scholarly journals Changes in Dynamic Plantar Pressure During Loaded Gait

2013 ◽  
Vol 93 (9) ◽  
pp. 1175-1184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen L. Goffar ◽  
Rett J. Reber ◽  
Bryan C. Christiansen ◽  
Robert B. Miller ◽  
Jacob A. Naylor ◽  
...  

Background Lower extremity overuse injuries are detrimental to military readiness. Extremes of arch height and heavy loads carried by military personnel are associated with increased risk for overuse injury. Little is known regarding the impact of load carriage on plantar pressure distributions during gait. Objective The objective of this study was to determine how load carriage affects plantar pressure distributions during gait in individuals with varying arch types. Design A cross-sectional, repeated-measures design was used for the study. Methods The study was performed at a research laboratory at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Service members who were healthy and weighing ≥70 kg were enrolled in the study. The participants (97 men, 18 women; mean age=31.3 years, SD=5.6; mean weight=86.0 kg, SD=11.0) were categorized as having high-, normal-, or low-arched feet on the basis of published cutoff values for the arch height index. Plantar pressure measurements were obtained with the use of an in-shoe pressure measurement system while participants wore combat boots and walked on a treadmill under 3 loaded conditions (uniform, 20-kg load, and 40-kg load). Maximal force (MaxF) and force-time integral (FTI) were assessed with the use of a 9-sector mask to represent regions of the foot. A 3 × 3 repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for analysis across the levels of load and arch type. Results A significant interaction existed between arch type and load for MaxF and FTI in the medial midfoot, with greater force in low-arched feet. In the medial forefoot, MaxF and FTI were greatest in high-arched feet across all load conditions. In the great toe region, low-arched and normally arched feet had greater MaxF and FTI. The relative distribution of FTI increased proportionately in all regions of the foot regardless of arch type for all load conditions. Limitations The influence of fatigue, greater loads, and different walking speeds was not assessed. Conclusions Regardless of arch type, increases in load did not alter the relative distribution of force over the plantar foot during gait. Participants with high-arched feet had greater force in the medial forefoot region, whereas those with normally arched or low-arched feet had greater force in the great toe region, regardless of load. These differences in force distribution may demonstrate different strategies to generate a rigid lever during toe-off.

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 221-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Encarnación-Martínez ◽  
Ángel Gabriel Lucas-Cuevas ◽  
Pedro Pérez-Soriano ◽  
Ruperto Menayo ◽  
Gemma María Gea-García

AbstractHigh plantar pressure has been associated with increased risk of injury. The characteristics of each physical activity determine the load on the lower limbs. The influence of Nordic Walking (NW) technique on plantar pressure is still unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences between plantar pressure during NW with the Diagonal technique (DT) versus Alpha technique (AT) and compare them with the pressure obtained during normal walking (W). The normality and sphericity of the plantar pressure data were checked before performing a two-way repeated measures ANOVA in order to find differences between speeds (preferred, fast) and the gait (NW, W) as within-subject factors. Then, a t-test for independent measures was used to identify the specific differences between NW techniques. The strength of the differences was calculated by means of the effect size (ES). The results demonstrated that during NW with AT at preferred speed the pressure was lower under the Calcaneus, Lateral Metatarsal and Toes compared to the DT group (p = 0.046, ES = 1.49; p = 0.015, ES = 1.44; p = 0.040, ES = 1.20, respectively). No differences were found at the fast speed (p > 0.05). Besides the increase in walking speed during NW (p < 0.01), both technique groups showed lower pressure during NW compared to W under the Hallux and Central Metatarsal heads (F = 58.321, p = 0.000, ES = 2.449; F = 41.917, p = 0.012, ES = 1.365, respectively). As a practical conclusion, the AT technique may be the most effective of the NW techniques at reducing plantar pressure while allowing NW practitioners to achieve the physiological benefits of NW.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Nagel ◽  
Michael J Blackowicz ◽  
Foday Sahr ◽  
Olamide D Jarrett

