Journal of Foot and Ankle Research最新文献

{"title":"Beyond Aesthetics: A Matched-Controlled Study of Static and Dynamic Foot Characteristics of 83 Professional Ballet Dancers.","authors":"Tabea Arens, Mareike Sproll, Anja Hauschild, Christoph Kniewasser, Luisa Helfrich, Luisa Kosch, Astrid Zech","doi":"10.1002/jfa2.70207","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jfa2.70207","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Professional ballet dancers are exposed to substantial repetitive loading of the lower extremities particularly the feet. The aesthetic and technical demands of ballet may lead to morphological adaptations overtime. This study aimed to compare static and dynamic foot characteristics between professional dancers and active controls.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eighty-three professional ballet dancers (44 female, 39 male) and sex-matched controls were assessed for static foot size (length and width) and arch parameters in sitting and standing using a caliper. Dynamic arch index, foot size, hallux angle, and foot progression angle were recorded with a pedobarography platform. Linear mixed models were computed separately by sex and condition (sitting, standing, and walking) with group (dancer vs. control) as fixed effect and controlled for age and BMI. The proportions of dancers versus controls with a hallux valgus angle exceeding 15° were analyzed with chi-square tests for both sexes, and the influence of age, group (dancer vs. control), and sex were analyzed using a binary logistic regression model.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The dancers' static arch height index was higher, and their forefeet were wider than in the controls in both sitting and standing conditions (p < 0.001), whereas only female dancers showed a greater dynamic foot progression angle (p = 0.003) than the controls. Logistic regression revealed a nonsignificant, 2.8-fold higher likelihood of a hallux angle of 15° or greater in dancers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Ballet dancers demonstrate different static and dynamic foot characteristics compared to controls. The results underline the need for further longitudinal studies investigating how sex-specific loading patterns as well as ballet footwear affect the development of foot structure and function over time.</p>","PeriodicalId":49164,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Foot and Ankle Research","volume":"19 3","pages":"e70207"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13576634/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148971989","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ultrasonographic Anterior Talofibular Ligament Thickness Does Not Predict Functional Outcomes After Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain.","authors":"Seung Myung Wi, Dong Hee Kim, Sang Heun Kim, Sung Jin Shin","doi":"10.1002/jfa2.70187","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jfa2.70187","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ultrasonography is commonly used to evaluate ligament injuries following acute lateral ankle sprain. However, the clinical significance of structural changes in ligament thickness during the healing process remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate whether changes in anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) thickness are associated with functional clinical outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected cohort data involving 32 patients with acute lateral ankle sprain enrolled between January 2024 and March 2025. All patients underwent conservative treatment and were followed for up to 12 weeks after injury. Patients were excluded if they had a history of prior ankle sprain, fracture, deformity, previous surgery involving the foot or ankle, or avulsion-type ATFL injury. Standardized ultrasound examinations were performed at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 weeks after injury. ATFL thickness was measured bilaterally at the ligament midpoint, and an injured-to-healthy thickness ratio was calculated. Functional outcomes were assessed at 12 weeks using the visual analog scale (VAS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT). Temporal changes were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, and correlations were assessed using Pearson correlation analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The ATFL thickness ratio decreased significantly over time (p < 0.05), suggesting progressive structural remodeling during healing. Clinical outcomes improved significantly (all p < 0.001). However, no significant associations were detected between the ATFL thickness ratio and functional outcome measures at any time point (all p > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Although serial ultrasonography demonstrated progressive morphological remodeling of the ATFL following acute lateral ankle sprain, the present study did not detect a significant association between the ATFL thickness ratio and short-term functional outcomes. These findings suggest that ultrasonographic thickness alone may not fully reflect clinical recovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":49164,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Foot and Ankle Research","volume":"19 3","pages":"e70187"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13385203/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148537655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use of a Novel, Digital Note-Taking Application to Enhance the Learning of Lower-Limb Anatomy Amongst Podiatry Students: A Qualitative Evaluation.","authors":"Neville Parker, Peter Roberts","doi":"10.1002/jfa2.70190","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jfa2.70190","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Learning anatomy is an essential part of the process of becoming a podiatrist. Anatomical knowledge underpins the assessment, diagnosis and management of lower limb pathology and competent professional practice. However, anatomy remains a challenging subject for students and educators. We have therefore developed an application to aid students in their continued learning and revision of anatomy in podiatric undergraduate training.