amirali jafarnezhadgero

Low back pain (LBP) is a health problem. Rehabilitation could be a suitable therapy for LBP patients. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of movement pattern training on LBP patients has not been assessed scientifically. So, this research examined the effects of movement pattern exercise on general lower limb muscular co-contraction in patients with non-specific chronic LBP during walking.

The current research was quasi-experimental. Forty male adults who experienced non-specific chronic LBP voluntarily enrolled in this study. Twenty samples were assigned in the intervention group and 20 in the control group. The exercise protocol used in this study was based on the Harris-Hayes et al. protocol, which takes 18 supervised training sessions (during 6 weeks). The assessments were conducted before the intervention and again after 6 weeks. General co-contraction of the lower limb muscles was recorded using electromyography while walking, and the total activation of the muscles that abounded the joint was calculated. 

The findings indicate a significant decrease in general co-contraction of the ankle in the intervention group at propulsion (P=0.011, ƞ2=0.160). Also, the results show that at the loading phase, general knee co-contraction is greater in the experimental group compared with the control group (P=0.037, ƞ2=0.110).

Our research reveals that the training program improves the general co-contraction of the lower limb muscles in individuals with LBP.

Music is one of the most widely used artistic elements in different societies. Today, it has drawn much attention due to its extensive societal effects. Music stimuli can affect human sports performance and gait as important indicators of different health conditions. This review study investigates how listening to music affects sports performance and gait. 

This systematic review based on a descriptive-analytical method was conducted to investigate the interaction of music with sports performance and gait. We searched in reliable citation databases based on the keywords “gait”, “music”, and “biomechanics” in articles published between 2003 and 2023. After the final screening, the full texts of 11 studies were extracted and analyzed. 

Based on the interpretation of the qualitative findings of the articles, it was observed that music can improve sports and gait performance. For example, changes in walking speed, step length, rhythm, and step time were significantly improved in the gait kinematic section.

Listening to music improves motor performance in clinical settings and functional environments. In addition, music can be used as a therapeutic agent or directly in treating people with movement disorders.

The elderly population faces numerous challenges threatening their quality of life, autonomy, and mobility. Therefore, it is essential to implement activities that address and enhance these issues. This study aimed to examine the effects of rehabilitation exercises on the mechanics of transitional movements among the elderly.

The present study was a systematic review. Articles in Persian and English were searched from December 2020 to May 2024. The study examined the effects of various rehabilitation exercises on the biomechanics of transfer movements in elderly individuals. Specialized databases, including Magiran SID, Scopus، PubMed، ISC، WOS, and Google Scholar were utilized for the review. Initially, 74 relevant articles were selected, and ultimately, 21 articles related to different types of rehabilitation exercises for the elderly were analyzed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.

The results showed that a variety of rehabilitation exercises can effectively enhance the reduction of peak ground reaction forces during transitional movements. Additionally, it was observed neuromuscular exercises improved the balance index. Conversely, resistance exercises improved both static and dynamic balance and reduced the risk of falling among the elderly.

Prolonged participation in combined exercises, which merge two or more rehabilitation exercises, might yield more beneficial results. However, further research is needed to determine the best type and intensity of exercise for improving the biomechanics of transfer movements in the elderly.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are a common sports injury, the incidence of which is increasing due to the population's increased participation in sports activities. ACL tears can lead to serious knee complications, including cartilage damage, meniscus tears, and osteoarthritis. This systematic review aimed to examine the pathogenesis and treatment of ACL injuris in athletes.

Five electronic databases, Medline, Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane, were comprehensively searched to identify published articles from January 1994 to October 2024 related to treatments of ACL rupture. According to the PICOS, the eligibility criteria were: 1) The samples were athletes who experienced ACL injury and 2) Studies were published in English language. The modified version of the Downs and Black checklist was used to assess the methodological quality of the included articles.

