Gait & posture
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This study aimed to (i) compare the gait characteristics of people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) to those of healthy controls walking at the same average speed, and (ii) assess the effects of the acute application of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to the dorsiflexors. Twenty-two people with pwMS (mean age 49 years), prescribed FES, and 11 age matched healthy controls participated. Three dimensional gait kinematics were assessed whilst (i) pwMS and healthy controls walked at self-selected speeds (SSWS), (ii) healthy controls also walked at the average walking speed of the pwMS group, and (iii) people with MS walked using FES. ⋯ In conclusion, compared to healthy controls, pwMS exhibit impairment of several characteristics that appear to be independent of the slower walking speed of pwMS. The acute application of FES improved most impaired gait kinematics. A speed matched control group is warranted in future studies of gait kinematics of pwMS.
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Rocker profile shoes (rocker shoes) are one of the treatment options of metatarsalgia and forefoot stress fractures. The efficacy of rocker shoes in unloading the forefoot pressure has been shown in walking. In running, however, the effect of rocker shoes on forefoot pressure is unknown. ⋯ Running with rocker shoes resulted in a significant increase in all pressure parameters at the heel region (p<0.001). Running with rocker shoes received a significant (p<0.01) lower comfort rate than running with standard running shoes. Rocker shoes might be beneficial for runners who are recovering from metatarsalgia or stress fractures of the forefoot region, as it reduces plantar pressure in the forefoot region.
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Walking is one of the most important activities in daily life, and walking exposes the spine to a high number of loading cycles. Little is known about the spinal loads during walking. Telemeterized spinal implants can provide data about their loading during different activities. ⋯ Using a walker during ambulation on level ground reduced the force on the implant to 62% of standing forces, whereas using two crutches had only a minor effect. Walking causes much higher forces on the VBR than standing. A strong force reduction can be achieved by using a walker.
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To investigate the effect of long leg compression garments on the postural sway and balance ability of female athletes at a state sports institute. ⋯ The difficulties of postural stability while maintaining the single leg stance wearing conventional shorts were improved with use of the well-fitted compression garments (in the eyes-closed condition). Proper fitted compression garments may be beneficial for injury management and injury prevention.
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Clinical Trial
Higher step length variability indicates lower gray matter integrity of selected regions in older adults.
Step length variability (SLV) increases with age in those without overt neurologic disease, is higher in neurologic patients, is associated with falls, and predicts dementia. Whether higher SLV in older adults without neurologic disease indicates presence of neurologic abnormalities is unknown. Our objective was to identify whether SLV in older adults without overt disease is associated with findings from multimodal neuroimaging. ⋯ Our results highlighted the hippocampus and anterior cingulate gyrus, regions involved in memory and executive function. These findings support previous research indicating a role for cognitive function in motor control. Higher SLV may indicate focal neuropathology in those without diagnosed neurologic disease.