Institute of Sport Science and Innovations , Lithuanian Sports University , Kaunas , LT , Lithuania.

Healthy aging is associated with a progressive decline in motor performance and thermoregulatory efficiency. Functional consequences of severe whole-body hyperthermia on neurophysiological functions in healthy aged men have not been investigated. To determine whether severe whole-body hyperthermia (increase in rectal temperature of about 2. Read More

Foot Ankle Spec 2018 Nov 28:1938640018816373. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

Intercuneiform arthrodesis is often required for various midfoot pathologies; however, intercuneiform screw insertion is not easy due to the complicated anatomical structure of cuneiforms. This study aimed to determine the advisable screw entry point and direction using intraoperatively detectable landmarks. The computed tomography (CT) scan data of feet were reformatted using OsiriX software multiplanar reconstruction. Read More

Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc 2018 Oct 25. Epub 2018 Oct 25.

Mersin University, School of Medicine, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Mersin, Turkey.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the alterations of walking energy expenditure and plantar pressure distribution in young adults with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

Methods: Thirty five individuals (mean age: 21.31 ± 1. Read More

Foot Ankle Surg 2018 Nov 15. Epub 2018 Nov 15.

Pediatric Orthopedic Department, Necker Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris Descartes University, 149 Rue de Sevres, 75015 Paris, France; Pediatric Orthopedic Department, Saint Vincent de Paul Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris Descartes University, 74 Avenue Denfert-Rochereau, 75015 Paris, France.

Background: Various techniques have been proposed for the treatment of cavovarus feet (CVF). The aim of this study was to report outcomes of the revisited Meary's dorsal closing wedge tarsectomy for fixed CVF secondary to Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease.

Methods: All CVF operated on between 1977 and 2011 were included. Read More

Hum Mov Sci 2018 Nov 24;63:10-19. Epub 2018 Nov 24.

Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Sporto Str. 6, Lt-44221 Kaunas, Lithuania. Electronic address:

Acute whole-body hyperthermia (WBH) increases blood markers concentration of stress, impairs motor drive to exercising muscles, and decreases resistance to neuromuscular fatigability. The functional natural residual consequences of WBH on neuromuscular functions remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the effects of residual WBH on voluntary and electrically induced ankle plantar flexor contractility properties, motor drive transmission (reflexes), muscle torque steadiness, resistance to neuromuscular fatigability, and markers of stress as the body temperature recovers naturally to normothermia. Read More

PeerJ 2018 15;6:e5968. Epub 2018 Nov 15.

College of Systems Engineering and Science, Shibaura Institute of Technology, Saitama, Japan.

The current study tested the hypothesis that voluntary activation during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) conditionally depends on sex and joint action. Twenty-eight healthy adults (14 of each sex) performed knee extensor MVC and plantar flexor MVC at extended and flexed knee positions. Voluntary activation during MVC was assessed using a twitch interpolation technique. Read More

BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2018 22;10:20. Epub 2018 Nov 22.

2Institute of Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC Australia.

Background: Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is a lower leg injury with a reported incidence rate of up to 35% in active individuals. Although numerous prospective studies have tried to identify risk factors for developing MTSS, managing the syndrome remains difficult. One risk factor yet to be extensively explored in MTSS development is reduced lower leg girth. Read More

J Foot Ankle Res 2018 21;11:62. Epub 2018 Nov 21.

1School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, PO Box 127, Ourimbah, NSW 2258 Australia.

Background: Accurate measurement of ankle joint dorsiflexion is clinically important as a restriction has been linked to many foot and ankle pathologies, as well as increased ulcer risk and delayed ulcer healing in people with diabetes. Use of the reliable weight bearing (WB) Lunge test is limited as normal and restricted ranges for WB ankle joint dorsiflexion are not identified. Additionally the extent of WB dorsiflexion restriction that results in clinically adverse outcomes is unclear. Read More

J Sports Sci Med 2018 Dec 20;17(4):640-649. Epub 2018 Nov 20.

School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of two fatigue protocols on lower-limb joint mechanics, stiffness and energy absorption during drop landings. Fifteen male athletes completed landing tasks before and after two fatigue protocols (constant speed running [R-FP] and repeated shuttle sprint plus vertical jump [SJ-FP]). Sagittal plane lower-limb kinematics and ground reaction forces were recorded. Read More

J Dance Med Sci 2018 Dec;22(4):225-232

Center for Musculoskeletal Care, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.

Dancers exert tremendous stresses on the lower extremities rendering them prone to injuries that can curtail training and performance. The goal of this study was to evaluate clinical improvement in a population of elite dancers following treatment with ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections of various lower extremity sites by assessing when they were able to return to dance. Nineteen dancers (13 female, 6 male; ages 15 to 42) were treated between 2009 and 2016 at sites that included: hamstring tendon (1), proximal iliotibial band (1), patellar tendon (3), posterior tibial tendon (5), peroneus brevis tendon (3), plantar fascia (3), and the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint capsule (3). Read More

J Dance Med Sci 2018 Dec;22(4):209-217

Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.