Findings demonstrated that the rate of ACL injury for basketball and handball players ranged from 4.1 to 5. Furthermore, the rates for soccer players are slightly lower, ranging from 2.3 to 2.5. Alpine skiing in high school has an injury rate of 3.1. In contrast, lacrosse, ice hockey, and Military training have rates of 1.4, 2.0, and 2.7 respectively.

Based on findings it can be conclude that basketball and handball players have higher rates of ACL injuries, especially at the collegiate level.

Kyphosis is associated with relatively altered vertebral body shape, reduced bone density and fitness, and decreased muscle strength; accordingly, this study investigates the effects of two types of thoracolumbosacral braces on gait kinetics and muscle activities during walking before and after puberty in kyphosis child.

A total of 40 (20 boys and 20 girls) with kyphosis volunteered to participate in this study. The participants were divided into four equal groups (boys before and after puberty and girls before and after puberty). Kinetic and electromyography data were recorded during walking. 

Significant decreases and medium to large bracing effects for peak vertical and lateral ground reaction forces during heel contact were observed. Meanwhile, there were significant increases and medium to large-sized bracing effects for gas-med and biceps femoris activities during the loading phase of walking.

Lower vertical ground reaction force at brace conditions demonstrates the improvement of gait efficiency before and after puberty.

Gait is a fundamental movement pattern influenced by various structures. This study aimed to determine the effect of sand-based training on ground reaction force frequency spectrum in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and pronated feet during gait.

This clinical trial was conducted on 28 male students with pronated feet and ACL injuries aged 22-25 years at Mohaghegh Ardabili University. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups of 14: A control group and a sand-based training group. The ground reaction force variables were measured using a force plate in the pre-test and post-test.

The number of necessary harmonics in the free moment component decreased by 15.95% in the post-test (16.48±4.14) compared to the pre-test (19.11±2.15) of the control group (P<0.05). The number of necessary harmonics in the mediolateral direction of the ground reaction force decreased by 23.34% in the post-test (15.59±3.92) compared to the pre-test (19.23±2.66) of the training group (P<0.05). Additionally, the number of necessary harmonics in the anteroposterior direction of the ground reaction force increased by 33.04% in the post-test (21.61±2.55) compared to the pre-test (14.47±4.11) of the training group (P<0.05).

Sand-based training was able to improve the gait mechanics of individuals with ACL reconstruction and pronated feet.

The type of footwear worn by military personnel and others could increase the risk of overuse injuries.

This study aimed to compare muscular activity during running with new and used military boots and running footwear in healthy individuals.

Thirty healthy males were given a new pair of running footwear (n = 15) and thermoplastic polyurethane military boots (n = 15). Participants in each group were asked to wear these shoes for 6 months. Electromyographic activity of the dominant limb muscles was recorded during running at a speed of 3.3 m/s before and after 6 months.

The results indicated significant differences in muscle activity based on the type of footwear worn during various phases of running. Specifically, muscles such as the tibialis anterior, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and semitendinosus showed varied activity during phases such as loading, mid-stance, and push-off. Additionally, there were significant effects of time on certain muscles, including the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius medialis during the push-off phase. Interactions between footwear type and time were observed for the semitendinosus and gluteus medius during the loading phase, and the gastrocnemius medialis during the push-off phase.

The results of this study indicate a decrease in muscle activity for most lower limb muscles in the military boots group compared to the running footwear group during the stance phase of running. The magnitude of gastrocnemius medialis activity increased in the military boots group (but not in the running footwear group) from pre-test to post-test during the push-off phase.

Pronated foot, one of the joint foot deformities, can affect running biomechanics and risk of lower extremity injury. Fatigue due to heavy tasks can also change the biomechanical parameters of locomotion. Under the fatigue conditions, the biomechanical differences in individuals with pronated feet are more easily identified. Thus, the main objective of the present study was to examine the effects of fatigue while using double-density spike shoes on muscle activities of the lower extremities in patients with pronated feet while running.

