scholarly journals Foot and Lower Limb Clinical and Structural Changes in Overuse Injured Recreational Runners Using Floating Heel Shoes: Preliminary Results of a Randomised Control Trial

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (23) ◽  
pp. 7814
Author(s):  
Javier Gamez-Paya ◽  
Lirios Dueñas ◽  
Anna Arnal-Gómez ◽  
Josep Carles Benítez-Martínez
Keyword(s):  
Structural Changes ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Randomised Control Trial ◽  
Overuse Injuries ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Gait Retraining ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Pressure Pain Thresholds ◽  
Load Rate ◽  
Running Shoes

Foot-strike and the associated load rate are factors related to overuse injuries in runners. The purpose of this study was to analyse structural and functional changes in runners using floating heel running shoes, compared with runners using conventional footwear. A randomised control trial was conducted. Twenty runners with overuse injuries were followed over a 12-week gait retraining programme using floating heel running shoes or their conventional footwear. Pain was measured with pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), structural changes were measured with ultrasonography, and severity and impact of injury was scored on the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse Injury Questionnaire (OSTRC-O). Statistical differences were found between groups after the intervention (p < 0.001), with a medium size effect SE = 0.8, and the floating heel running shoes group reached higher PPTs values. Participants using floating heel running shoes showed higher OSTRC-O scores than those using their conventional footwear (p < 0.05), with higher scores after the intervention (p < 0.05). A 12-week gait retraining programme using floating heel running shoes had positive effects on the injury recovery process when compared to the use of conventional footwear, with significant differences in terms of pain and impact on sports activity.

scholarly journals Remarkably high prevalence of overuse-related knee complaints and MRI abnormalities in youth competitive alpine skiers: a descriptive investigation in 108 athletes aged 13–15 years

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000738
Author(s):  
Stefan Fröhlich ◽  
Loris Peterhans ◽  
Christoph Stern ◽  
Walter O Frey ◽  
Reto Sutter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Changes ◽  
Knee Injuries ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Growth Spurt ◽  
Overuse Injuries ◽  
Systematic Screening ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Trauma Research ◽  
Knee Complaint ◽  
Alpine Skiers

Background/aimCompetitive alpine skiing is known to be associated with a high risk of traumatic knee injuries. However, little is known about the exact prevalence of knee overuse injuries and their associations with structural changes, particularly in youth skiers. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to describe the overuse-related knee complaints and MRI abnormalities in a cohort of youth skiers around the growth spurt.Methods108 youth competitive alpine skiers aged 13–15 years were examined using an MRI of both knees, an interview on existing knee complaints and a physical examination. As a common baseline for these assessments, skiers were prospectively monitored by the use of the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre questionnaire on health problems over a period of 12 months preceding the major investigations.Results88.0% of the youth skiers showed at least one MRI abnormality in the knees. The most frequent findings were distal femoral cortical irregularities (63%), focal periphyseal oedema (FOPE) zones (25.0%) and cartilage lesions (18.5%). 47.2% of all skiers suffered from at least one overuse-related knee complaint during the 12 months preceding the MRI examination, mostly at the distal and proximal patellar tendon. However, despite a certain association with corresponding MRI abnormalities, the sensitivity of an MRI-based detection of such complaints was strongly limited.ConclusionYouth competitive alpine skiers suffer from a remarkably large number of knee overuse injuries. Accordingly, an effective prevention strategy should include a systematic screening of clinical complaints, ideally already starting around the growth spurt.

