جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « راه رفتن » در نشریات گروه « پزشکی »

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.

This study aims to assess the effect of a forward and backward walking training program on some inflammatory markers and physical function of older women.

Twenty-four older women (aged 60-75 years) were divided into three groups of walking forward, walking backward, and control. Two groups of walking forward and walking backward, performed training three times a week for eight weeks with an exertion rate of 14-15 according to Borg’s scale. Before and after the training, anthropometric factors (age, body height, body weight, and body mass index) and the muscle strength and muscle endurance were measured and blood sampling (for biochemical analysis) was conducted. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the means in SPSS software, version 23, and the significance level was set at 0.05.

The results showed that backward walking training significantly increased muscle strength and muscle endurance compared to the control and forward walking groups, but the program did not cause a significant change in the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, transforming growth factor-beta, or vitamin D binding protein.

It seems that backward walking training can have a greater effect on physical function in older women compared to forward walking, and lead to a healthier life for them.

 Concerning the effectiveness of training on people with chronic low back pain, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of postural restoration institute (PRI) training on lower limb kinematics during walking in middle-aged subjects with discogenic low back pain.

 In this prospective observational quasi-experimental study, 42 people participated in three groups: people without low back pain (healthy group, n=14) and people with low back pain in two groups (intervention group, n=14; and control group, n=14). Kinematic data were recorded by 7 Qualisys cameras with a frequency of 100 Hz in the pretest and post-test. Analysis of variance with repeated measures was used in SPSS software version 23 at a significance level 0.05.

 The results showed that people with low back pain in the intervention and control groups walk with a slower velocity, lower cadence, and shorter step length than healthy individuals for both right and left limbs. However, after the PRI training, the intervention group showed a significant increase in those three variables. Furthermore, there were significant differences between the healthy group and the two groups of intervention and control in the range of motion (ROM) for the pelvis in the sagittal and frontal planes, the right hip joint in the horizontal plane, the right ankle in the frontal plane, the left hip joint in the sagittal and horizontal planes as well as the left ankle in the sagittal plane. After applying PRI, the differences between the healthy and the intervention groups regarding the pelvis ROM on the sagittal plane, the right ankle ROM on the sagittal plane, the left hip joint ROM on the frontal plane, and the left knee ROM on the sagittal plane were minimized and became insignificant.

 The present study’s findings confirmed the effectiveness of using PRI training in improving biomechanical indicators, such as the range of joint movements and increasing the velocity and step length of walking, to treat and manage the performance of people with discogenic chronic low back pain.

 This study aimed to compare the frequency spectrum of ground reaction forces in blind and healthy participants with open and closed eyes during walking.

 This study was quasi-experimental. The statistic samples comprised 15 blind men with a mean age of 25.22±6.33 years and 15 healthy men with a mean age of 27.22±5.31 years. They were selected by available sampling. A foot scan (RS Scan International, Belgium) device was used to measure the foot pressure values while walking. Variables of foot pressure were recorded at a sampling frequency of 300 Hz. For data analysis, we used the paired t test to compare the within-group means and the independent t test to compare the between-group means in SPSS software, version 24. 

 The results showed that the frequency content with 99.5% power was greater in the blind group than in the healthy group with open eyes in the vertical direction, first metatarsal, and lateral and medial heel parts (P<0.05). Also, the frequency content with 99.5% power was greater in the healthy group with closed eyes than those healthy ones with open eyes (P<0.05). The frequency content with 99.5% power (P=0.004) and numbers of essential harmonics (P=0.003) in the vertical direction in the blind group were respectively 9.84% and 13.51% less than the healthy group with closed eyes. The number of essential harmonics (P=0.002) in the vertical direction in the healthy group with closed eyes was 20.61% greater than those healthy ones with open eyes. The frequency content with 99.5% power in the vertical direction in the blind group was less than that of the healthy group with closed eyes (P=0.023).