While an important step in a young dancer's ballet career is the transition to pointe work, there is much controversy as to when her body is physically prepared to meet the increased demands of this development. Pointe screening protocols are being used by many in both the dance studio and dance science communities, but these protocols have not yet been standardized. The purpose of this study was to evaluate objectively the attributes of ballet dancers who are pre-pointe compared to those who have recently begun pointe training, and secondarily to correlate these quantitative findings with qualitative evaluations by the dancers' teachers. Read More

JBJS Essent Surg Tech 2015 May 10;5(2):e11. Epub 2015 Jun 10.

Foot Surgery and Pediatric Orthopaedics, ATOS Clinic Heidelberg, Bismarckstraße 9-15, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany.

Introduction: A successful adjusted treatment algorithm for the correction of cavovarus foot deformity requires soft-tissue balancing procedures, in particular total split posterior tibial tendon transfer (T-SPOTT), in combination with adjunctive corrective procedures depending on the degree of deformity.

Step 1 Surgical Preparation: Place the patient in a supine position and follow a standard aseptic surgical disinfection and draping protocol, allowing access to the iliac crest.

Step 2 Steindler Release Of The Plantar Aponeurosis: Use a medial approach to access and transect the plantar aponeurosis. Read More

Gait Posture 2018 Nov 16;68:150-154. Epub 2018 Nov 16.

Health, Exercise and Active Living Research, Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom.

Background: Achondroplasia is characterised by a shorter appendicular limb-to-torso ratio, compared to age matched individuals of average stature (controls). Previous work shows gait kinematics of individuals with Achondroplasia differing to controls, but no global quantification of gait has been made in adults with Achondroplasia.

Aim: The aim of this study was to quantify gait differences between a group of adult males with Achondroplasia and controls during self-selected walking (SSW) using the Gait Profile Score (GPS). Read More

Disabil Rehabil 2018 Nov 25:1-4. Epub 2018 Nov 25.

c Division of Metabolic Diseases and Auxology , Italian Institute of Auxology, IRRCS , Piancavallo , Italy.

Purpose: Obesity increases the stresses applied to the foot. Ergonomic rocker sole shoes increase energy expenditure of standing and walking in obese individuals but could potentially alter plantar pressure distribution. The aim of this study was to compare plantar pressure distribution during standing and walking between rocker sole and flat-bottomed shoes in obese subjects. Read More

Equine Vet J 2018 Nov 25. Epub 2018 Nov 25.

Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 300 West Drake Road, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.

Background: Lameness can be multifactorial and may result from the accumulation of multiple seemingly unrelated causes. The identification of factors associated with lameness could be one method to decrease incidence of lameness and prolong the equine athlete's competitive life.

Objectives: To determine if there is an association between hoof balance in the sagittal plane and hindlimb lameness. Read More

Gait Posture 2018 Nov 16;68:115-121. Epub 2018 Nov 16.

Laboratory of Applied Neurophysiology and Biology, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 808 route de Lennik, 1070 Brussels, Belgium. Electronic address:

Background: The Hoffmann (H) reflex can provide relevant information on spinal control of leg muscles during locomotor tasks in young and older adults.

Research Question: Is the H reflex in the leg muscles differently modulated during stair gait in young and older adults?

Method: The H reflex in soleus (SOL) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) (normalized to the maximal M-wave amplitude obtained during upright standing; M) was recorded in 19 young and 18 older adults during upright standing, and stair ascent and descent of a 3-step staircase.

Results: H-reflex amplitude during upright standing was greater in young than older adults for SOL (48% vs. Read More

Sensors (Basel) 2018 Nov 22;18(12). Epub 2018 Nov 22.

Kevin P. Granata Biomechanics Lab, Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.

Clinically feasible methods for quantifying landing kinetics could help identify patients at risk for secondary anterior cruciate ligament injuries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and between-day repeatability of the loadsol insole during a single-hop and bilateral stop-jump. Thirty healthy recreational athletes completed seven single-hops and seven stop-jumps while simultaneous loadsol (100 Hz) and force plate (1920 Hz) measurements were recorded. Read More

Int J Surg Case Rep 2018 Nov 1;53:316-321. Epub 2018 Nov 1.

Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Regenerative and Transplant Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Asahimachi-dori 1, Niigata 951-8510, Japan. Electronic address:

Introduction: The common treatment for hallux interphalangeal joint dislocation is closed reduction, but some cannot be reduced by interposition of the sesamoid or the plantar plate in the interphalangeal joint, and such cases need open reduction.

Presentation Of Case: In case 1, the patient was a 17-year-old boy who was injured when a motorcycle fell on his right hallux. X-ray revealed Miki type 2 IP joint dislocation. Read More

Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2018 Nov 23. Epub 2018 Nov 23.

Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, GMC, Kota, Rajasthan, India.