The statistical population of the present study consists of healthy people with pronate feet in Ardabil province. A statistical sample of 22 people aged 20-25 was selected by purposive sampling and participated in the present study. Statistical samples were divided into groups. There were 11 young men and 11 young women with pronate. The navicular bone sagging method divided the smooth and healthy plant groups. Electromyographic activities of the selected muscles before and after the fatigue protocol were recorded. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software and running ANOVA (p≤0.05).

Results demonstrated significant shoe, fatigue-by-group interactions for biceps femoris muscle activity before the heel contact phase. Furthermore, significant shoes, fatigue, and group interactions were found for vastus medialis muscle activity after the heel contact phase (p<0.05). On the other hand, findings showed a significant effect of fatigue-by-shoes interactions on vastus lateralis (p=0.021) muscle activity after the heel contact phase during running. On the other hand, the result showed that tibialis anterior muscle activity after the heel contact phase was significant (p=0.017).

The results showed that using Double Density Spike Shoes can improve the risk factors for injury in people with Pronated Feet.

Research has shown that exercises using the Wim Hof Method can positively affect the immune system. Therefore, this study aims to systematically review the impact of meditation, breathing exercises, and cold exposure using the Wim Hof Method on the autonomic nervous system.

This study is a systematic review. The number of articles in this field is limited. The search, conducted in both Persian and English, covered the period from 2013 to 2024 and included databases such as WoS, Civilica, ISC, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Ultimately, 5 relevant articles were reviewed and analyzed.

One study revealed that exercises incorporating this method effectively reduced perceived stress levels in participants. Additionally, two articles provided compelling evidence that young individuals practicing the Wim Hof Method experienced significant recovery from flu-like symptoms induced by bacterial endotoxins, such as shivering and headaches. Two other studies indicated that exercises associated with the Wim Hof Method positively influence the autonomic nervous system, suggesting potential benefits in managing autoimmune diseases.

These exercises were notably effective in reducing symptoms of autoimmune diseases. The results indicate that performing meditation, breathing exercises, and cold exposure using the Wim Hof Method has a significant impact on the body's autonomic nervous system and may help improve or manage autoimmune diseases.

Individuals with a history of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury are at a higher risk of re-injury compared to healthy individuals. ACL-injured patients exhibit weaker longitudinal arches and increased foot pronation compared to healthy individuals. This study aimed to determine the effect of short-term use of anti-pronation insoles on plantar pressure variables following ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with a pronated foot during gait.

This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 15 male participants who had undergone ACLR with a pronated foot (mean age= 23.2±4.5 years) and 15 healthy males (mean age= 22.7±4.3 years) in Ardabil, Iran during 2022. Plantar pressure values during gait with and without the use of anti-pronation insoles were recorded and compared using a foot scanner (sampling rate: 300 Hz).

The effect of the group factor on the big toe plantar pressure variable was statistically significant (P<0.05). Pairwise comparison results demonstrated a significant increase in pressure in the ACLR group (154.63±41.71 N/cm²) compared to the healthy group (126.54±26.57 N/cm²) (P<0.05). Intragroup comparison results revealed a significant decrease in pressure on the second to fifth toes (215.73±60.74 N/cm²) and the first plantar (420.58±107.56 N/cm²) when using anti-pronation insoles compared to the non-insole condition (the second to fifth toes (201.57±76.21 N/cm²) and the first plantar (400.78±118.20 N/cm²) in the ACL reconstruction group (P<0.05).

The use of anti-pronation insoles can effectively reduce plantar pressure after ACLR in individuals with a pronated foot during gait.

Footwear used by military individuals is essential to be scientifically evaluated during daily activities. This research aims to examine muscular activities while running with rubber’s new boots compared to used boots in men with healthy and pronated feet.

Twenty-four men aged 20-25 years (12 men in the pronated group, and 12 men in the healthy group) participated in this research using the convenience sampling method. The subjects received two used and new boots. The boots were made of rubber. Electromyography (EMG) data of the dominant limb were collected while running at constant speed. 

The main effect of “boot type” for semitendinosus muscle activity (P=0.018, η2=0.248) during the loading phase and tibialis anterior (P=0.041, η2=0.177) during mid-stance. 