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This qualitative exploration sought the experiences and perceptions of six undergraduate podiatry students as they used the application alongside their traditional studies. Participants were provided with an iPad, a stylus and the necessary application and given 6 months to use the app. We convened a focus group to collect data on their experiences and opinions for how the app could be improved. Data were analysed using a reflexive, thematic approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results were organised into two main themes: Engagement, and Improvements and Implementation and 5 sub-themes: \"Learning control and personalisation: a change from the norm\" \"Applicability to clinical practice\" \"Beyond anatomy\" \"Desired improvements, training and timing\" and \"Not just for independent learning\". These themes illustrated participants' positive experience with the app from an educational perspective as well as their suggestions for improvement.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Participants engaged well with the note-taking application and found learning from it enhanced their understanding of musculoskeletal practice in particular. They were positive about the independent learning opportunity it provided and could see uses beyond anatomy for future development. This project has enabled us to understand students' approaches to learning better and therefore be in position to develop the application more effectively for future use.</p>","PeriodicalId":49164,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Foot and Ankle Research","volume":"19 3","pages":"e70190"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13401503/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148594180","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Working Right Ways: Investigating Health Practitioners' Perspectives of Challenges and Barriers to Providing Good Foot Care With and for First Nations Peoples.","authors":"James Gerrard, Shirley Godwin Badimaya Yamatji, Kim Whiteley Wiradjuri, James Charles Kaurna, Vivienne Chuter","doi":"10.1002/jfa2.70179","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jfa2.70179","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ongoing colonisation of the land now known of Australia includes Western hegemony in biomedical knowledge systems dominating healthcare provision. Racism remains structurally entrenched in Australian systems of health and wellbeing. This has serious implications for First Nations foot health outcomes. The purpose of this work is to empower First Nations-led codesign of ways of working in foot health research to investigate challenges to attending, and barriers to providing, good foot care with and for First Nations Peoples.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Aboriginal Participatory Action Research ways of working in this study are documented in previous publication; 'Working right ways in foot health with and for First Nations Peoples: research method guided and governed by First Nations ways of knowing, being, and doing in cross-sectional qualitative study design'. First Nations-led study design used decolonised language in semi-structured interviewing to talk with consenting participants. Data analysis included all transcripts being anonymised and transcribed verbatim by researchers manually. First Nations-led ways of doing thematic analysis was agreed upon by all authors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two talking points discussed First Nations and non-Indigenous health practitioners' perspectives of providing good foot care with and for First Nations Peoples: (1) What challenges exist in attending individual/organisational services? (2) What are barriers to providing good foot care? In interviews, themes emerged of relationships, disempowerment, education, and clinical governance. Additionally, racism, distance, and funding were perceived as influencing foot care provision. Although not themed, the constructs of time and their importance, were interwoven through results.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Participants described relationships which were not culturally centred, nor longer term, and which therefore limited trust, as being a challenge to attending foot health services. This research identified service barriers to providing good foot care with and for First Nations Peoples as distance and funding. Compounding barriers was lack of health professional cultural capability education impacting clinical services; this being dependant on individuals' behaviours and knowledges, and services' governance. Further work needs to centre the cultures and leadership of First Nations individuals, families, and Communities in working with and for them to keep feet strong.</p>","PeriodicalId":49164,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Foot and Ankle Research","volume":"19 3","pages":"e70179"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13392920/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148563481","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rocker Geometry in Running Footwear: A Scoping Review of Definitions, Commercial Descriptors and Outcome Measures.","authors":"Priyanka Khusal, Mike Frecklington, Sarah Gardner, Aaron Jackson","doi":"10.1002/jfa2.70200","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jfa2.70200","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rockered midsoles are increasingly used in running footwear, yet definitions, terminology and outcome measures vary widely across research and commercial sectors.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This scoping review mapped how rockers are defined in academic literature, how major footwear brands describe them and which outcome measures are most frequently evaluated.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A scoping review was conducted using systematic searches of four academic databases, identifying 19 eligible studies. Commercial materials from eight leading footwear brands were also examined to assess nonacademic descriptions of rocker features.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Academic sources used diverse terminology and geometric descriptors, such as apex position, rocker angle, curvature radius and toe spring, but no consistent definition or threshold for classifying a rocker was identified. Commercial descriptions relied on qualitative brand-specific language lacking measurable parameters. Research reported a wide range of outcome measures, most commonly kinematic, kinetic and plantar pressure variables, with fewer studies assessing muscle activation or metabolism and none reporting prospective injury outcomes. This variability reflects differing proposed functions but limits comparability across studies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Definitions and assessments of rocker designs vary substantially across academic and commercial contexts, limiting the ability to develop evidence-based clinical recommendations. A standardised measurable definition of rocker geometry would improve comparability between models and enhance clarity when communicating their effects. Future work should prioritise consensus building and examine individual-level biomechanical and clinical responses to clearly defined rocker designs to better inform clinical recommendations.