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Podiatry and Health

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Care Sciences & Services".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2020) | Viewed by 55167

Special Issue Editors

Research, Health and Podiatry Group, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, Universidade da Coruña, 150403 Ferrol, Spain
Interests: biomechanics; quality of life; shoes; pain; epidemiology; orthopedics; podiatry; prevention and promotion of the health; rehabilitation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: feet; ligaments; muscles; musculoskeletal disorders; reliability; sports; tendons; ultrasonography; validation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
Interests: health care; biomechanics; quality of life; shoes; pain; epidemiology; orthopedic; podiatry; prevention and promotion of the health; rehabilitation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
University Center of Plasencia, Universidad de Extremadura, 10600 Plasencia, Spain
Interests: biomechanics; quality of life; shoes; pain; epidemiology; orthopedics; podiatry; prevention and promotion of the health; rehabilitation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: ligaments; muscles; myofascial pain syndrome; musculoskeletal disorders; sports; tendons; ultrasonography
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Podiatry is the branch of health sciences concerned with the research, assessment, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all foot and ankle conditions associated with the human body. This is done using established conservative or surgical podiatric methods. 

This Special Issue seeks novel research papers related to podiatry and health, particularly any clinical subject areas such as 1) biomechanics and bioengineering, 2) dermatology, 3) diabetology and metabolic syndrome, 4) epidemiology, 5) foot and ankle surgery, 6) gerontology and geriatrics, 7) orthotics and prosthetics, 8) pediatrics, 9) prevention and promotion health, 10) physical therapy, 11) sports, and 12) radiology. We encourage the submission of interdisciplinary work and multi-national collaborative research. We also encourage the submission of original research of  the policy, organization and delivery of services related to health systems that focus on issues related to foot and ankle health.  

We welcome novel research papers using different study designs as well as systematic reviews and meta-analysis.

Prof. Dr. Daniel López-López
Prof. Dr. Ricardo Becerro de Bengoa Vallejo
Prof. Dr. Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias
Prof. Dr. David Rodríguez Sanz
Prof. Dr. Patricia Palomo-López
Prof. Dr. César Calvo-Lobo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biomechanics
  • quality of life
  • shoes
  • pain
  • epidemiology
  • orthopedic
  • podiatry
  • prevention and promotion of the health
  • rehabilitation
  • foot problems
  • foot and ankle surgery