Rubber boots mileage effect on selected muscle activities in men with and without pronated feet. The use of used rubber boots can increase running-related risk factors.

People with both pronated feet and anterior cruciate ligament repair may benefit from walking on sand as a therapeutic option. The consequences of walking on sand on the muscular activity and gait biomechanics of these people are not well understood. This study aims to determine how sand training affects gait mechanics in individuals with both anterior cruciate ligament repair and pronated foot.

The intervention and control groups included 28 adult males with pronated feet, where anterior cruciate ligament repair was randomly performed. The walking task was done on an 18-meter walkway at a consistent velocity. Muscle activities and ground reaction forces (GRF) were recorded using an electromyography system and a Bertec force plate, respectively. 

Group-by-time interactions were significant for anterior and posterior reaction forces (P<0.019; d=0.49-0.66). Post hoc analysis demonstrated a significant increase for anterior and posterior reaction forces in control but not in the intervention groups. Also, group-by-time interactions were significant for vastus activities during heel contact (P=0.033; d=0.88). 

The results showed that vastus lateralis activity was higher in the intervention group during the heel contact than those of the control group.

In general segmentation, review studies are divided into two groups: narrative reviews and systematic reviews. The research methods for narrative and systematic reviews are completely different. Narrative review articles can be written based on the interests of the researcher, which is one of the weaknesses of this style of review, while systematic review articles have an organized structure and are more reliable. Narrative reviews cover diverse topics such as epidemiological findings, concepts and hypotheses of certain psychiatric diseases, current understandings of specific diseases, psychopharmacology, and treatment guidelines. This reflects the fact that systematic reviews have been rapidly and increasingly replacing traditional narrative (explicit) reviews as the standard platform for providing and updating currently available research findings as confident evidence. Most journals have changed their policy regarding the acceptance of review papers, giving priority to systematic reviews as regular review articles and excluding narrative reviews to provide the best evidence for all basic and clinical questions and further hypotheses. The major advantage of systematic reviews is that they are based on the findings of comprehensive and systematic literature searches across all available resources, minimizing selection bias and avoiding subjective selection.

This study investigates the effects of exercises on sand on the frequency content of the lower limb muscles in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and pronated feet during walking.

This was a semi-experimental and laboratory-type study. The study samples included 28 male students with pronated feet and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction aged 22 to 25 years. The participants were randomly allocated into the following two groups: The experimental and the control group. The electrical activity of the lower limb muscles was recorded using an electromyography system before and after performing the exercises. The statistical analysis was done using a two-way analysis of variance method with a significance level of 0.05.

The findings showed that the main effect of time for the frequency content of the tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius, vastus medialis muscles during loading and push-off phases, the vastus lateralis muscle during the mid-stance, the rectus femoris at the mid-stance and push-off phases, semitendinosus muscle during the loading, mid-stance and push-off phases, biceps femoris muscle during the mid-stance and push-off phases, and gluteus medius muscle during the push-off phase (P<0.039; d=0.166-0.606).

The group-by-time interaction for the semitendinosus muscle during the loading phase was significant. Exercise on sand can improve walking performance by altering muscular frequency content.

Biomechanics is the knowledge that shows what forces enter the motion system of the human body and how it causes human movement. Therefore, the aim of this Meta-Analysis study was to review the studies conducted in the field of the effects of training on sand surface on biomechanics and physical fitness factors of human body during translational motions. The current study was a library and systematic review, the search for articles in Persian and Latin was from the beginning of the year 2000 to the end of 2023, which was done in the specialized databases of PubMed, WOS, Scopus, ISC and Google Scholar search engine. 568 related articles were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated using random-effects models. The findings of eight articles indicated the improvement of mucle activity during training on sand. Examining the findings of one article indicated positive effects of kinematic variabls during training on sand. A number of two articles also reported that the reduction of the ground reaction forces and impact shock. In addition, five articles reported the improvement of sports performance in athletes, the increase of physical fitness factors. In general, training on sand surface can have significant positive effects on people's daily and sport life. Further study is warranted.