 Considering the increase in frequency with 99.5% power and the number of essential harmonics in different areas of the soles of the foot in the blind group and healthy group with closed eye, it is recommended that physiotherapists, motion analysts, and rehabilitation specialists design a special rehabilitation protocol for blind people and those who lost their vision due to an accident.

 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.

The ankle joint is one of the most vulnerable joints in the body due to weight bearing. Pronated foot is one of the most common complications of the lower limbs. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of training in water and training with thera-band on the frequency spectrum of electrical activity of lower limb muscles in people with pronated foot during walking.

The present research was a clinical trial study that was conducted in a semi-experimental and laboratory. The statistical sample of the present study included 45 students of University of Mohaghegh Ardabili who had pronated foot, were selected purposefully and were randomly and equally placed in three groups: TheraBand, exercise in water, and control. The training protocol used for the water training group was based on the sports prescription guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and for the training group with the thera-band, it was performed using an orange thera-band in three sets with repetitions of 14 movements. To measure the frequency spectrum of the electrical activity of the lower limb muscles, it was recorded using a wireless surface electromyography device. Likewise, analysis of variance with repeated measurements and Bonferroni post hoc test were used to analyze the data at a significance level of P≤0.05.

The results showed that the interactive effect of time and group on the middle frequency spectrum of electromyography of the vastus medialis muscle in the exercises of the thera-band group during walking had a significant decrease (P=0.02). Other variables from the pre-test stage to the post-test did not show statistically significant differences (P<0.05).

It seems that doing exercises in water and thera-band doesn't statistically have much effect on the frequency spectrum of the electrical activity of the lower limb muscles.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most prevalent motor disability during childhood, characterized by a range of movement and posture disorders that result in activity limitations. In children with CP, abnormal walking patterns are observed due to spasticity and contractures in the lower limb muscles. Also, an excessive flexion gait pattern of the knee presents in 66% of spastic diplegic CP children aged from 5 to 21 years. Accordingly, reducing excessive knee flexion during walking may decrease secondary compensations and enhance walking performance and quality of life. This study aims to design and evaluate a novel dynamic orthosis along with its impact on functional parameters of walking and occupation performance in a child with spastic diplegia CP. 

This research was a fundamental and applied study of the design and fabrication. The study plan is a single subject, interaction design, conducted in two stages and implemented as A-B-BC-A. After the initial orthosis design, a second and final iteration was developed to address the limitations observed in the preliminary design. The study participant included an 8-year-old boy with spastic diplegic CP, classified as level II (according to the gross motor function classification system expanded and revised), exhibiting a crouch gait pattern. Functional variables, such as speed, balance in walking, spasticity, and occupation performance, were assessed in the study phases.

The advantages and disadvantages of the final design were identified. Changes were made regarding manufacturing in less time, the ability to adjust the circumferential measures, ease of wearing and removing, and issues related to toileting. In comparing the baseline with intervention phases one and two regarding balance, the intervention demonstrated effectiveness (percentage of non-overlapping data [PND]=70%). According to PND values, functional speed in the second intervention phase showed significant results (PND=75%). The hamstring muscle spasticity graph analysis during intervention phases exhibited a reduction of 1 or 2 units. The occupational performance score and satisfaction with the child’s performance increased significantly after the intervention phases.

According to the mechanism of dynamic movement orthoses, as long as they are worn during the day, they are effective in modulating the tonicity of spastic muscles by exerting pressure on hypertonic muscles. This modulation improves balance, movement speed, and overall task performance. Consequently, these findings suggest that dynamic orthotic interventions may enhance functional outcomes and occupational performance, and satisfaction in children with spastic diplegic CP.

Schoolchildren have to use backpacks every day on routes with different characteristics and weights to carry their staff. However, the knowledge available on its effects on walking biomechanics is very limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of using backpacks with different weights on plantar kinetics and balance variables among female students during the stance phase of walking.