Injury rates in recreational tennis players do not differ between different playing surfaces

2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (9) ◽  
pp. 611-615 ◽  
Author(s):  
Babette M Pluim ◽  
Benjamin Clarsen ◽  
Evert Verhagen
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Overuse Injuries ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Injury Rates ◽  
Tennis Players ◽  
Trauma Research ◽  
Natural Grass ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Artificial Grass

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in the prevalence of tennis injuries between the four most common court surfaces in the Netherlands, including hard court, clay, sand-fill artificial grass and red-sand-fill artificial grass. Natural grass was not included in this study.MethodsThis was a repeated cross-sectional study over 6 months, involving members of the Royal Netherlands Lawn Tennis Association (KNLTB). A monthly questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 20 000 KNLTB members, stratified by their club’s playing surface. The questionnaire included questions on court surface, tennis exposure and physical complaints, using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre questionnaire on health problems.ResultsA total of 3656 (18%) of the 20 000 invited members completed at least one of the monthly questionnaires [mean age 49 years (15)]. A total of 4047 injuries were reported by 1957 respondents. Of these injuries, 3246 (80%) were overuse and 801 (20%) were acute. There were no statistically significant differences in injury prevalence between groups who played primarily on any one of the four court surfaces. However, players who played on multiple surfaces had a higher injury prevalence, particularly of overuse injuries, than those who primarily played on one court surface. Compared with the other court surfaces, there was a higher prevalence of lower limb overuse injuries when playing on hard court.ConclusionThere is no significant difference in the overall prevalence of injury on clay, hard court, sand-fill artificial grass and red-sand-fill artificial grass.

scholarly journals Effects of gait retraining with focus on impact versus gait retraining with focus on cadence on pain, function and lower limb kinematics in runners with patellofemoral pain: Protocol of a randomized, blinded, parallel group trial with 6-month follow-up

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0250965
Author(s):  
José Roberto de Souza Júnior ◽  
Pedro Henrique Reis Rabelo ◽  
Thiago Vilela Lemos ◽  
Jean-Francois Esculier ◽  
João Pedro da Silva Carto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Patellofemoral Pain ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gait Retraining ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Clinical Applicability ◽  
Limb Kinematics ◽  
Lower Limb Kinematics

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is one of the most prevalent injuries in runners. Unfortunately, a substantial part of injured athletes do not recover fully from PFP in the long-term. Although previous studies have shown positive effects of gait retraining in this condition, retraining protocols often lack clinical applicability because they are time-consuming, costly for patients and require a treadmill. The primary objective of this study will be to compare the effects of two different two-week partially supervised gait retraining programs, with a control intervention; on pain, function and lower limb kinematics of runners with PFP. It will be a single-blind randomized clinical trial with six-month follow-up. The study will be composed of three groups: a group focusing on impact (group A), a group focusing on cadence (group B), and a control group that will not perform any intervention (group C). The primary outcome measure will be pain assessed using the Visual Analog Pain scale during running. Secondary outcomes will include pain during daily activities (usual), symptoms assessed using the Patellofemoral Disorders Scale and lower limb running kinematics in the frontal (contralateral pelvic drop; hip adduction) and sagittal planes (foot inclination; tibia inclination; ankle dorsiflexion; knee flexion) assessed using the MyoResearch 3.14—MyoVideo (Noraxon U.S.A. Inc.). The study outcomes will be evaluated before (t0), immediately after (t2), and six months (t24) after starting the protocol. Our hypothesis is that both partially supervised gait retraining programs will be more effective in reducing pain, improving symptoms, and modifying lower limb kinematics during running compared with the control group, and that the positive effects from these programs will persist for six months. Also, we believe that one gait retraining group will not be superior to the other. Results from this study will help improve care in runners with PFP, while maximizing clinical applicability as well as time and cost-effectiveness.

scholarly journals Predicting Injury Status in Adolescent Dancers Involved in Different Dance Styles: A Prospective Study

Children ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 297
Author(s):  
Damir Sekulic ◽  
Dasa Prus ◽  
Ante Zevrnja ◽  
Mia Peric ◽  
Petra Zaletel
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Study ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Injury Occurrence ◽  
Musculoskeletal Problems ◽  
Adolescent Dancers ◽  
Injury Status