 Asymmetrical gait mechanics after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are associated with the development of post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis. Current measures of gait mechanics have focused on peak magnitudes of knee kinematics, kinetics, and joint contact forces; nonetheless, they have seldom considered the plantar pressure and muscular frequency content in individuals with ACLR and pronate feet (PF). The present study aimed to compare ACLR and PF with healthy controls during walking.

The present study was conducted based on a quasi-experimental and laboratory design. The sample of this study comprised 13 people with ACLR and PF and 13 subjects from the healthy group. The mean age scores of patients in the two groups of healthy and sick participants were 22.9±4.1 and 23.2±4.5 years, respectively. During the test, subjects walked barefoot on an 18-m runway. Peak plantar pressure variables in both groups were recorded by a foot scan system (sampling rate: 300 Hz). The electromyography activity of the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius medialis, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and gluteus medius were recorded during walking.

The results demonstrated that the peak midfoot region plantar pressure values (P=0.018) were higher in the ACLR/PF group than in the healthy group during walking. In addition, the results highlighted a significant difference in the muscle frequency content of the rectus femoris (P=0.012, d=0.68) and vastus latelarlis (P=0.042) during the loading response and push-off phase in the ACLR/PF group compared to the healthy group during walking.

Peak plantar pressure values at the midfoot region and rectus femoris and vastus lateralis muscular frequency content in the ACLR/PF group differed from that of the healthy group during walking.

Excessive pronation of the foot during the stance phase of the gait cycle leads to increased flexibility of the foot, causing instability. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of using motion control shoes in runners with pronated feet on the absolute angles of the hip and leg joints in the sagittal plane before and after fatigue during running.

In this study, 13 female beginners with pronated feet were selected as the experimental group. CAST markers were used to identify the pelvic, thigh, leg, and foot segments. Motion analysis was performed using six Basler video cameras with a sampling rate of 200 Hz. A low-pass Butterworth filter with a 4th order (10 Hz frequency cutoff) was used for filtering.

The maximum absolute angle of the lower leg in the sagittal plane during 35% of the initial support phase of running when using motion control shoes after fatigue was about 6.05 degrees, compared to the condition when using control shoes before fatigue. The minimum absolute angle of the thigh in the sagittal plane during 50% of the initial support phase of running when using motion control shoes after fatigue decreased by about 4.09 degrees compared to the condition when using control shoes before fatigue.

Motion control shoes reduce the rearfoot angle after fatigue in runners.

The impact of the weight of backpacks with different weights on the foot, which is the link between the human body and the ground, has received less attention from researchers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare ground reaction force distribution between dominant and non-dominant legs among female students while carrying different loads.

The present study was semi-experimental and laboratory. Twenty female students at age of 14-17 participated as subject in this semi-experimental study. Participants carried backpacks with 10%, 15%, and 20% of body weight during walking. Ground reaction force data of subjects in both dominant and non-dominant legs was collected by a foot pressure system. Repeated measure ANOVA was run to analyze the obtained data. All the analyzes were performed at a significance level of 0.05 using SPSS 22 software.

The results showed that the symmetry index between dominant and non-dominant legs in lateral heel (P=0.045), second and fifth metatarsals (P=0.023), toes 2-5 (P=0.000) were significantly greater in carrying backpack 20% of body weight as compared to 10% of body weight.

According to the results, it seems that increasing weight of backpack can rise the symmetry index between dominant and non-dominant legs that indicate difference and dissimilarity in performance of dominant and non-dominant legs in students.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a common treatment method used after ACL injuries. Patients undergo ACLR to return to their active lifestyles.   However, returning to their previous activity level may result in a retear of their reconstructed knee or an injury to their contralateral anterior cruciate ligament. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of using anti pronation insoles on muscle frequency content in individuals with ACLR and pronated feet during walking

This study was semi-experimental and laboratory based. The sample   consisted of 13 healthy males and 13 males with ACLR and pronated feet. A bipolar EMG system with 8 pairs of electrodes was used to record the activity of the tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius, vastus medius, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, semitendinosus and gluteus medius during walking with and without antipronation foot orthoses. Muscular median frequency during loading, mid-stance, and push-off phases were used for further analysis. Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used for statistical analysis.