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

7 pages, 312 KiB  
Article
Distribution of Plantar Pressure in Soccer Players
by Arletta Hawrylak, Anna Brzeźna and Krystyna Chromik
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 4173; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18084173 - 15 Apr 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2375
Abstract
(1) Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in the static and dynamic distribution of foot pressure on the ground and to investigate the relationships between body mass index (BMI) and mean variables of plantar pressure between soccer players and [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in the static and dynamic distribution of foot pressure on the ground and to investigate the relationships between body mass index (BMI) and mean variables of plantar pressure between soccer players and their non-athlete peers. (2) Methods: The study involved 18 first-division Polish soccer players and 30 non-athlete physiotherapy students. The research experiment was conducted using the FreeMed platform. Basic descriptive statistics were calculated to summarize the variables. Additionally, in the static and dynamic tests, Spearman’s rank correlations between body mass index (BMI) and plantar load were calculated. (3) Results: Statistically significant differences between groups were observed in the loading of the dominant limb. A statistically significant correlation between BMI and loading of both limbs was found in the static test and between BMI and loading of the dominant limb in the dynamic test. (4) Conclusions: The baropodometric mat used in our study helped determine the plantar pressure distribution of soccer players and their non-athlete peers. Correlation analysis revealed that BMI was only associated with the mean plantar pressure of the dominant limb in the control group. Further research on a larger group of athletes is needed to determine how much sporting activity may affect the development to modifications within feet in soccer players. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Podiatry and Health)
11 pages, 662 KiB  
Article
Degree of Impact of Tailor’s Bunion on Quality of Life: A Case–Control Study
by Victoria Mazoteras-Pardo, Ricardo Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo, Marta Losa-Iglesias, Patricia Palomo-López, Daniel López-López, César Calvo-Lobo, Carlos Romero-Morales and Israel Casado-Hernández
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(2), 736; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18020736 - 16 Jan 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 7444
Abstract
Tailor’s bunion (TB) disease should be considered one of the foot injuries that causes disability in feet as well as general health. This case–control descriptive study investigated and contrasted the effects of different TB types in a sociodemographic population using the Foot Health [...] Read more.
Tailor’s bunion (TB) disease should be considered one of the foot injuries that causes disability in feet as well as general health. This case–control descriptive study investigated and contrasted the effects of different TB types in a sociodemographic population using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). A sample of 100 subjects with a mean age of 51.70 ± 17.78 years was recruited and requested to reply to a foot health survey. Results were self-reported. Subjects were scored. Participants with TB type III (TB3) registered lower scores for foot pain, foot function, footwear, and foot health. Physical activity and social capacity had higher scores, and vigor and general health were lower. A Kruskal–Wallis test was used for systematic differences between the FHSQ and different TB types. In all analyses, statistical significance was considered a p-value <0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. Statistically significant differences were found between all domains of the FHSQ and TB, except for the social capacity domain and vigor. The FHSQ is an important measurement tool in TB subjects, showing that factors such as sex, age, and footwear used throughout an individual’s life are significantly associated with the development of TB3 and its influence on foot pain and foot health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Podiatry and Health)
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11 pages, 331 KiB  
Article
Effect of Chronic Ankle Sprain on Pain, Range of Motion, Proprioception, and Balance among Athletes
by Ahmad H. Alghadir, Zaheen A. Iqbal, Amir Iqbal, Hashim Ahmed and Swapnil U. Ramteke
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(15), 5318; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17155318 - 23 Jul 2020
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 10402
Abstract
Background: Ankle sprains are common among physically active individuals, especially among athletes. Majority of those who suffer ankle sprains have residual symptoms including pain, episodes of giving way, compromised proprioception and neuromuscular control, and re-injury leading to chronic ankle instability. The aim [...] Read more.
Background: Ankle sprains are common among physically active individuals, especially among athletes. Majority of those who suffer ankle sprains have residual symptoms including pain, episodes of giving way, compromised proprioception and neuromuscular control, and re-injury leading to chronic ankle instability. The aim of this study was to see the effect of chronic ankle sprain on pain, range of motion, proprioception, and, static and dynamic balance among athletes. Methods: A total of 80 athletes, aged 18 to 25 years, involved in track-and-field sports were invited to participate in this study. They were divided in two groups. Athletes with history of grade 1 or 2 ankle sprain on either side requiring medical care who reported at least three episodes of ankle giving way in past 12 months were included in group A. An equal number of healthy athletes without any history of ankle sprain or injury in the lower limbs in the past one year matched by sex, age, height, weight, and limb dominance, were included in group B (control). Outcome measures: Participant’s pain, range of motion, proprioception and balance (static and dynamic) was measured using visual analog scale, half circle goniometer, degree of foot position sense, single leg stance time and Y-balance test respectively. Results: Although there were no differences in the active ankle joint range of motion (p > 0.05) in comparison to the control group, athletes with chronic ankle sprain reported mild pain and statistically significant (p < 0.05) deficits in foot proprioception, static and dynamic balance. Conclusions: Deficits in foot proprioception, static and dynamic balance even one year after the ankle sprain could be the reason for limitations in the dynamic defense system of the joint that predisposes to recurrent injury and instability. It is essential to understand the normal clinical course and risk factors for athletes who sustain sprain before devising a long term comprehensive rehabilitation program that focuses on mechanical and functional insufficiencies in order to improve their functional performance and prevent the risk of recurrent sprain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Podiatry and Health)
10 pages, 369 KiB  
Article
Prevalence of Preoperative Anxiety and Its Relationship with Postoperative Pain in Foot Nail Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Daniel Navarro-Gastón and Pedro V. Munuera-Martínez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(12), 4481; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17124481 - 22 Jun 2020
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 2630
Abstract
Preoperative anxiety has been studied in different medical disciplines, but it is unknown in minor surgical procedures such as foot nail surgery. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain in foot nail surgery. The validated Amsterdam preoperative [...] Read more.