Twenty female students in the age range of 14-17 with available sampling participated as subjects in this semi-experimental study. Participants carried backpacks with 10%, 15%, and 20% of body weight during walking. Plantar pressure data of subjects was collected by a foot pressure system. Repeated measure ANOVA was run to analyze the obtained data.

The results showed that the force in the heel medial and fifth metatarsal were significantly lower in 10% of body weight as compared to 15% (p=0.045) and 20% (p=0.038) body weight. Also, heel rotation in carrying a backpack with 20% of body weight was significantly greater than 10% of body weight (p=0.031).

According to the results, it seems, that increasing the weight of a backpack can alter the pattern of force distribution in the foot during walking. Changing foot biomechanics leads to poor posture adjustment and raises the risk of muscle-skeletal injuries among school students.

Differences in foot structure are thought to be associated with differences in foot function during movement. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of foot structure on plantar pressure characteristics in overweight girl children aged 10-13 years during walking.

Thirty-six overweight girls with pes planus, pes cavus and normal feet structures participated in this study. The plantar pressure characteristics of the subjects were measured using the foot-scan system while walking on a 14-meter gait-way at a self-selected speed. Peak plantar pressure, time to reach the peak pressure, percentage of the plantar contact area and impulse were measured. MANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test were used for statistical analyses at a significance level of 0.05.

The mean peak pressure of the left foot of the pes cavus group under the hallux (12.47) was greater than that of the normal (7.93) and pes planus (7.49) groups (p=0.035). The mean impulse underneath the 2-5 toes zone of the right foot of normal (0.86) group was greater than pes planus (0.49) group (p=0.008). The mean impulse also was greater under the hallux zone of the left foot among pes cavus group (2.61) than those in normal (0.89) and pes planus (0.88) groups (0.045).

Despite the existence of minor differences; in general, the results of this study did not show a significant alteration in plantar pressure characteristics among overweight children with different foot structures during walking.

Low Back pain is one of the most common disorders that affect people's functional ability in daily life and workplace activities, as well as their general health and quality of life This study aims to investigate the effect of eight weeks of water walking training on kinematics and trunk-pelvic coordination during walking in people with chronic back pain.In this semi-experimental with pre-post test research design, 50 subjects with chronic back pain were divided into two control (25 subjects) and experimental groups (25 subjects) based on their weight and VAS pain index, so there are no any significant differences between weight and pain. The Mean±SD of height, weight and age in the control group were 170.62±6.8, 81±6.63 and 44.74±5.92, and in the experimental group were 167.16±7.62, 78.32±8.01 and 43.66±5.32 respectively. Noraxon IMU system was used to measure the pelvis and trunk kinematic variables during walking. After that, the angular information of the pelvis and trunk was extracted and after processing the range of motion variables, coordination with continuous relative phase index and variability of coordination were calculated. After the pre-test, the subjects were exposed to eight weeks of water walking training with a frequency of three days a week, and after the training, the pelvic trunk kinematic test was taken. The control group continued their daily activities after the pre-test. For statistical analysis, the repeated measure ANOVA was used for comparison (P≤0.05).The results of this study showed that training in water within and between groups reduces the range of motion of the trunk (P=0.001). On the other hand, the results of this study showed that training in water increases the coordination between the trunk and pelvis, which indicates greater coordination between the trunk and pelvis during walking (P=0.001). Also, the results showed that the variability of coordination after training in water decreases significantly within and between groups (P=0.001).The results of this study showed that performing six weeks of water walking training at different speeds due to the features of water training such as buoyancy and flow resistance reduces the range of motion of the trunk, and this decrease in range of motion balances the movement of the trunk concerning the pelvis, and the coordination between these two segments is increased. On the other hand, the results of this study pointed to the greater stability of walking of patients with back pain after performing the exercise, which indicates that the walking pattern in high repetitions is closer to normal walking.

Different surfaces have different effects on body mechanics during walking. The aim of this study was to evaluate ankle joint co-contraction in individuals with healthy and supinated feet during walking on artificial turf and stable ground.