The results indicated that the ACLR group with pronated feet had higher median frequency in the rectus femoris (p=0.004) and medial gastrocnemius (P=0.017) during the loading phase compared to the healthy group. Additionally, the results showed that the frequency content of the vastus lateralis during the mid-stance phase was higher with foot orthoses compared to without (p=0.002). However, there was no change in the frequency content of this muscle in the ACLR group with pronated feet after using foot orthoses (p>0.05). 

 The quadriceps muscles have eccentric contractions during the loading phase. It appears that individuals with both ACLR and pronated feet use an increased median frequency of the rectus femoris as a compensatory mechanism for improved shock absorption. The use of foot orthoses has limited effects on muscular frequency content in individuals with both ACLR and pronated feet.

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of various corrective exercises and supportive tools in individuals with genu valgum. To ensure a comprehensive review, a search for original research, review articles, and clinical trials in both Persian and English was conducted using databases such as WOS, SID, ISC, Magiran, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The search covered publications during January 2008 to March 2023. A total of 76 relevant articles were selected based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, with 22 articles ultimately reviewed and analyzed regarding the effects of various corrective exercises and supportive tools on genu valgum. Findings from one study indicated that aerobic exercises had a significant impact on reducing body mass index (BMI) and the severity of genuvalgum. Other studies reported positive effects of resistance and corrective exercises on improving muscle electrical activity and knee stability. One study demonstrated that the use of orthotic insoles could significantly enhance knee joint support during stair descent. Six studies highlighted the positive effects of using orthoses, wedges, and braces in individuals with genu valgum. Conversely, one study pointed out the negative impact of these tools, citing the reduced limiting angle of the brace, increased applied forces, and, ultimately, greater injury risk. However, findings from three studies overwhelmingly supported the positive effects of using kinesiotape in individuals with genu valgum, providing optimism about the effectiveness of these interventions. In conclusion, our review underscores the promising potential of corrective exercises, particularly resistance exercises with TheraBand, and the combination of these with supportive tools such as insoles for arch support and kinesiotape. These interventions show significant promise in reducing the degree of knee valgus in individuals with genu valgum. This hopeful outlook can inspire healthcare professionals and individuals seeking evidence-based interventions for genu valgum, empowering them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their care.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a course of practicing motor games based on Montessori theory on the fine and gross motor skills of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. 

 The present research was quasi-experimental. This study was done using a pretest-posttest design on 30 male students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. They were randomly divided into the control (15 students with a mean age of 8.1±0.4 years) and experimental (15 students with a mean age of 8.1±0.5 years). Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were diagnosed and found appropriate by psychiatrists. They were also assessed using the Conners’ parent and teacher rating scale questionnaire, whose validity and reliability in Iran were found to be 81%, using the Cronbach method. Then, through the Lichen-Ozeretsky motor adequacy test, both groups were assessed, and the experimental group received motor games based on Montessori theory for 12 weeks (three days per week). Covariance analysis was used to analyze the obtained data. 

The results of covariance analysis indicate a significant difference between the experimental and control groups. The subtests of strength (P<0.008), balance (P<0.001, F=31.97), 2-way coordination (P<0.001, F=21.32), motor vision control (F=94.15, P<0.001), agility speed (F=82.5, P<0.023), and response speed (F=10.22, P<0.003) were different between groups.

The study’s results showed a significant improvement in strength, balance, 2-way coordination, motor vision control, response speed, speed, and agility after the training period. Therefore, using this training program in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is recommended.