Background And Aim: Treatment of palmoplantar warts is a challenge for dermatologists. We aimed to study the efficacy and safety of Falknor's needling method in palmoplantar warts.

Methods: In an open, nonrandomized study, the index wart of eligible patients was punctured several times with a 26-gauge needle to produce a "beefy" red wound. Read More

Rev Esp Cir Ortop Traumatol 2018 Nov 19. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

Servicio de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, España.

Introduction: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is one of the most frequent causes of thalalgia and disability. The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy is an ideal alternative to conservative treatments.

Objetive: To evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment with Piezoelectric Focal Shock Waves with echographic support and maintenance of the effect at 3 and 6 months. Read More

Foot Ankle Int 2018 Nov 22:1071100718811638. Epub 2018 Nov 22.

2 Human Anatomy and Resource Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Background:: Weight-bearing radiographic analysis of pes planus deformities show, with varying degree of severity, a break in the Meary line. The break in the Meary line occurs not only at the talonavicular joint but also distal to the spring ligament and reported tibialis posterior insertion. Our aim in this study was to investigate the distal plantar ligaments of the medial longitudinal arch, to try to identify other areas where deformity correction could be affected. Read More

J Pain Res 2018 30;11:2663-2674. Epub 2018 Oct 30.

Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,

Background: Oxycodone, which is one of the most commonly used opiates in postoperative pain management, has a different affinity for μ-opioid receptors (MOR), κ-opioid receptors (KOR), and δ-opioid receptors (DOR). Accumulating research has suggested that neurotrophins (NTs) are involved in opioid analgesia. In the current exploratory study, we aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the analgesic effects of oxycodone on post-surgery pain in rats and to determine whether neurotrophic factors and receptors were involved in these effects. Read More

J Phys Ther Sci 2018 Nov 6;30(11):1377-1380. Epub 2018 Nov 6.

Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Japan.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of baseline muscle tendon unit stiffness on static stretching. [Participants and Methods] Eighteen healthy males were divided into two groups according to their muscle tendon unit stiffness as follows: High (n=9) and Low (n=9). Flexibility assessment was performed before and after 10 minutes of static stretching. Read More

J Neuroeng Rehabil 2018 Nov 21;15(1):111. Epub 2018 Nov 21.

Center for the Intrepid, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, JBSA Ft, Sam Houston, TX, USA.

Background: Ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) are commonly prescribed to provide functional assistance for patients with lower limb injuries or weakness. Their passive mechanical elements can provide some energy return to improve walking ability, but cannot restore plantar flexor push-off. Powered AFOs provide an assistive torque about the ankle to address the limitations of passive devices, but current designs have yet to be implemented on a large scale clinically. Read More

Phys Sportsmed 2018 Nov 21:1-8. Epub 2018 Nov 21.

b Department of Marine Sports , Pukyoung National University , Busan , Republic of Korea.

Objectives: Foot pronation is considered as a potential risk factor of lower leg overuse injury. This study aimed to identify plantar pressure characteristics of elite athletes with exercise-induced leg pain in throwing athletic disciplines, and to verify the acute effect of taping for restricting foot pronation by analyzing the plantar pressure characteristics.

Methods: This study was designed as a description and comparison of throwing athletic athletes. Read More

Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2018 Nov 14;26:e3067. Epub 2018 Nov 14.

Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, Grupo Cuidados enfermeros integrales, Perspectiva multidisciplinar, Córdoba, Andalucía, Spain.

Objective: to evaluate the application of a noninvasive intervention consisting of a postural modification using personalized models and osteopathy in people with occipital neuralgia.

Method: retrospective study of the intervention performed in adult population with occipital neuralgia, consisting of postural modification using personalized plantar orthoses and osteopathy, in a study period of four years. The observed variables were: persistence of headache, alignment of the axes, plantar support, center of gravity and center of mass; medical interview data, visual analogue scale, Win-Track gait analysis system and Kinovea software for video analysis (clinical assessment instruments used). Read More

J Appl Physiol (1985) 2018 Nov 21. Epub 2018 Nov 21.

School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia.

The human foot is uniquely stiff to enable forward propulsion, yet also possesses sufficient elasticity to act as an energy store, recycling mechanical energy during locomotion. Historically this dichotomous function has been attributed to the passive contribution of the plantar aponeurosis. However, recent evidence highlights the potential for muscles to actively modulate the energetic function of the foot. Read More

Exp Brain Res 2018 Nov 20. Epub 2018 Nov 20.

Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of lower limbs elicits muscle contractions through the activation of efferent fibers and concomitant recruitment of afferent fibers, which can modulate excitability of the central nervous system. However, neural mechanisms of NMES and how unilateral stimulation of the soleus affects spinal reflexes in multiple lower limb muscles bilaterally remains unknown. Twelve able-bodied participants were recruited, and spinal reflex excitability changes were tested after four interventions, each applied for 60 s, on the right plantar flexors: (1) motor-level NMES; (2) sensory-level NMES; (3) voluntary contraction; (4) rest. Read More