The choice of materials for covering plantar orthoses or wearable insoles is often based on their hardness, breathability, and moisture absorption capacity, although more due to professional preference than clear scientific criteria. An analysis of the thermal response to the use of these materials would provide information…

Sarcopenia denotes the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, typical in older adults. This condition is critical given its association with adverse outcomes like falls, fractures, and increased mortality. Although awareness of sarcopenia has grown, early diagnosis remains challenging due to its…

This study showed, for the first time, that the combined application of a brief muscle lengthening and wide-pulse neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) delivered over the posterior tibial nerve can entail increased torque production as compared with the sole application of NMES.

Alpha-synuclein is a protein found in brain and nerve cells. Its normal functions are poorly understood. But when an abnormal form of this protein accumulates in the brain and nervous system, it can lead to serious neurodegenerative disorders. These are collectively known assynucleinopathies.

Painful midportion Achilles tendinopathy affects athletes at all levels as well as sedentary individuals. While the majority of patients will respond to conservative management therapy, surgery may be required for a sub-group of patients. This study investigated the presence of a normal Achilles tendon, but a tendinopathic plantaris tendon, in….

Osteoarthritis occurs when tissues in joints break down over time. The disease has become more common worldwide over the past few decades. Diagnosis usually involves finding signs of joint damage on an x-ray. But the disease likely begins long before this damage can be seen.

As more of the world population continues to live into old age, falls are becoming a global health challenge and their prevention paramount. Malaysian researchers developed a clustering algorithm to sort 1400 patients (age 55+) into low, intermediate A, intermediate B, and high risk groups which corresponded with…

Extended-release corticosteroid injections demonstrated short-term improvements in gait biomechanics, quadricep strength, and physical function for up to 8 weeks. However, non-responders demonstrated gait biomechanics associated with osteoarthritis progression prior to the corticosteroid injection, suggesting that…

Several studies suggest that urate may contribute to osteoarthritis (OA) risk. So researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine tested the associations between hyperuricemia and knee OA, and examined the role of obesity, using a cross-sectional, nationally representative dataset.

Researchers from Hawaii sought to examine trends in fireworks-related injuries (FRI) before and after enactment of an ordinance to limit access in the City and County of Honolulu (the island of Oahu). Methods: Surveillance of FRI treated in all emergency departments in the state, for…

Physiotherapy researchers from Colombia found that a community-level supervised program of physical activity had significant positive outcomes on the physical capacities of older adults including strength, flexibility, balance, and aerobic capacity.