Sex differences in heel pad stiffness during a standing heel-rise task (original) (raw)
Related papers
Sex differences in heel pad stiffness during in vivo loading and unloading
Journal of Anatomy, 2020
Due to conflicting data from previous studies a new methodological approach to evaluate heel pad stiffness and soft tissue deformation has been developed. The purpose of this study was to compare heel pad (HP) stiffness in both limbs between males and females during a dynamic unloading and loading activity. Ten males and 10 females volunteered to perform three dynamic trials to unload and load the HP. The dynamic protocol consisted of three continuous phases: foot flat (baseline phase), bilateral heel raise (unloading phase) and foot flat (loading phase) with each phase lasting two seconds. Six retroreflective markers (3 mm) were attached to the skin of the left and right heels using a customised marker set. Three‐dimensional motion analysis cameras synchronised with force plates collected the kinematic and kinetic data throughout the trials. Three‐way repeated measures ANOVA together with a Bonferroni post hoc test were applied to the stiffness and marker displacement datasets. On ...
2020
Due to conflicting data from previous studies a new methodological approach to evaluate heel pad stiffness and soft tissue deformation has been developed. The purpose of this study was to compare heel pad (HP) stiffness in both limbs between males and females during a dynamic unloading and loading activity. Ten males and ten females volunteered to perform three dynamic trials to unload and load the HP. The dynamic protocol consisted of three continuous phases: foot flat (baseline phase), bilateral heel raise (unloading phase) and foot flat (loading phase) with each phase lasting two seconds. Six retroreflective markers (3 mm) were attached to the skin of the left and right heels using a customised marker set. Three-dimensional motion analysis cameras synchronised with force plates collected the kinematic and kinetic data throughout the trials. Three-way repeated measures ANOVA together with a Bonferroni post hoc test were applied to the stiffness and marker displacement data sets. O...
A novel simplified biomechanical assessment of the heel pad during foot plantarflexion
Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part H: Journal of Engineering in Medicine, 2020
The heel pad (HP) which is located below the calcaneus comprises a composition of morphometrical and morphological arrangements of soft tissues that are influenced by factors such as gender, age and obesity. It is well known that HP pain and Achilles tendonitis consist of discomfort, pain and swelling symptoms that usually develop from excessive physical activities such as walking, jumping and running. The purpose of this study was to develop biomechanical techniques to evaluate the function and characteristics of the HP. Ten healthy participants (five males and five females) participated in this laboratory-based study, each performing a two-footed heel raise to mimic the toe-off phase during human locomotion. Twenty-six (3 mm) retroreflective markers were attached to the left and right heels (thirteen markers on each heel). Kinematic data was captured using three-dimensional motion analysis cameras synchronised with force plates. Descriptive and multivariate statistical tests were ...
Foot Biometrics: Gender Differences in Plantar Pressure Distribution in Standing Position
Measurement of foot pressure distribution is clinically useful because it can identify anatomical foot deformities, guide the diagnosis and treatment of gait disorders and falls, as well leads to strategies for preventing pressure ulcers in diabetes. This study was conducted to investigate the differences in plantar pressure distribution in normal subjects at four points during symmetrical standing position. The peak plantar pressure was measured below four points of each foot (big toe, lateral aspect of the foot, head of first metatarsal and mid heel) in male and female subjects. Results revealed that there were significant difference between the two groups at the level of mid heel, big toe, and head of the first metatarsal, while there was no significant difference at the level of metatarsal heads. Statistical t-test was used to compare plantar pressure distribution between the dominant and non-dominant limbs in each group. The test results indicated that upper limb anthropometry is significantly different between females and males with p-value of 0.025. Mean value of males (25.54) is higher than females (16.99). Left heel pressure is significantly different between females and males with p-value of 0.008. Mean value of females (0.87) is higher than males (0.45). Right heel planter pressure is highly significantly different between females and males with p-value < 0.001. Mean of females (1.35) is higher than males (0.54), whereas all other variables are not significantly different between females and males. Load asymmetries during quiet standing has not received much research attention, they may greatly extend our understanding of the upright stance stability control. It seems that limb load asymmetry factor may serve as a vertical measure of postural stability and thus it can be used for early diagnostics of the age related decline in balance control.
Gender differences in multi-segment foot kinematics and plantar fascia strain during running
The Foot and Ankle Online Journal, 2015
This study aimed to determine whether there are gender differences in multi-segment foot kinematics and plantar fascia strain during running. Fifteen male and fifteen female participants ran at 4.0-m.s -1 . Multi-segment foot kinematics and plantar fascia strain were quantified using a motion capture system and compared between genders using independent samples t-tests. The results showed that plantar fascia strain was significantly greater in males (0.09 ± 0.04) compared to females (0.06 ± 0.03). Furthermore male runners (-9.72 ± 3.09) were also associated with a significantly larger peak calcaneal eversion angle compared to females (-6.03 ± 2.33). Given the proposed relationship between high levels of plantar fascia strain as well as excessive coronal plane rotations of the foot segments and the etiology of injury, it is likely that the potential risk of the developing running injuries in relation to these mechanisms is higher in males.