The impact of the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment in Sierra Leone is unknown, especially for groups with higher HIV prevalence such as the military. Using a retrospective study design, clinical outcomes were evaluated prior to and during the epidemic for 264 HIV-infected soldiers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and their dependents receiving HIV treatment at the primary RSLAF HIV clinic. Medical records were abstracted for baseline clinical data and clinic attendance. Estimated risk of lost to follow-up (LTFU), default, and number of days without antiretroviral therapy (DWA) were calculated using repeated measures general estimating equations adjusted for age and gender. Due to missing data, 262 patients were included in the final analyses. There was higher risk of LTFU throughout the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone compared to the pre-Ebola baseline, with the largest increase in LTFU risk occurring at the peak of the epidemic (relative risk: 3.22, 95% CI: 2.22–4.67). There was an increased risk of default and DWA during the Ebola epidemic for soldiers but not for their dependents. The risk of LTFU, default, and DWA stabilized once the epidemic was largely resolved but remained elevated compared to the pre-Ebola baseline. Our findings demonstrate the negative and potentially lasting impact of the Ebola epidemic on HIV care in Sierra Leone and highlight the need to develop strategies to minimize disruptions in HIV care with future disease outbreaks.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 93
Author(s):  
Mary McCarron ◽  
Darren McCausland ◽  
Retha Luus ◽  
Andrew Allen ◽  
Fintan Sheerin ◽  
...  

Background: People with intellectual disability have increased risk of exposure to and adverse outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).They also face challenges to mental health and well-being from COVID-19-related social restrictions and service closures. Methods: Data from a supplemental COVID-19 survey from the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) (n=710) was used to assess outcomes from the first infection wave of COVID-19 among adults with intellectual disability aged 40+ years in Ireland. Data was gathered on testing, for symptoms and outcomes; procedures to manage COVID-19; and both stress/anxiety and positive experiences during the pandemic. Demographic and health-related data from the main IDS-TILDA dataset was included in analyses. Results: High rates were identified of health conditions associated with poorer COVID-19 outcomes, including overweight/obesity (66.6%, n=365), high cholesterol (38.6%, n=274) and cardiovascular disease (33.7%, n=239). Over half (53.5%, n=380) reported emotional, nervous or psychiatric disorders. Almost two-thirds (62.4%, n=443) were tested for COVID-19, with 10% (n=71) reporting symptoms and 2.5% (n=11) testing positive. There were no instances of COVID-19 related mortality. Common symptoms included fatigue, fever, and cough. Some participants (7.8%, n=55) moved from their usual home, most often to isolate (n=31) or relocate to a family home (n=11). Three-quarters (78.7%) of those who were symptomatic or who tested positive had plans to manage self-isolation and two-thirds were able to comply with guidelines. Over half (55%, n=383) reported some COVID-19 related stress/anxiety; and a similar proportion reported positive aspects during this period (58%, n=381). Conclusions: Our data suggests that people with intellectual disability avoided the worst impacts of COVID-19 during the first infection wave in Ireland. Nevertheless, participants’ health profiles suggest that this population remains at high risk for adverse infection outcomes. Repeated measures are needed to track health and well-being outcomes across multiple infection waves.


2009 ◽  
Vol 99 (4) ◽  
pp. 330-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph M. Molloy ◽  
Douglas S. Christie ◽  
Deydre S. Teyhen ◽  
Nancy S. Yeykal ◽  
Bradley S. Tragord ◽  
...  

Background: Research addressing the effect of running shoe type on the low- or high-arched foot during gait is limited. We sought 1) to analyze mean plantar pressure and mean contact area differences between low- and high-arched feet across three test conditions, 2) to determine which regions of the foot (rearfoot, midfoot, and forefoot) contributed to potential differences in mean plantar pressure and mean contact area, and 3) to determine the association between the static arch height index and the dynamic modified arch index. Methods: Plantar pressure distributions for 75 participants (40 low arched and 35 high arched) were analyzed across three conditions (nonshod, motion control running shoes, and cushioning running shoes) during treadmill walking. Results: In the motion control and cushioning shoe conditions, mean plantar contact area increased in the midfoot (28% for low arched and 68% for high arched), whereas mean plantar pressure decreased by approximately 30% relative to the nonshod condition. There was moderate to good negative correlation between the arch height index and the modified arch index. Conclusions: Cushioning and motion control running shoes tend to increase midfoot mean plantar contact area while decreasing mean plantar pressure across the low- or high-arched foot. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 99(4): 330–338, 2009)


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 956-956
Author(s):  
Emily Nicklett ◽  
Jianjia Cheng