The positive effects of dance on health indices in youth are widely recognized, but participation in dance is accompanied with a certain risk of injury. This prospective study aimed to investigate injury occurrence and to evaluate the possible influences of specific predictors on the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems and injuries in adolescent dancers. Participants were 126 dancers (21 males; 11–18 years), who were competitors in the urban dance, rock and roll, and standard/Latin dance genres. Predictors included sociodemographic factors, anthropometric/body build indices, sport (dance) factors, and dynamic balance. The outcome variable was injury status, and this was evaluated by the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse Injury Questionnaire (OSTRC). Predictors were evaluated at baseline, and outcomes were continuously monitored during the study period of 3 months. During the study course, 53% of dancers reported the occurrence of a musculoskeletal problem/injury, and dancers suffered from an average of 0.72 injuries over the study period (95% CI: 0.28–1.41), giving a yearly injury rate of 280%. Gender and dance styles were not significantly related to the occurrence of injury. Higher risk for injury was evidenced in older and more experienced dancers. Dynamic balance, as measured by the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), was a significant protective factor of injury occurrence, irrespective of age/experience in dance. Knowing the simplicity and applicability of the SEBT, continuous monitoring of dynamic balance in adolescent dancers is encouraged. In order to prevent the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems/injuries in youth dancers, we suggest the incorporation of specific interventions aimed at improving dynamic balance.

scholarly journals Prenatal tracheal ligation or intra-amniotic administration of surfactant or dexamethasone prevents some structural changes in the pulmonary arteries of surgically created diaphragmatic hernia in rabbits

2002 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Consuelo J. Rodrigues ◽  
Uenis Tannuri ◽  
Ana Cristina A. Tannuri ◽  
João Maksoud-Filho ◽  
Aldo J. Rodrigues Junior
Keyword(s):  
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia ◽  
Diaphragmatic Hernia ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Elastic Fiber ◽  
Pulmonary Arteries ◽  
External Diameter ◽  
Cell Nuclei ◽  
Fiber Density ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Tracheal Ligation

PURPOSE: Characterization of the structural changes occurring in the pulmonary arteries resulting from surgically produced congenital diaphragmatic hernia in rabbits, with particular emphasis on the preventive effects of prenatal tracheal ligation or administration of intra-amniotic dexamethasone or surfactant. METHODS: Twenty rabbit fetuses underwent surgical creation of a left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia on the 24th or 25th gestational day. They were divided according to the following procedures: congenital diaphragmatic hernia (n = 5), congenital diaphragmatic hernia plus tracheal ligation (n = 5), congenital diaphragmatic hernia plus intra-amniotic administration of dexamethasone 0.4 mg (n = 5) or surfactant (Curosurf 40 mg, n = 5). On gestational day 30, all the fetuses were delivered by caesarean section and killed. A control group consisted of five nonoperated fetuses. Histomorphometric analysis of medial thickness, cell nuclei density, and elastic fiber density of pulmonary arterial walls was performed. RESULTS: Arteries with an external diameter > 100 mum have a decreased medial thickness, lower cell nuclei density, and greater elastic fiber density when compared with arteries with external diameter <= 100 mum. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia promoted a significant decrease in medial thickness and an increase in cell nuclei density in artery walls with external diameter > 100 mum. Prenatal treatments with tracheal ligation or intra-amniotic administration of dexamethasone or surfactant prevented these changes. In arteries with external diameter <= 100 mum, congenital diaphragmatic hernia promoted a significant increase in medial thickness and in cell nuclei density and a decrease in elastic fiber density. The prenatal treatments with tracheal ligation or intra-amniotic administration of dexamethasone or surfactant prevented these changes, although no effect was observed in elastic fiber density in the congenital diaphragmatic hernia plus dexamethasone group. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia promoted different structural changes for large or small arteries. The prenatal intra-amniotic administration of dexamethasone or surfactant had positive effects on the lung structural changes promoted by congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and these effects were comparable to the changes induced by tracheal ligation.

scholarly journals Impact of Physical Activity on Cognitive Functions: A New Field for Research and Management of Cystic Fibrosis

Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Elce ◽  
Alessandro Del Pizzo ◽  
Ersilia Nigro ◽  
Giulia Frisso ◽  
Lucia Martiniello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Neural Plasticity ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Gray Matter Volume ◽  
Synaptic Activity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Positive Effects