 Moving on steep surfaces is a demanding task in daily life, especially during walking. It poses challenges for the human locomotor system, especially for those with neuromuscular injuries or disease. Therefore, this study aimed to compare plantar pressure variables in healthy versus genu valgum students during walking on a sloped surface.

 This applied study was quasi-experimental and causal-comparative. The samples comprised 15 girls with genu valgum knees (between medial malleolus distance of 3.90±0.44 cm) and 15 with healthy knees (between medial malleolus distance of 0.73±0.29 cm). Plantar pressure variables were evaluated in 10 areas of the foot on the sloping surfaces at 0%, ±8%, ±10%, and ±20% in the stance phase of walking. A 2-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was used for statistical analysis. The significant level was set at 0.05. 

 Maximum pressure was only significant in the areas of the tarsal 1, metatarsal 2-4, and lateral rearfoot on the slopes of +8, -15, and -20 between the genu valgum and the healthy groups. The pressure was higher in the genu valgum group. Changes in the center of foot pressure on the positive and negative slopes of 8 and 15 in the genu valgum group compared to the healthy in the mediolateral direction significantly trended toward negative values.

 The study results showed that changes in the center of pressure increase the amount of foot supination by increasing the slope and decrease the amount of ankle pronation by increasing the negative slope. Therefore, slopes of -20, -15, and -8 can be suggested to improve the distribution pattern of plantar pressure in adolescent girls with genu valgum knee. However, further study in this area is warranted.

Pronation in the foot is a normal rolling movement occurring at the subtalar joint during running. The human foot, as the primary interface with our environment, presents morphological and postural changes following prolonged running. This study aims to identify running mechanics while training on the sand in runners with pronated feet. 

Thirty runners with pronated feet were in the control group, and 30 runners with pronated feet were in the experimental group. An experimental group conducted an 8-week corrective exercise program, while a control group did not exercise. A force plate was included to collect ground reaction forces in the walkway. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures test was conducted to identify the presence of an interaction between the within-and between-subject factors on the dependent variables. The significance level was set at P<0.05.

The experimental group displayed lower first peak vertical ground reaction force (P=0.026), peak mediolateral ground reaction force (P=0.000), anterior-posterior impulse (P=0.032), loading rate (P=0.004) and a larger last peak vertical ground reaction force (P=0.000) during training on the sand. Irrespective of the group under consideration, a lower first peak mediolateral ground reaction force (P=0.000), peak positive free moment amplitude (P=0.001), and a larger last peak mediolateral ground reaction force (P=0.003) observed in the post-test compared to the pre-test. 

We suggest that training on sand may be a suitable intervention to change running mechanics in male runners with pronated feet.

The age of boots is a significant factor that can impact the risk of injury during daily activities. Conversely, military personnel rely on their footwear to meet the physical demands of their daily professional tasks.

This study aimed to evaluate how wearing thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and rubber military boots for six months affects lower limb muscle activity during running.

Thirty healthy male participants were provided with two new pairs of rubber and TPU military boots and instructed to wear them for six months. Electromyography signals were recorded during a pre-test and after six months while the participants ran at a speed of 3.2 m/s. Statistical analysis was conducted using a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures, with a significance level of 0.05.

The results did not show a significant overall effect of ”boots” or ”time” onmuscle activities during running. However, there were significant boot-by-time interactions formuscle activities during different phases of the running cycle. These interactions were observed for the tibialis anterior (P = 0.037, η 2 p = 0.146), gastrocnemius medialis (P = 0.023, η 2 p = 0.172), and gluteus medius (P = 0.038, η 2 p = 0.144) activities during the loading phase, tibialis anterior activity at the mid-stance phase (P = 0.003, η 2 p = 0.278), and gastrocnemius medialis activity during the push-off phase (P = 0.046, η 2 p = 0.135).

Wearing military boots appears to affect muscle activities, particularly the tibialis anterior, in healthy males. These findings underscore the importance of careful boot selection for running activities. Understanding the reasons behind differences in muscle activity between TPU and rubber military boots can inform further research and the development of specialized footwear tailored to specific operational needs.