Abstract The indirect impact of COVID-19 on food security of middle aged and older adults is not well understood. This study examines changes in risk factors for food security from 2018-2020 in a population-based sample. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (2018 and 2020 waves), we utilized generalized estimating equations (GEE) with repeated measures to examine factors associated with food insecurity among US adults aged 50 and older (n=3170) before COVID-19 and since COVID-19. The prevalence of food insecurity doubled from 2018 (4.83%) to 2020 (9.54%). In multivariate analyses, the population-averaged odds of experiencing food insecurity was 81% higher in 2020 compared to 2018. Other factors significantly associated with higher odds of food insecurity included being female (OR: 1.29), Black (OR: 1.46), lowest quintile for wealth (OR: 1.82), not working due to a disability (OR: 3.29), renting (OR: 2.04), greater IADL limitations (OR: 1.32), and greater number of chronic illness comorbidities (OR: 1.14). Factors significantly associated with lower odds of food insecurity included older age (65-74: OR: 0.73; 75+: OR: 0.56) and being above the median income level (OR: 0.47). Partnership status, education level, and ADL limitations were not significantly associated with the population-averaged odds of experiencing food insecurity. This study identified factors related to food insecurity among a community-dwelling sample of middle aged and older adults in the U.S. Future research should examine the impact of policies and intervention strategies to address the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on populations at increased risk of experiencing food insecurity.


Safety ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Sachini N.K. Kodithuwakku Arachchige ◽  
Harish Chander ◽  
Alana J. Turner ◽  
Samuel J. Wilson ◽  
Jeffrey D. Simpson ◽  
...  

Decrements to postural control manifest as an increase in muscle activity, indicating continuous attempts to maintain body equilibrium and postural stability. Extrinsic factors such as footwear, and intrinsic factors such as muscle fatigue, can affect postural stability. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of two types of military footwear and a military-type load-carrying task on lower extremity muscle activity during various postural stability tasks. Sixteen males’ (age: 26.63 ± 3.93 years; mass: 87 ± 12.4 kg; height: 178.04 ± 6.2 cm) muscle activity from knee flexors, extensors, ankle dorsiflexors, and plantar flexors were measured using electromyography in standard (STD) and minimalist (MIN) military footwear, before (PRE) and after (POST) a simulated workload during sensory organization and motor control tests on the Neurocom EquitestTM. Mean muscle activity was analyzed using 2 (footwear) × 2 (time) repeated measures ANOVA with an alpha level of 0.05. Results revealed a requirement of significantly greater muscle activity in POST and STD. MIN demonstrated lesser balance decrements POST workload, which could be attributed to its design characteristics. Results will help in suggesting footwear design characteristics to minimize muscular exertion while eliciting better postural control, and to prevent postural instability due to overexertion in military personnel.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 93
Author(s):  
Mary McCarron ◽  
Darren McCausland ◽  
Retha Luus ◽  
Andrew Allen ◽  
Fintan Sheerin ◽  
...  

Background: People with intellectual disability have increased risk of exposure to and adverse outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).They also face challenges to mental health and well-being from COVID-19-related social restrictions and service closures. Methods: Data from a supplemental COVID-19 survey from the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) (n=710) was used to assess outcomes from the first infection wave of COVID-19 among adults with intellectual disability aged 40+ years in Ireland. Data was gathered on testing, for symptoms and outcomes; procedures to manage COVID-19; and both stress/anxiety and positive experiences during the pandemic. Demographic and health-related data from the main IDS-TILDA dataset was included in analyses. Results: High rates were identified of health conditions associated with poorer COVID-19 outcomes, including overweight/obesity (66.6%, n=365), high cholesterol (38.6%, n=274) and cardiovascular disease (33.7%, n=239). Over half (53.5%, n=380) reported emotional, nervous or psychiatric disorders. Almost two-thirds (62.4%, n=443) were tested for COVID-19, with 10% (n=71) reporting symptoms and 2.5% (n=11) testing positive. There were no instances of COVID-19 related mortality. Common symptoms included fatigue, fever, and cough. Some participants (7.8%, n=55) moved from their usual home to isolate, most often (n=31) or relocate to a family home (n=11). Three-quarters (78.7%) of those who were symptomatic or who tested positive had plans to manage self-isolation and two-thirds were able to comply with guidelines. Over half (55%, n=383) reported some COVID-19 related stress/anxiety; and a similar proportion reported positive aspects during this period (58%, n=381). Conclusions: Our data suggests that people with intellectual disability avoided the worst impacts of COVID-19 during the first infection wave in Ireland. Nevertheless, participants’ health profiles suggest that this population remains at high risk for adverse infection outcomes. Repeated measures are needed to track health and well-being outcomes across multiple infection waves.