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease inherited by an autosomal recessive mechanism and characterized by a progressive and severe multi-organ failure. Mutations in Cystic Fibrosis Conductance Regulator (CFTR) protein cause duct obstructions from dense mucus secretions and chronic inflammation related to organ damage. The progression of the disease is characterized by a decline of lung function associated with metabolic disorders and malnutrition, musculoskeletal disorders and thoracic deformities, leading to a progressive decrement of the individual’s quality of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) qualifies Physical Activity (PA) as a structured activity produced by skeletal muscles’ movements that requires energy consumption. In the last decade, the number of studies on PA increased considerably, including those investigating the effects of exercise on cognitive and brain health and mental performance. PA is recommended in CF management guidelines, since it improves clinic outcomes, such as peripheral neuropathy, oxygen uptake peak, bone health, glycemic control and respiratory functions. Several studies regarding the positive effects of exercise in patients with Cystic Fibrosis were carried out, but the link between the effects of exercise and cognitive and brain health in CF remains unclear. Animal models showed that exercise might improve learning and memory through structural changes of brain architecture, and such a causal relationship can also be described in humans. Indeed, both morphological and environmental factors seem to be involved in exercise-induced neural plasticity. An increase of gray matter volume in specific areas is detectable as a consequence of regular training in humans. Neurobiological processes associated with brain function improvements include biochemical modifications, such as neuromodulator or neurohormone release, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production and synaptic activity changes. From a functional point of view, PA also seems to be an environmental factor enhancing cognitive abilities, such as executive functions, memory and processing speed. This review describes the current state of research regarding the impacts of physical activity and exercise on cognitive functions, introducing a possible novel field of research for optimizing the management of Cystic Fibrosis.

scholarly journals Rosmarinic Acid–Human Pharmacokinetics and Health Benefits

Planta Medica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Hitl ◽  
Nebojša Kladar ◽  
Neda Gavarić ◽  
Biljana Božin
Keyword(s):  
Human Body ◽  
Rosmarinic Acid ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
The Body ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Human Pharmacokinetics ◽  
Positive Effects

AbstractRosmarinic acid is a phenolic compound commonly found in the Lamiaceae (Labiateae) plant species. It is considered responsible for a wide spectrum of biological and pharmacological activities of plants containing this compound. The aim of the current review is to present the fate of rosmarinic acid inside the human body, explained through pharmacokinetic steps and to briefly present the health benefits of RA. Pharmacokinetics was at first studied in animal models, but several studies were conducted in humans as well. This compound can be applied topically, pulmonary, intranasally, and via intravenous infusion. However, peroral application is the main route of entry into the human body. Presumably, it is mainly metabolized by the gut microflora, providing simple, more easily absorbed phenolic units. Inside the body, the rosmarinic acid molecule undergoes structural changes, as well as conjugation reactions. Renal excretion represents the main path of elimination. Previously conducted studies reported no serious adverse effects of herbal remedies containing RA, as well as their positive effects on human health. In addition to in vitro studies, clinical investigations suggested its benefits in dermatological, allergic, and osteoarthritic disorders, as well as for improving cognitive performance and in metabolic syndrome treatment. Future studies should investigate the kinetics during long-term application in patients who would have potential benefits from RA usage. Pharmaceutical formulations designed to prevent the fast metabolism of RA and allow its penetration into other compartments of the human body are also interesting topics for future research.

Further Study on the Performance of Mergers among Credit Associations in Japan

2002 ◽  
Vol 05 (03) ◽  
pp. 395-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuo Hoshino ◽  
Stephen J. Turnbull
Keyword(s):  
Financial Ratios ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Financial Industry ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Credit Associations ◽  
Income Ratio ◽  
Personnel Expenses ◽  
Equity Ratio ◽  
Financial Characteristics