</p>","PeriodicalId":49164,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Foot and Ankle Research","volume":"19 3","pages":"e70200"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13490342/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148800368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Deltoid Ligament Complex in Healthy Ankles: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Linh Nguyen, Adam L Bryant, Scott C Starkey, Patrick L Rowe, Allan Kent, Bryce A Killen, Quentin A Fogg, Kade L Paterson","doi":"10.1002/jfa2.70198","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jfa2.70198","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Up to one in two individuals who have a history of an ankle injury will develop chronic ankle instability, which subsequently increases the risk of osteoarthritis development. Although lateral ankle ligament injuries are the most common, recent research shows that concomitant injuries to the deltoid (medial collateral) ligament complex may be more prevalent than previously recognised. However, the anatomy and biomechanics of the deltoid ligament complex are reported inconsistently in the literature. This systematic review will summarise current evidence on the anatomy and biomechanics of the deltoid ligament complex in healthy adult ankles.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Searches will be conducted in Scopus, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus. Our search strategy will cover terms associated with 'deltoid ligament', 'anatomy' and 'biomechanics'. We will only include dissection and imaging studies published in English that report any of the listed clinically relevant properties of the deltoid ligament in healthy adult human ankles. Two reviewers will independently perform screening and assess study quality using the anatomical quality assessment (AQUA) tool. One reviewer will extract relevant data, which will be independently verified by co-authors. Primary outcomes include band prevalence, length, width, cross-sectional area, maximum and/or failure load and elastic modulus. If three or more studies report a primary outcome, we will conduct a meta-analysis and report findings as pooled means with 95% confidence intervals. If a meta-analysis is not feasible, outcomes will be summarised as a narrative analysis. Measures will be taken during data synthesis to address anticipated methodological heterogeneity across included studies, and pooled estimates will be interpreted with caution.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This protocol details a systematic review that aims to summarise the anatomy and biomechanics of the deltoid ligament complex. Our findings will inform computational modelling, clinical management and biomechanics for ankle pathologies, as well as identifying research gaps and directions for future research.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>PROSPERO: CRD420251142867.</p>","PeriodicalId":49164,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Foot and Ankle Research","volume":"19 3","pages":"e70198"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13477241/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148763365","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparing the Effectiveness of Different Types of Orthoses in Preventing Diabetic Foot Ulcer Recurrence: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.","authors":"Behnam Amini, Hanieh Salehi-Pourmehr, Sevil Ghaffarzadehrad","doi":"10.1002/jfa2.70192","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jfa2.70192","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Therapeutic orthoses, such as medical shoes and custom insoles, are used to prevent diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) recurrence. This systematic review with narrative synthesis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of orthoses in preventing DFU recurrence compared to standard care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We followed PRISMA guidelines for a systematic review. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science. RCTs on orthoses for preventing DFU recurrence were included. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane tools. Due to heterogeneity, narrative synthesis was used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>An initial search of 4166 articles identified ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review, focusing on patients living with diabetes at risk of DFU recurrence compared to usual care. Narrative synthesis of the 10 RCTs, involving 1686 participants, showed that custom orthoses reduced recurrence in several studies (e.g., Bus 2013 reported 9.9% recurrence vs. 25% in controls), though the evidence was heterogeneous due to variability in orthosis types and follow-up periods.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Orthoses can prevent diabetic foot ulcer recurrence, and we recommend their use where feasible. Further research is needed to optimize their clinical application.</p>","PeriodicalId":49164,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Foot and Ankle Research","volume":"19 3","pages":"e70192"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13428632/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148654814","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Key Improvements in Healthcare for Persons With Diabetes at Risk of Developing Foot Ulcers: A Concept Mapping Study.","authors":"Ulla Hellstrand Tang, Leif Sundberg, Susanne Andersson, Carina Folkesson, Lisbeth Hagström, Magdalena Annersten Gershater","doi":"10.1002/jfa2.70205","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jfa2.70205","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious complication of diabetes, with a lifetime risk of up to 34%. Despite preventive guidelines, gaps remain in the care chain. This study aimed to identify and prioritise improvements in DFU prevention, care, and self-care in the Region Västra Götaland, Sweden.