Author(s):  
Ping Shi ◽  
Youfang Fang ◽  
Mingming Guo ◽  
Hongliu Yu

AbstractAsymmetrical load carriage is a popular method used among people in daily life. This study investigated the impact of asymmetrical load carriage and the load mass spatiotemporal parameters associated with gait patterns. Twelve participants were recorded as they walked under six load conditions. The loads included a control condition in which individuals carried no added load and loads of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% body weight carried with their right hand. Parameters used to describe the spatiotemporal characteristics of gait were quantified and analyzed. The results of the study demonstrated that the gait patterns of the individuals were affected by increases in the carried load. The loaded right side was more sensitive to changes in the loads carried. Overall, we conclude that the spatiotemporal parameters actually depend on the combination of both loading mass and the side that was loaded.


2017 ◽  
Vol 87 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 10-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salah Gariballa ◽  
Awad Alessa

Abstract. Background: ill health may lead to poor nutrition and poor nutrition to ill health, so identifying priorities for management still remains a challenge. The aim of this report is to present data on the impact of plasma zinc (Zn) depletion on important health outcomes after adjusting for other poor prognostic indicators in hospitalised patients. Methods: Hospitalised acutely ill older patients who were part of a large randomised controlled trial had their nutritional status assessed using anthropometric, hematological and biochemical data. Plasma Zn concentrations were measured at baseline, 6 weeks and at 6 months using inductively- coupled plasma spectroscopy method. Other clinical outcome measures of health were also measured. Results: A total of 345 patients assessed at baseline, 133 at 6 weeks and 163 at 6 months. At baseline 254 (74%) patients had a plasma Zn concentration below 10.71 μmol/L indicating biochemical depletion. The figures at 6 weeks and 6 months were 86 (65%) and 114 (70%) patients respectively. After adjusting for age, co-morbidity, nutritional status and tissue inflammation measured using CRP, only muscle mass and serum albumin showed significant and independent effects on plasma Zn concentrations. The risk of non-elective readmission in the 6-months follow up period was significantly lower in patients with normal Zn concentrations compared with those diagnosed with Zn depletion (adjusted hazard ratio 0.62 (95% CI: 0.38 to 0.99), p = 0.047. Conclusions: Zn depletion is common and associated with increased risk of readmission in acutely-ill older patients, however, the influence of underlying comorbidity on these results can not excluded.


VASA ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 313-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lea Weingarz ◽  
Marc Schindewolf ◽  
Jan Schwonberg ◽  
Carola Hecking ◽  
Zsuzsanna Wolf ◽  
...  

Abstract. Background: Whether screening for thrombophilia is useful for patients after a first episode of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a controversial issue. However, the impact of thrombophilia on the risk of recurrence may vary depending on the patient’s age at the time of the first VTE. Patients and methods: Of 1221 VTE patients (42 % males) registered in the MAISTHRO (MAin-ISar-THROmbosis) registry, 261 experienced VTE recurrence during a 5-year follow-up after the discontinuation of anticoagulant therapy. Results: Thrombophilia was more common among patients with VTE recurrence than those without (58.6 % vs. 50.3 %; p = 0.017). Stratifying patients by the age at the time of their initial VTE, Cox proportional hazards analyses adjusted for age, sex and the presence or absence of established risk factors revealed a heterozygous prothrombin (PT) G20210A mutation (hazard ratio (HR) 2.65; 95 %-confidence interval (CI) 1.71 - 4.12; p < 0.001), homozygosity/double heterozygosity for the factor V Leiden and/or PT mutation (HR 2.35; 95 %-CI 1.09 - 5.07, p = 0.030), and an antithrombin deficiency (HR 2.12; 95 %-CI 1.12 - 4.10; p = 0.021) to predict recurrent VTE in patients aged 40 years or older, whereas lupus anticoagulants (HR 3.05; 95%-CI 1.40 - 6.66; p = 0.005) increased the risk of recurrence in younger patients. Subgroup analyses revealed an increased risk of recurrence for a heterozygous factor V Leiden mutation only in young females without hormonal treatment whereas the predictive value of a heterozygous PT mutation was restricted to males over the age of 40 years. Conclusions: Our data do not support a preference of younger patients for thrombophilia testing after a first venous thromboembolic event.


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