This study was a semi-experimental and laboratory one. The statistical population included 10 individuals with supinated feet (mean age of 22.1± 2.2 years) and 10 individuals with healthy feet (mean age of 24.2± 3.3 years). The electrical activity of selected lower limb muscles was recorded using electromyography system during walking. Two ways ANOVA with repeated measure test was used for statistical analysis using SPSS 20 software at significant level of 0.05.

Results showed that the main effect of surface (P=0.035) and group (P=0.000) on general ankle co-contraction was significant during loading phase. General ankle co-contraction during loading phase while walking on artificial turf was greater than walking on the ground. Differences between other directional and general co-contraction components in other phases during walking on artificial turf and stable ground were not significant (P<0.05).

General co-contraction values of muscles during walking on artificial turf were greater than walking on the stable ground. Increased general co-contraction may be associated with instability of the surface. Nevertheless, to prove this as well as possible, it is necessary to conduct more research in the future with larger statistical populations.

Genu varus is one of the most common lower limb deformities that can affect a person’s daily activities and sports performance. This study aims to investigate the effect of the 8-week use of knee braces on the electrical activity frequency of muscles in men with genu varus during walking.

This is a quasi-experimental study on 30 male college students with genu varus (aged 20-30 years) who were randomly divided into control and intervention groups. Corrective exercises were performed for 8 weeks using knee braces in the intervention group. The electrical activity of selected muscles was recorded by an electromyography system. For statistical analysis, ANCOVA was used. The significance level was set at 0.05.

During the loading phase, the results showed a lower frequency of biceps femoris muscle in the intervention group compared to the control group (P=0.041). The frequency of muscles did not show any significant difference between groups in the mid-stance and push-off phases (P>0.05).

Given the decrease in the frequency of biceps femoris muscle activity in men who used knee braces, it can be concluded that the 8-week use of these brace can be effective in reducing shock absorption in the lower extremity.

The use of medical insoles is one of the non-surgical treatment methods for improving the gait pattern of individuals with leg length discrepancy (LLD). However, the long-term effect of insoles on lower limb joint dynamics in these individuals is still unclear. This study aims to investigate and compare the long-term effect of inner and outer insoles on selected dynamics variables of the lower limb joints in men with LLD during the stance phase of gait.

This is a randomized clinical trial with a pre-test/post-test design on 18 men with mild LLD, randomly divided into two parallel groups of inner insole and outer insole. Selected dynamics parameters were measured by six cameras and a force plate during the stance phase of gait. Both groups used the insole for 12 weeks for at least four hours per day. Repeated-measures ANCOVA was used to test the hypothesis. P≤0.05 was statistically significant.

After 12 weeks of using insoles, the peak lateral pelvic tilt decreased significantly in the inner insole group (P=0.041 for short leg, and P=0.008 for long leg) and outer insole group (P=0.026 for short leg, P=0.007 for long leg). The peak knee abduction moment (P=0.022 for inner insole, P=0.007 for outer insole) and peak hip abduction moment (P=0.006 for inner insole, P=0.005 for outer insole) also decreased significantly. In the outer insole group, the peak anterior pelvic tilt showed a significant change in the post-test stage compared to the pre-test stage (P=0.014 for short leg, and P=0.033 for long leg). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the selected dynamics variables (P>0.05).

The long-term use of inner and outer medical insoles, by causing a change in the lower limb joint dynamics, can lead to a positive adaptation in men with mild LLD. There is no significant difference in the long-term effect of inner and outer insoles.

Several studies have investigated gait biomechanics in people with functional ankle instability (FAI). However, the potential role of information processing (attention) in the gait control of these patients is still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive load on the range of motion (ROM) of lower limb joints during walking in men with and without FAI.