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A participatory action research design was used as part of a larger observational co-design study. Patients with diabetes, healthcare professionals, and researchers participated. Data were collected through Concept Mapping to generate and cluster ideas, followed by a workshop to prioritise improvements. The improvements were assessed regarding feasibility and importance ranging from 0 to 7, with exceptions that some participants scored ideas > 7.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty-one participants contributed and based on 83 ideas five clusters were generated: (1) Examination of the feet by healthcare professionals, (2) Exchange of knowledge/Exchange of experiences, (3) Access to podiatry, (4) Economy/Equal care, and (5) Other/Support for self-care. In a workshop with 22 participants, the three prioritised ideas were: (1) Having access to podiatry if problems occur, (2) Getting help when problems arise, and (3) Information from the healthcare about the importance of good foot healthcare. These ideas got 80% or more of all votes within each of the five clusters and were scored > 5 for feasibility and of > 7 for importance. Other prioritised ideas involved enhancing individual self-care capabilities and maintaining personalised interactions despite digitalisation.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Timely access to podiatry, increased foot health awareness among healthcare professionals, and rapid intervention when problems arise were identified as key priorities for improving DFU care and patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":49164,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Foot and Ankle Research","volume":"19 3","pages":"e70205"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13539614/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148888990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and Associated Factors of Sarcopenia in Patients With Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Wang Hui, Yang Yaping, Lv Tan, Mao Zhigang, Dai Xinyi, Peng Yinbo, Wang Jing","doi":"10.1002/jfa2.70201","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jfa2.70201","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To systematically evaluate the prevalence and influencing factors of diabetic foot sarcopenia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases from inception until June 10, 2025, for studies reporting the prevalence and/or influencing factors of sarcopenia in patients with diabetic foot. All meta-analyses were performed using R software (version 4.4.2).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 1164 patients with diabetic foot ulcers were included in 7 studies. Meta-analysis showed that the prevalence of diabetic foot sarcopenia was 31% (95% CI: 0.22-0.41). Pooling of data from two studies indicated a significant association between longer diabetes duration and sarcopenia (OR = 3.33, 95% CI: 1.61-6.87, and p < 0.01). The evidence for other factors was insufficient for meta-analysis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review confirms a high prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with diabetic foot. Although an association with longer diabetes duration was observed, this is based on limited studies and requires further validation. These findings advocate for the consideration of early sarcopenia screening and preventive strategies within comprehensive diabetic foot care, potentially mitigating muscle loss and improving long-term outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":49164,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Foot and Ankle Research","volume":"19 3","pages":"e70201"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13583058/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148984051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Modulation of Lower Limb Biomechanics and Muscle Activation by Midsole Hardness in Children During Running.","authors":"Zhaolong Ye, Bojie Xuan, Fengping Li, Kuiyu Chen, Yiyao Chen, Zhanyi Zhou, Diwei Chen, Dongxu Wang, Xuanzhen Cen, Yufei Li, Dong Sun, Gusztáv Fekete, Danica Janicijevic, Yang Song, Yaodong Gu","doi":"10.1002/jfa2.70211","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jfa2.70211","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Children's developing musculoskeletal systems are highly sensitive to mechanical stimuli. This study investigated the effects of running shoe midsole hardness (MH) (soft midsole [SM], medium midsole [MM], and hard midsole [HM]) on lower-limb biomechanics and muscle activation during the running stance phase in children.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty healthy boys participated. Kinematic, kinetic, electromyographic, and navicular height (NH) data were collected during running. Differences across the three hardness conditions were analyzed using one-way repeated-measures ANOVA.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Maximum ankle sagittal angle decreased from 29.12° (SM) to 27.11° (HM) (p = 0.008), and hip sagittal range of motion (ROM) decreased from 43.06° (SM) to 39.66° (HM) (p = 0.047). NH was significantly higher under MM (12.48 mm) and HM (12.93 mm) than under SM (10.92 mm) (both p < 0.001). Vertical average loading rate (VALR) was significantly higher in HM (64.18 BW/s) than SM (53.14 BW/s; p = 0.032). Regarding muscle activation, significant main effects of MH were observed for the relative contributions of the tibialis anterior (TA), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), and semitendinosus (ST) (p = 0.046, p = 0.010, and p = 0.011, respectively). Post hoc comparisons showed that TA and LG contributions were lower under HM than under SM, whereas ST contribution was higher under HM than under SM and MM. Gluteus maximus (GM) activation (0.38) and relative contribution (17.5%) were highest under MM, with a significant main effect of MH (p = 0.002).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Midsole hardness altered selected lower-limb kinematics, navicular height, vertical loading rate, and muscle activation during running in children; however, these acute differences do not indicate functional superiority of any of the tested hardness conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":49164,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Foot and Ankle Research","volume":"19 3","pages":"e70211"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13554141/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148913956","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}