Elif Aydin

Effects of deep heating provided by therapeutic ultrasound on demyelinating nerves.

[Purpose] Physiotherapeutic heating agents are classified into two groups: superficial-heating agents and deep-heating agents. Therapeutic ultrasound is a deep-heating agent used to treat various musculosketal disorders. Numerous studies have attempted to determine the impact of ultrasound on healthy nerve conduction parameters. However, the instantaneous effects of deep heating via ultrasound on demyelinating nerves do not appear to have been described previously. The present study aimed to assess and compare the impact of ultrasound on demyelinating nerve and healthy nerve conduction parameters. [Subjects and Methods] Carpal tunnel syndrome was used as a focal demyelination model. Thirty-two hands of 25 participants with carpal tunnel syndrome were enrolled in the study. Ultrasound parameters were 3.3 MHz, 1.0 W/cm2, 8 minutes, and continuous wave. Electrodiagnostic studies were performed initially, at the midpoint (4th min), and immediately after (8th min) ultrasound application. [Results] Reduced motor conduction velocity was found in demyelinating nerves at the 4th and 8th minutes. Ulnar nerve onset latency was significantly prolonged in the 8th minute recording, compared to the initial value. There were no significant differences in relative velocity and latency changes between demyelinating and normal nerves. [Conclusion] Deep heating via ultrasound may inversely affect conduction velocity in demyelinating nerves.

Impact of Generalized Joint Laxity on Plantar Loading Patterns in Young Females

Background: Generalized joint laxity is often associated with gait deviations. The aim of this study was to investigate the static and dynamic loading pattern of the foot with increasing joint mobility and to discuss the potential impact of this condition on the plantar loading patterns. Methods: Seventy female participants between ages of 18 and 30 were included in this cross-sectional survey. The Beighton-Horan Joint Mobility Index scores were assessed and participants divided into 3 categories: no hypermobility (NH) group, scores 0 to 2; moderate hypermobility (MH) group, scores 3 to 4; distinct hypermobility (DH) group, scores 5 to 9. Pedobarographic analysis was performed both in static and walking conditions. Dynamic foot loading examined in 10 anatomic zones. Contact areas of forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot were recorded. Results: In the dynamic pedobarographic analysis, individuals with distinct joint hypermobility displayed higher peak pressure and maximum force values under the hallux, compared with other groups (P < .05). The maximum force value of the second metatarsal was higher in the DH group than in the MH group (P < .05). Conclusion: Our study results suggest that plantar loading pattern differs with increasing degrees of the hypermobility score. Clinical Relevance: Differences in plantar loading parameters in people with severe joint mobility scores may be useful in interpreting the foot pathologies of these individuals.

The influence of monocular vision on the plantar pressure distribution

BACKGROUND Although the influence of monocular vision to upper limb biomechanics has been well documented, data about lower extremity biomechanics are limited. The objective of the present study was to demonstrate pedobarographic differences between both feet of the individuals with monocular vision in static and dynamic conditions. METHODS Pedobarographic analysis of twenty-four participants with monocular vision was performed. Relative static pressure load (%) and dynamic peak plantar pressure (N/cm(2)), force (N) distributions and contact area percentages (%) were recorded under both low vision and normal vision side foot. FINDINGS The results showed that relative static pressure loads did not differ between low vision and normal vision foot. Under midfoot of low vision side, a significant increment was found in peak plantar pressures (2.42 (SD 1.09) N/cm(2)) and forces (136.77 (SD 64.96) N) compared to normal vision side foot (1.87 (SD 0.96) N/cm(2); 106.94 (SD 65.03) N). No difference in contact area percentages was detected. INTERPRETATION These results indicate that there are differences in plantar pressure measurements between feet of individuals with monocular vision. These pedobarographic differences reported here appear to support the assumption that individuals with monocular vision have adaptive gait strategies such as, decreased walking speed, limited ankle motion and postural compensations.

Plantar pressure distribution in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

BACKGROUND Ankylosing spondylitis is one of the most common inflammatory rheumatic diseases and is associated with alterations in posture. The aim of this study was to investigate the pedobarographic changes among ankylosing spondylitis patients, in an attempt to understand whether the alterations in the posture affect the plantar pressure distribution. METHODS The study population consisted of 38 patients with ankylosing spondylitis and 33 healthy volunteers. The static and dynamic pedobarographic measurements were performed to determine the plantar pressure distribution. Moreover, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index were used to assess the clinical state of the patients. RESULTS The static pedobarographic measurements did not reveal any intergroup difference. There were differences between the groups in the results of dynamic peak pressure measurements under the metatarsal areas and under the midfoot region. The percentage of the midfoot in the dynamic plantar contact area was higher in ankylosing spondylitis patients in comparison to the controls. No clinically significant correlation was found between the clinical scores and static pedobarographic measurements. The plantar pressures under the metatarsal heads, medial and lateral heel regions declined with increasing disease activity according to the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index scores. The lower peak pressures on the forefoot and rearfoot, were associated with the higher Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index scores of the patients. INTERPRETATION The alterations in the posture may have effects on the plantar pressures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, especially during dynamic activities.