The study was a non-randomized controlled clinical trial. Eighteen male subjects with FAI and 19 healthy subjects participated in this study and completed three randomized conditions (three trials per condition): normal walking on a treadmill (single task), normal walking while performing a cognitive task (dual task), and (3) performing cognitive task while sitting. Three-dimensional information of hip, knee, and ankle joint ROM in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes were measured as gait kinematic components, and the error ratio and average reaction time were measured as cognitive task indicators. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine the intrasession reliability of kinematic and cognitive measures.

The ICC of kinematic variables, including the hip, knee, and ankle joint ROM, with and without applying cognitive tasks in three planes was more than 0.70. During the single task, the group with FAI showed a significantly decreased knee ROM in the transverse plane and a decreased hip ROM in the sagittal plane compared to the healthy group. During the dual task, the group with FAI showed a significantly increased hip ROM in the sagittal plane compared to the healthy group. The results of the cognitive task showed that the group with FAI had a longer reaction time in the auditory Stroop test during dual-task walking than in the sitting position.

FAI can be an important factor in motor-cognitive interactions. Using a cognitive task may be an effective strategy in the rehabilitation program of men with FAI.

Fatigue is one of the effective factors in changing the electrical activity of muscles, so that this index is directly related to the increase in the potential of muscle injuries and performance loss in various sports stages. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the electrical activity values of the lower limb muscles before and after fatigue in the people with a history of Covid-19 compared to healthy people during walking.

The present research was of semi-experimental and laboratory one. The statistical population of the present study included women with a history of Covid-19 and healthy women in Ardabil province. A statistical sample of 28 people with an age range of 18-30 years was selected by purposive sampling. The statistical samples included two groups of 14 healthy people and 14 people with covid-19. The method of asking people for their history of contracting the Covid-19 disease was in such a way that at least two months had passed from their infection and their PCR test results were already positive. healthy people didn't have any symptoms and had negative PCR results. Electromyography data were analyzed using Datalite Biometric program before and after the fatigue protocol. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures was used for statistical analysis, and bonferroni post hoc test was used at the significance level of P<0.05.

The results showed significant group-by-fatigue interaction effect for frequency of the vastus latlarais (P=0.031), vastus medialis (P=0.029), and gluteus medius (P=0.035) muscles during loading response phase. The reduction of frequency content at post-test compared with pre-test in healthy group was greater than that Covid-19 group.

It seems that the difference in the frequency of electrical activity of the muscles of the lower limbs in different phases of walking after fatigue in people with Covid-19 compared to healthy ones can be a serious reason for the occurrence of injury and decrease in the stability of the joints during walking. However, more confirmatory researches in the future are needed to prove this relationship.

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of his height in meters (kg/m2). In 2019, an estimated 38.2 million children under the age of 5 years were overweight or obese. Once considered a high-income country problem, overweight and obesity are now on the rise in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings. In Africa, the number of overweight children under 5 has increased by nearly 24 % percent since 2000. Almost half of the children under 5 who were overweight or obese in 2019 lived in Asia. Over 340 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 were overweight or obese in 2016. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents aged 5-19 years has risen dramatically from just 4 % in 1975 to just over 18 % in 2016. The rise has occurred similarly among both boys and girls: in 2016 18 % of girls and 19 % of boys were overweight. While just under 1 % of children and adolescents aged 5-19 were obese in 1975, more 124 million children and adolescents (6 % of girls and 8 % of boys) were obese in 2016. Overweight and obesity are linked to more deaths worldwide than underweight. Globally there are more people who are obese than underweight Raised BMI is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death and disability in adulthood. But in addition to increased future risks, obese children experience breathing difficulties, increased risk of fractures, hypertension, and early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and psychological effects. Overweight and obesity are among the most important concerns and threats to public health and probably the most common malnutrition problem in the world and is known as a chronic disease in developed and developing countries and has a dramatic increase (1). Obesity is a risk factor for disorders such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, renal complications, respiratory disease, coronary heart disease, stroke, etc. (2). Deviation from normal physical posture can be effective in losing beauty and also reducing a person's mechanical performance and predispose a person to muscle and nerve injuries. In the pronation of the foot, the internal arch of the foot is reduced, and then the navicular bone falls and protrudes on the inner surface of the foot, which can also cause other anatomical abnormalities (10). The aim of this study was to compare frequency content of selected lower limb muscles during walking in overweight people with pronated foot, pronated feet individuals without overweight and healthy control ones.