Preoperative anxiety has been studied in different medical disciplines, but it is unknown in minor surgical procedures such as foot nail surgery. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain in foot nail surgery. The validated Amsterdam preoperative anxiety and information scale (APAIS) was used to evaluate preoperative anxiety and the need for information in 155 patients undergoing foot nail surgery. In addition, a questionnaire was used to collect other variables such as age, sex and educational level. The verbal numeric scale was employed to value the postoperative pain after 24 h. Age and sex influenced (p < 0.05) preoperative anxiety, which had a prevalence of 22.6%. More than 43% of patients needed more information and this was correlated with anxiety (r = 0.629; p < 0.001). There was a significant difference when comparing the total anxiety between the group of participants who had more pain and that who had less pain (p < 0.001). The prevalence of anxiety was high in the participants of this study, being greater in young patients and in women. There was a deficit of information, increasing the level of preoperative anxiety, which in turn was related with greater postoperative pain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Podiatry and Health)
12 pages, 751 KiB  
Article
Development and Validation of the Overall Foot Pain Questionnaire in Motorcycle Riders
by Israel Casado-Hernández, Ricardo Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo, Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias, Alfredo Soriano-Medrano, Ángel Morales-Ponce, João Martiniano, Daniel López-López and César Calvo-Lobo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(7), 2233; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17072233 - 26 Mar 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2647
Abstract
Objectives: Our primary aim was to develop a transcultural adaptation of a cycling questionnaire using the Borg CR-10 scale as a tool to describe the discomfort among motorcyclists during the riding process in two trial sessions. Design: A transcultural adaptation and [...] Read more.
Objectives: Our primary aim was to develop a transcultural adaptation of a cycling questionnaire using the Borg CR-10 scale as a tool to describe the discomfort among motorcyclists during the riding process in two trial sessions. Design: A transcultural adaptation and descriptive cross-sectional study. Settings: Jarama motorcycling circuit (Madrid, Spain). Participants: The participants were riders recorded across in a final motorcycling race. Interventions: The study design is based in two tools, the adapted Motorcyclist Questionnaire (MQ-21) with 21 items and Borg CR10 Scale® was used to determine discomfort level during motorcycling performance. The translation procedure, reliability, and reproducibility were performed. Results: All items showed an almost perfect intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (ICC = 0.909–1.00), except for item 9 (ICC = 0.881). Almost perfect internal consistency was shown for the total score (Cronbach α = 0.899). No systematic differences existed among test and retest in all items (p > 0.05) according to Bland–Altman plots. Respondents experienced slight discomfort on their body parts during the test-retest 1 h riding process. Foot discomfort was scored as 1.20, being the eighth of the 12 studied body parts. Conclusions: Internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the MQ-21 questionnaire were excellent and this questionnaire may be recommended to be used in motorcycling sports and clinical settings to evaluate the discomfort. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Podiatry and Health)
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13 pages, 3135 KiB  
Article
Immediate Effects of Medially Posted Insoles on Lower Limb Joint Contact Forces in Adult Acquired Flatfoot: A Pilot Study
by Yinghu Peng, Duo Wai-Chi Wong, Yan Wang, Tony Lin-Wei Chen, Qitao Tan, Zhenxian Chen, Zhongmin Jin and Ming Zhang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(7), 2226; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17072226 - 26 Mar 2020
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 5305
Abstract
Flatfoot is linked to secondary lower limb joint problems, such as patellofemoral pain. This study aimed to investigate the influence of medial posting insoles on the joint mechanics of the lower extremity in adults with flatfoot. Gait analysis was performed on fifteen young [...] Read more.
Flatfoot is linked to secondary lower limb joint problems, such as patellofemoral pain. This study aimed to investigate the influence of medial posting insoles on the joint mechanics of the lower extremity in adults with flatfoot. Gait analysis was performed on fifteen young adults with flatfoot under two conditions: walking with shoes and foot orthoses (WSFO), and walking with shoes (WS) in random order. The data collected by a vicon system were used to drive the musculoskeletal model to estimate the hip, patellofemoral, ankle, medial and lateral tibiofemoral joint contact forces. The joint contact forces in WSFO and WS conditions were compared. Compared to the WS group, the second peak patellofemoral contact force (p < 0.05) and the peak ankle contact force (p < 0.05) were significantly lower in the WSFO group by 10.2% and 6.8%, respectively. The foot orthosis significantly reduced the peak ankle eversion angle (p < 0.05) and ankle eversion moment (p < 0.05); however, the peak knee adduction moment increased (p < 0.05). The reduction in the patellofemoral joint force and ankle contact force could potentially inhibit flatfoot-induced lower limb joint problems, despite a greater knee adduction moment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Podiatry and Health)
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10 pages, 1139 KiB  
Article
Association of Arch Stiffness with Plantar Impulse Distribution during Walking, Running, and Gait Termination
by Xuanzhen Cen, Datao Xu, Julien S. Baker and Yaodong Gu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(6), 2090; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17062090 - 21 Mar 2020
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3967
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine relationships between arch stiffness and relative regional impulse during walking, running, and stopping. A total of 61 asymptomatic male subjects volunteered to participate in the study. All were classified by calculating the arch stiffness index [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to determine relationships between arch stiffness and relative regional impulse during walking, running, and stopping. A total of 61 asymptomatic male subjects volunteered to participate in the study. All were classified by calculating the arch stiffness index using 3-dimensional foot morphological scanning. Plantar pressure distribution data were collected from participants using a Footscan pressure platform during gait tests that included walking, running, and gait termination. The stiff arches group (n = 19) and flexible arches group (n = 17) were included in the following data analysis. The results suggested that subjects with stiffer arches had a larger and smaller percentage of plantar impulse in the forefoot and rearfoot, respectively, than subjects with more flexible arches during walking and running. However, during gait termination, which included planned and unplanned gait stopping, the plantar impulse distribution pattern was found to be reversed. The current findings demonstrate that the distributional changes of plantar loading follow unidirectional transfer between the forefoot and the rearfoot on the plantar longitudinal axis. Moreover, the patterns of impulse distribution are also different based on different gait task mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Podiatry and Health)
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8 pages, 950 KiB  
Article
Footprint Curvature in Spanish Women: Implications for Footwear Fit
by Carolina Alonso-Montero, Anselén Torres-Rubio, Nuria Padrós-Flores, Emmanuel Navarro-Flores and José Vicente Segura-Heras
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(6), 1876; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17061876 - 13 Mar 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2162
Abstract
The incorrect adjustment of footwear produces alterations in the foot that affect quality of life. The usual measurements for shoe design are lengths, widths and girths, but these measures are insufficient. The foot presents an angle between the forefoot and the rearfoot in [...] Read more.