Journal of orthopaedic surgery, 2018
Many musculoskeletal disorders are associated with over-pronated foot and decreased medial longitudinal arch (MLA) height. Foot intrinsic muscles and plantar fascia (PF) are the primary structures that support MLA. An important reason for the over-pronated foot and the reduction in the MLA height may be the morphological characteristics of the foot intrinsic muscles and PF as well as changes in their mechanical properties. The aim of the present study is to investigate the morphologic structure and mechanical properties of PF, flexor hallucis brevis (FHB), flexor digitorum brevis (FDB), and abductor hallucis (AbH) muscles in individuals with flat foot and to compare the results with those of healthy individuals. Methods: The study included 80 participants, 40 with flat foot and 40 with normal foot posture. The foot posture of the participants was assessed using the Foot Posture Index. PF, FHB, FDB, and AbH thickness and stiffness were measured with an ultrasonography device using a linear ultrasonography probe. Results: Individuals with flat foot had higher AbH thickness compared to individuals with normal foot posture (p < 0.001), whereas both groups were similar in terms of PF (p ¼ 0.188), FHB (p ¼ 0.627), and FDB (p ¼ 0.212) thickness. Stiffness values of the assessed tissues were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: AbH thickness was higher in individuals with flat foot; however, PF, FHB, and FDB thickness were similar in both groups. In addition, our results suggest that foot posture is not related to the stiffness of the assessed tissues.
Design and reliability of a novel heel rise test measuring device for plantarflexion endurance
BioMed research international, 2014
Plantarflexion results from the combined action of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles in the calf. The heel rise test is commonly used to test calf muscle endurance, function, and performance by a wide variety of professionals; however, no uniform description of the test is available. This paper aims to document the construction and reliability of a novel heel rise test device and measurement protocol that is suitable for the needs of most individuals. This device was constructed from compact and lightweight materials and is fully adjustable, enabling the testing of a wide variety of individuals. It is easy to assemble and disassemble, ensuring that it is portable for use in different settings. We tested reliability on 40 participants, finding excellent interrater reliability (ICC2,1 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94 to 0.98). Limits of agreement were less than two repetitions in 90% of cases and the Bland-Altman plot showed no bias. We have designed a novel, standardized, simple, and reliable d...
Original research Dynamic joint stiffness of the ankle during walking: Gender-related differences
Objectives: To characterize and compare dynamic joint stiffness (DJS) of the ankle in the sagittal plane during natural cadence walking in both genders. Design: Observation, cross-sectional and matched pairs. Participants: Twenty-one males (mean age ¼ 2774.2 years) and 18 females (mean age ¼ 22.974.1 years). Setting: Laboratory at the University de Tra´s-os-Montes and Alto Douro. The DJS of the ankle was assessed while participants performed barefoot walking at a natural cadence, was measured using a force platform (1000 Hz), and synchronized with a highspeed camera (200 Hz). Main outcome measures: DJS of the ankle in males and females was calculated in two sub-phases (the second and the fourth subphases) of the stance phase. The Wilcoxon non-parametric matched-pairs test and the Mann-Whitney U non-parametric test were used to analyse difference of DJS of the ankle within and between the groups with pp0.05 regarded as significant. Results: Male and female participants demonstrated significantly (po0.005) less DJS during the second sub-phase. DJS was not significantly (p40.063) different between females (0.0511 N m/kg/1) and males (0.0596 N m/kg/1) during the second sub-phase. DJS was significantly (po0.001) higher in males (0.0844 N m/kg/1) than females (0.0691 N m/kg/1) during the fourth sub-phase. Conclusions: Gender-specific DJS characteristics demonstrated by females in this study may be used in preventative training programs designed to promote a greater ability to use contractile components to produce mechanical energy through the ankle. r
The Relationship of Heel Pad Elasticity and Plantar Heel Pain
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 1999
Loss of heel pad elasticity has been suggested as one of the possible explanations of plantar heel pain. This hypothesis is evaluated by this blinded observer prospective study, using an age and weight matched control population. Hindfoot lateral radiographs of 73 patients with plantar heel pain, 29 of whom had bilateral involvement (102 feet), and who ranged in age from 20 to 60 years, were studied and compared with 120 healthy subjects (240 feet). Heel pad thickness and heel pad compressibility index were not significantly different in patients with plantar heel pain than in healthy subjects matched for age and weight. In patients with unilateral heel pain, heel pad thickness and heel pad compressibility index on the painful side were not significantly different from the opposite painless side. The contribution of the heel pad elasticity measured as a visual compressibility index for plantar heel pain is a matter of debate.
The Relationship between Heel Fat Pad Thickness and Flexibility and Physical Demographics
To clarify the factors that contribute to the development of heel pain in young individuals, this study investigated the relationship of heel thickness and flexibility with physical demographics among Japanese elementary and junior high school students. A total of 69 heels were included as participants in this study. The measurement items were age, height, weight, rohrer index, heel fat pad thickness and flexibility. The heel fat pad thickness and flexibility was measured using an ultrasound probe and Softgram (Shinko Denshi co.,ltd.). The heel fat pad thickness measurements were distance from the skin to the calcaneus was measured by applying the ultrasound probe both without (hereafter referred to as "non-pressure thickness") and with manually applied pressure to the measurement point (hereafter referred to as "pressure thickness"). The heel fat pad flexibility evaluation consisted of subtracting non-pressure thickness by pressure thickness (thickness of change difference), and computing for the value when the thickness of change difference is divided by the non-pressure thickness and multiplied by 100 (thickness of change rate). In addition to this, heel fat pad flexibility evaluation consisted of measuring using the softness sensor Softgram. Multiple regression analysis showed that weight and age were predictors of non-pressure thickness. On the other hand, pressure thickness was weight was a predictor of pressure thickness. In the relationship between heel fat pad flexibility and demographic data, the Softgram measurements showed a significantly fair correlation with age and significantly moderate correlations with height and weight. Multiple regression analysis further showed that body weight was a predictor of Softgram measurements. This results suggest that heel fat pad thickness and flexibility in elementary and junior high school students became thicker and stiffer, respectively, with increasing age, height and weight. Notably, both thickness and flexibility were particularly related to body weight.