Influence of walking speed on gait spatiotemporal parameters and the functional rockers of the foot in healthy adults

Foot pressure in patients with chronic lumbar radicular pain (sciatica) caused by lumbar disc herniation: a case-control observational study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine whether there are differences in plantar pressures during gait between patients with lumbar disc herniation -induced sciatica and healthy individuals.

METHODS

This observational case-control study included 41 patients with sciatica due to lumbar disc herniation and 30 healthy controls. Plantar pressures were evaluated using the FootScan® platform in 10-foot zones during 3 gait phases, defined as rockers. After walking, body advancement with the supporting foot depends on stance-limb mobility, with the supporting foot acting as a pivot system. In a serial fashion, the heel, ankle, and forefoot serve as rockers that allow the body to advance smoothly. Data were also collected on quality of life, low back pain, lower limb pain, foot pain, foot pain-related disability, foot joint range of motion, and foot posture index. All variables were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Patients with sciatica had a longer contact time and higher mean and peak pressures in all foot zones, except for the first metatarsal and toes. Pressures were higher in the third to fifth metatarsals, especially during push-off. Patients with sciatic arthritis experience not only low back pain, but also lower limb and foot pain, as well as higher foot pain-related disability. There were no significant differences in foot posture or joint ranges, except for decreased subtalar pronation in patients with sciatica.

CONCLUSION

Altered plantar pressure distribution in patients with sciatica may be associated with neuromuscular compensation mechanisms.

The effect of cognitive task and gait speed on gait spatiotemporal parameters in athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Restoring pre-injury normal gait following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) is a critical challenge. The purpose of this study was to compare spatiotemporal parameters in athletes following ACL reconstruction with healthy athletes when cognitive load and speed were manipulated.

METHODS

Twenty male soccer players with an ACLR history and 20 healthy matched individuals completed walking tasks under four conditions: with and without a cognitive load (auditory Stroop task), and at preferred speed as well as high speed (20% higher than the individual's preferred speed). Step Width (SW), Step Time (ST), Step Length (SL), as well as Symmetry Indexes (SIs) were measured using three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis. Gait symmetry was evaluated by SIs. The data was analyzed using Three-way analysis of variances with repeated measures (ANOVA 3 × 2).

RESULTS

ST was significantly different between groups (P = 0.04) when the cognitive load was applied at the preferred speed. However, other spatiotemporal parameters were not significantly different between groups in any conditions (p > 0.05). The SW was reduced during high-speed walking with cognitive load in both groups (p = 0.004). High-speed resulted in greater SL (p < 0.001) and lower ST (p < 0.001) in both groups. SI was not significantly different for any parameter between groups under any conditions, however, the interaction of cognitive task × speed was significant for SW (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Athletes at a mean of 19 months following ACL Reconstruction appear to manage speed and cognitive challenges similar to age and activity matched individuals who have not had surgery.

Evaluation of particle generation due to deterioration of flooring in schools

Particulate matter is harmful to humans. An important indoor source of such particles is the deterioration of floor materials brought about by occupants walking. Accordingly, an experiment was conducted to simulate the deterioration of floor material spacing. Considering a school schedule with repeated semesters and vacations, the experiment was conducted by repeating heat-and-rest cycles. Similar results were obtained for particle emission rates under each condition during the first and second deterioration periods. The PVC tiles generated more particles under aged conditions than under non-aged conditions, whereas the wood generated fewer particles under aged conditions. In addition to the quantitative results, a study was conducted on the characteristics of the generated particles, and the particulate matter found in plastic was confirmed in the PVC tiles. Schools where children are present for more than 6 h a day may be exposed to more particulate matter. Therefore, replacing plastic-based materials with eco-friendly building materials is expected to have long-term health benefits for children.