The research is a semi-experimental type. The study design of the present study is cross sectional. The statistical sample of the present study include 15 healthy adult females, 15 pronated feet adult females without overweight, and 15 overweight adult females with pronated feet. To record the ground reaction forces data, a Bertec force plate device with a sampling rate of 1000 Hz was used. The electromyography data was recorded using a wireless biometric electromyography device with 8 channels. The 20 Hz cut of frequency was used to smooth ground reaction force data. Ground reaction force data were used to determine the beginning and end of the gait stance phase. Selected lower limb muscles include tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and gluteus medius. The electrodes were attached on selected lower limb muscle in accordance with SENIAM protocol. Before, electrode placement, the shaving process was done. The walking trials were done at constant speed. The walking stance phase was divided into loading phase, mid-stance phase, and push off phase. Median frequency of EMG data was selected as a dependent variables. Normal distribution of data was confirmed using a Shapiro-Wilk test. One way ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis. All analysis were done at SPSS software. Significant level was set at p<0.05.

Results revealed that the frequency content of vastus lateralis muscle during loading phase in the pronated feet group was greater than healthy group (p = 0.02). Also, results revealed that the frequency content of vastus lateralis muscle during loading phase in the pronated feet group with overweight was greater than pronated feet group (p < 0.01). The frequency content of rectus femoris muscle during loading phase in the pronated feet group was greater than healthy group (p = 0.04). Results revealed that frequency content of vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, and gluteus medius during mid stance phase in pronated feet group was lower than healthy control ones (p < 0.02). Also, the frequency content of tibialis anterior muscle during mid stance phase in overweight group with pronated feet was lower than healthy control ones (p < 0.01). The frequency content of rectus femoris muscle and semitendinosus muscle during push off phase in pronated feet group was greater than that healthy control ones (p < 0.01). The frequency content of rectus femoris and semitendinosus muscles during push off phase in overweight group with pronated feet group were lower than that pronated feet group (p < 0.03).

The frequency content of quadriceps muscles during loading phase in the pronated foot group with overweight was similar to healthy group. Therefore, the compensatory mechanism in the frequency content of quadriceps muscles in the pronated foot group with overweight does not occur to reduce impact force. Moreover, the frequency content of rectus femoris muscle during loading phase in the pronated foot group was greater than healthy group. Results revealed that frequency content of vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, and gluteus medius during mid stance phase in pronated feet group was lower than healthy control ones. Also, the frequency content of rectus femoris muscle and semitendinosus muscle during push off phase in pronated feet group was greater than that healthy control ones. The frequency content of rectus femoris and semitendinosus muscles during push off phase in overweigh with pronated feet group were lower than that pronated feet group.

The increase in loading rate is associated with lower limb injuries such as tibial stress fracture. Quadriceps muscle activities absorb ground reaction force (GRF) shocks by eccentric activation. This study aims to evaluate the effect of aerobic training on the relationship between loading rate and quadriceps muscle activities in men with diabetic neuropathy (DN). 

In this double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial, participants were 40 men with DN who were selected by a convenience sampling method and randomly divided into two groups of training (n=20, age: 54.9±7.3, body mass index: 28.4±5.4) and control (n=20; age: 54.1±7.3, body mass index: 28.5±5.1). The GRF data was recorded using a force plate system during walking. The electrical activity of selected lower limb muscles was recorded using electromyography method. The training group performed aerobic training for 12 weeks (three sessions per week). 

The results showed an increase in the negative relationship between vertical loading rate and vastus lateralis activities after training (P=0.028). The activities of vastus medialis and rectus femoris muscles showed no significant relationship with loading rate after training (P>0.05). 