The incorrect adjustment of footwear produces alterations in the foot that affect quality of life. The usual measurements for shoe design are lengths, widths and girths, but these measures are insufficient. The foot presents an angle between the forefoot and the rearfoot in the transverse plane, which is associated with foot pronation, hallux valgus and metatarsus adductus. Here, we aimed at identifying the groups formed by the angulations between the forefoot and rearfoot using a sample of footprints from 102 Spanish women. The angle between the forefoot and rearfoot was measured according to the method described by Bunch. A cluster analysis was performed using the K-means algorithm. Footprints were grouped into three types: curved, semi-curved and straight, according to the degrees of angulation between the forefoot and rearfoot. There is great variability in the morphology of the foot. Based on our findings, to achieve a better footwear fit, we propose the manufacture of three types of lasts with different curvatures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Podiatry and Health)
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8 pages, 873 KiB  
Article
Longitudinal Analysis of Plantar Pressures with Wear of a Running Shoe
by Elena Escamilla-Martínez, Beatriz Gómez-Martín, Lourdes María Fernández-Seguín, Alfonso Martínez-Nova, Juan Diego Pedrera-Zamorano and Raquel Sánchez-Rodríguez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(5), 1707; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17051707 - 05 Mar 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3648
Abstract
Running shoes typically have a lifespan of 300–1000 km, and the plantar pressure pattern during running may change as the shoe wears. So, the aim of this study was to determine the variation of plantar pressures with shoe wear, and the runner’s subjective [...] Read more.
Running shoes typically have a lifespan of 300–1000 km, and the plantar pressure pattern during running may change as the shoe wears. So, the aim of this study was to determine the variation of plantar pressures with shoe wear, and the runner’s subjective sensation. Maximun Plantar Pressures (MMP) were measured from 33 male recreational runners at three times during a training season (beginning, 350 km, and 700 km) using the Biofoot/IBV® in-shoe system (Biofoot/IBV®, Valencia, Spain). All the runners wore the same shoes (New Balance® 738, Boston, MA, USA) during this period, and performed similar training. The zones supporting most pressure at all three study times were the medial (inner) column of the foot and the forefoot. There was a significant increase in pressure on the midfoot over the course of the training season (from 387.8 to 590 kPa, p = 0.003). The runners who felt the worst cushioning under the midfoot were those who had the highest peak pressures in that area (p = 0.002). The New Balance® 738 running shoe effectively maintains the plantar pressure pattern after 700 km of use under all the zones studied except the midfoot, probably due to material fatigue or deficits of the specific cushioning systems in that area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Podiatry and Health)
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10 pages, 657 KiB  
Article
Custom-Made Foot Orthoses Reduce Pain and Fatigue in Patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. A Pilot Study
by María Reina-Bueno, Carmen Vázquez-Bautista, Inmaculada C. Palomo-Toucedo, Gabriel Domínguez-Maldonado, José Manuel Castillo-López and Pedro V. Munuera-Martínez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(4), 1359; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17041359 - 20 Feb 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5068
Abstract
Background: Pain and fatigue are major clinical manifestations in patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). The aim of this study is to measure change of the effects of custom-made foot orthotics on some manifestations related to EDS, such as foot pain, foot functionality, fatigue, [...] Read more.
Background: Pain and fatigue are major clinical manifestations in patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). The aim of this study is to measure change of the effects of custom-made foot orthotics on some manifestations related to EDS, such as foot pain, foot functionality, fatigue, and quality of life. Methods: Thirty-six patients with EDS wore foot orthoses for three months. Foot pain, foot-related disability, foot functionality, fatigue, and quality of life were measured using the 11-point Numeric Rating Scale, the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index, the Foot Function Index, the Fatigue Severity Score, and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaires, respectively, at the beginning and after 3 months. Results: Participants demonstrated significantly improved foot pain (p = 0.002), disability related to foot pain (p < 0.001), foot functionality (p = 0.001), fatigue (p < 0.007), and mental health-related quality of life (p = 0.016). The physical health-related quality of life did not show significant changes. Conclusions: The use of custom-made foot orthoses help in the management of the symptoms by participants. This study could contribute to the foot specialists being considered as an additional member in multidisciplinary teams that are trying to develop an approach for patients with EDS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Podiatry and Health)
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13 pages, 11751 KiB  
Article
Relationships between Foot Morphology and Foot Muscle Strength in Healthy Adults
by Songlin Xiao, Xini Zhang, Liqin Deng, Shen Zhang, Kedong Cui and Weijie Fu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(4), 1274; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17041274 - 17 Feb 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4027
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate if measurements of foot morphology in sitting and standing positions can predict foot muscle strength. Twenty-six healthy male adults were recruited, and their foot morphology and foot muscle strength were measured. Foot morphological variables, toe [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to investigate if measurements of foot morphology in sitting and standing positions can predict foot muscle strength. Twenty-six healthy male adults were recruited, and their foot morphology and foot muscle strength were measured. Foot morphological variables, toe flexor strength, and metatarsophalangeal joint flexor strength were measured by using a digital caliper, Ailitech-AFG500 dynameter and metatarsophalangeal joint flexor strength tester, respectively. Partial correlation and multivariate stepwise regression were used to explore the relationships between foot morphology and toe/metatarsophalangeal joint strength. Results adjusted by age and body mass index were as follows: (1) truncated foot length in sitting and standing positions and foot width in standing position were positively correlated with the flexor strength of the first toe; (2) foot length, foot width, and truncated foot length in both positions were positively related to the flexor strength of the other toes; (3) arch height index in sitting position and differences in navicular height were negatively associated with the flexor strength of the other toes; (4) differences in foot width were negatively associated with metatarsophalangeal joint flexor strength; and (5) the multivariate stepwise regression model showed that truncated foot length in sitting position, navicular height in standing position, differences in navicular height, foot width in sitting position, and differences in foot width were significantly correlated with toe/metatarsophalangeal joint flexor strength. Simple measurements of foot morphological characteristics can effectively predict foot muscle strength. Preliminary findings provided practical implications for the improvement of the foot ability by making specific foot muscle training sessions in professional sports and by compensating the predicted muscle strength defects to prevent foot injury. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Podiatry and Health)
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Review