The recent trends toward consolidation in financial markets, both global and national, and the difficult state of the Japanese financial industry suggest the importance of an examination of consolidation in the Japanese financial industry. Recent mega-mergers have produced enormous banks such as the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, but as usual in Japan the health of the financial industry depends substantially on small and medium-size institutions. There the recent trend toward merger extends back a few decades. This study reports a further examination of performance of mergers among credit associations (CA) in Japan, using a sample of 25 pairs of merging and non-merging institutions. Each pair is chosen for comparability in terms of variates such as size and geography. Performance is measured by 19 financial ratios sampled during the period of 1983–1998. Considering pre-versus post-merger values of various ratios, mergers have significant positive effects on ratios such as non-personnel expenses ratio, income ratio after tax, loan-deposit ratio, deposit per office and deposit per association's member. But mergers have rather negative effects on net equity ratio and ratio of current expense to current income. On balance mergers are a positive factor in the CA industry. These results contradict the conclusions of earlier studies (Hoshino, 1988). Among relative financial ratios (comparing merging and non-merging CA), the effect of merger on yield on interest received and non-personnel expenses ratio are shown to be positive in this sample, contradicting previous results. However, in general the financial characteristics of merging CA are rather inferior to those of non-merging CA.

scholarly journals Shared Education as a Contact-Based Intervention to Improve Intergroup Relations Among Adolescents in Post-Conflict Northern Ireland

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nils Karl Reimer ◽  
Joanne Hughes ◽  
Danielle Blaylock ◽  
Caitlin Donnelly ◽  
Ralf Wölfer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Intergroup Relations ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Developmental Trajectories ◽  
Intergroup Contact ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
School Students ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Post Conflict

Past research has shown that intergroup contact can be a promising intervention to improve intergroup relations and that contact-based interventions might be most effective during adolescence. In post-conflict Northern Ireland, widespread residential segregation and a largely separate school system limit opportunities for intergroup contact between adolescents from the Catholic and Protestant communities. We evaluated whether a large-scale intervention to facilitate intergroup contact between students attending separate schools (the ‘Shared Education’ program) improves a range of outcomes relevant for intergroup relations in Northern Ireland. We conducted a five-wave longitudinal, quasi-experimental study that followed a large sample of school students (*N* = 5,159, *M* = 12.4, age range: 10–14 years; 2,988 girls, 2,044 boys) from 56 predominantly Catholic or Protestant schools from sixth to tenth grade. We compared the developmental trajectories of students who, in ninth (14–15 years) and tenth (15–16 years) grade, shared some classes with students from the other community, as part of the program, to students who did not. We found that participating in shared classes had a medium-size, positive effect on the amount of intergroup contact students had outside of class, and small, positive effects on students’ outgroup attitudes, outgroup trust, and intergroup empathy (but not on their intergroup empathy, future contact intentions, deprovincialization, or multicultural beliefs). Our findings show that a school-based program of shared education can provide a viable and effective intervention to facilitate intergroup contact, improve intergroup relations, and foster social integration among adolescents at a large scale in a post-conflict society.

scholarly journals Enhancing metacognition through thinking instruction: A case study in a Taiwanese university

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 241-270
Author(s):  
Mei-Hui Chen ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Personal Lives ◽  
Thinking Dispositions ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
English Classes ◽  
The Impact

This study investigated the impact of thinking instruction on students’ metacognition and thinking behavior. Higher-order thinking occurs when individuals use their underlying metacognitive strategies which increase the probability of achieving a desirable result. The study was designed as a case study of an intervention and a posttest-only control group design was adopted. Participants consisted of students with a variety of majors were recruited from a medium-size university located in southern Taiwan. Two classes of the Developing Thinking course, totaling 78 students, comprised the group receiving the intervention, while 196 students in six General English classes comprised the comparison group. The intervention students were introduced to thinking skills, facts and opinions, question stems, and thinking from different perspectives. The quantitative results show strong evidence that the thinking instruction exerts statistically significant positive effects on students’ metacognition. Qualitative evidence also shows improvements in cognitive awareness with students demonstrating a more consistent application of thinking skills, an increased ability to think critically with thinking dispositions cultivated, and most importantly, a transfer of thinking behavior across the curriculum and in their personal lives. The researcher suggests the value of introducing thinking instruction to promote critical thinkers.

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