Aerobic training can improve the relationship between vastus lateralis muscle activity and vertical loading rate in men with DN.

The ankle joint is one of the most vulnerable joints in the body due to weight bearing. Pronated foot is one of the most common complications of the lower limbs. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of exercise protocol in water and theraband on the electrical activity of lower limb muscles in people with pronate foot during walking.

The present research was a clinical trial study that was conducted in a semi-experimental and laboratory. The participants of the present study included 45 students of University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran,  who had pronated foot. They were selected purposefully and divided into three equal groups. The age range of the subjects was 18-25 years. To measure the electrical activity muscles of lower limbs, it was recorded using an electromyography device. Electromyography data were analyzed using biometric datalite program. In addition, analysis of variance with repeated measurements and bonferroni post hoc test was used, and the significance level was P≤0.05.

The results showed that there was a significant difference between time*group activity of the gastrocnemius (P=0.001) and semitendinosus (P=0.046) in the three groups of training in water, theraband and control during the heel contact phase. Therefore, using the appropriate post hoc test (LSD), it was shown that the activity of the gastrocnemius muscle in the post-test compared to the pre-test in the group of training in water (P<0.001; d=6.08) and theraband (P<0.001; d=3.66) had a significant increase of 24.03 and 16.46%, respectively. The activity of the semitendinosus muscle in the post-test compared to the pre-test in the water training group (P=0.041; d=4.98) and theraband (P=0.048; d=4.76) had a significant increase of 21.06 and 19.01%, respectively.

According to the present study, it seems that doing exercises in water and thera-band can play an effective role in improving the range of electrical activity of the muscles on lower limbs of people with pronated foot during walking. In addition, according to the effect size, it was found that training in water had a better effect on the activity of the gastrocnemius and semi tendinosus compared to thera-band.

Running related fatigue in people with a history of COVID-19 can lead to an alteration of ground reaction forces due to electromyography changes. The aim of this study was to compare the peak values of ground reaction forces before and after fatigue in women with a history of COVID-19 and healthy women during walking.

In the present quasi-experimental study, the statistical sample included 14 women with a history of COVID-19 and 14 healthy women in Ardabil province in 2021, who were selected by convenience sampling. People with the history of COVID-19 had a positive Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test during the disease engagement. Bertec force plate with a sampling rate of 1000 Hz was used to record the ground reaction force data during walking. Data were analyzed using independent two-sample t-test.

The results did not show any statistically significant difference in mean changes of pre- and post-test across healthy and COVID-19 women (p>0.05). However, the values of pre- and post-test mean differences of lateral ground reaction forces approach a significant level (p=0.055) with a high effect size value (d=0.83).

It appears that the inability to apply a compensatory mechanism during the appearance of fatigue in people with COVID-19 can be a serious reason for the occurrence of injury and reduce joint stability during walking.

The performance reduction of proprioceptive and plantar pressure and lower limb muscles lead to balance loss. Using interventions such as braces and orthoses can assist postural control and improve sensation in these receptors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the simultaneous use of knee braces and foot orthoses on postural control in male and female older adults during walking.

The present study was of a semi-experimental. The statistical population includes the older adults of Ardabil city and the statistical sample consist of 30 older adults (including 15 women and 15 Men). The interventions used in this study include a support knee brace with restriction of knee movements, a type of foot orthosis along with simultaneous use of both of them. Center of pressure was recorded using a Bertec force plate. The statistical analysis was done using two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures at the significance level of 0.05.

The value of the maximum displacement of the center of pressure in the medio-lateral direction during walking with a brace and orthosis increased significantly by 20.68% compared to walking without a brace (P=0.011). The main effect of group for maximum displacement of the center of pressure was significant (P=0.003). Paired wise comparison demonstrated statistically greater maximum displacement of the center of pressure in the male group than that female group.

Considering the disruption of balance in the older adults, braces and orthoses can prevent these people from reducing posture control, balance disturbance, and falling after that by creating a positive potential for these people.