Jump to: Research

11 pages, 328 KiB  
Review
Review of Terms and Definitions Used in Descriptions of Running Shoes
by Ana Marchena-Rodriguez, Ana Belen Ortega-Avila, Pablo Cervera-Garvi, David Cabello-Manrique and Gabriel Gijon-Nogueron
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(10), 3562; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17103562 - 19 May 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4110
Abstract
Objective: Our study aim is to identify and describe the definitions used for different types of running shoes. In addition, we highlight the existence of gaps in these concepts and propose possible new approaches. Methods: This review was undertaken in line with the [...] Read more.
Objective: Our study aim is to identify and describe the definitions used for different types of running shoes. In addition, we highlight the existence of gaps in these concepts and propose possible new approaches. Methods: This review was undertaken in line with the guidelines proposed by Green et al., based on a literature search (until December 2019) of the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar databases. A total of 23 papers met the inclusion criteria applied to identify the definition of running shoes. Results: Although there is a certain consensus on the characteristics of minimalist footwear, it is also described by other terms, such as barefoot-style or barefoot-simulating. Diverse terms are also used to describe other types of footwear, and in these cases, there is little or no consensus regarding their characteristics. Conclusions: The terms barefoot-simulated footwear, barefoot-style footwear, lightweight shoes and full minimalist shoes are all used to describe minimalist footwear. The expressions partial minimalist, uncushioned minimalist and transition shoes are used to describe footwear with non-consensual characteristics. Finally, labels such as shod shoes, standard cushioned running shoes, modern shoes, neutral protective running shoes, conventional, standardised, stability style or motion control shoes span a large group of footwear styles presenting different properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Podiatry and Health)
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