Implications of lower extremity muscle power and force for walking and fatigability in multiple sclerosis - An exploratory pilot-study.

Background: Limitations in physical function are common in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), yet it is neither clear how muscle power implicates physical function and walking-fatigability. This pilot-study aims to investigate (1) deficits in muscle power/force alongside walking in persons with MS; (2) associations between muscle power/force and physical functions and (3) the impact of prolonged walking in muscle power/force.

Methods: 30 relapse-remitting persons with MS and 28 healthy controls performed chair rise and plantar flexion on a force platform before and after 12-minutes of intermittent walking to measure lower extremity muscle power/force.

Effects of hippotherapy on postural balance, functional mobility, self-perceived fatigue, and quality of life in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: Secondary results of an exploratory clinical trial.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) results in worsening of postural balance, functional mobility, and self-perceived fatigue as influences of quality of life.

Objective: To examine the effects of hippotherapy on postural balance, functional mobility, self-perceived fatigue, and quality of life in people with MS.

Methods: Participants were assigned into a hippotherapy intervention group (n= 17) or a control group (n= 16).

The Influence of Body Fat Distribution on Postural Balance and Muscle Quality in Women Aged 60 Years and Over.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of body fat distribution on postural balance and lower-limb muscle quality in women aged 60 years and over. Two hundred and twenty-two volunteers took part in this cross-sectional analysis. Participants underwent body fat distribution assessment using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and were classified as nonobese, gynoid obese, or android obese.

The impact of physical functions on depressive symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease that affects the central nervous system. The impact of MS transcends physical functions and extends to psychological impairment. Approximately 50% of people with MS develop depressive symptoms during their lifetime and depressive symptoms may predict impairment of physical functions.

Effect of hippotherapy on walking performance and gait parameters in people with multiple sclerosis.

Background: Walking dysfunction is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective: To evaluate the effects of an 8-week hippotherapy intervention on walking performance and spatiotemporal gait parameters in people with relapsing-remitting MS; and to examine whether the effects of hippotherapy on walking performance are mediated by changes in spatiotemporal gait parameters.

Methods: Participants were assigned into a hippotherapy intervention group (n = 17) or a control group (n = 16).

Running and Walking Foot Loading in Children Aged 4-10 Years.

Although previous reports have provided normative plantar pressure data for walking in children, evaluation during running is lacking. This study aimed to compare foot loading patterns during running and walking in children aged 4-10 years. Furthermore, the relationship between running baropodometric parameters and anthropometric measures was investigated.

Validation of the Brazilian version of the patient-determined disease steps scale in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Objective: The present study translated and adapted the Brazilian version of the Patient-Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) scale and tested its validity and reproducibility in Brazilian persons with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: The PDDS underwent translation and back-translation procedures for producing a Brazilian Portuguese version of the PDDS (PDDS/BR). Sixty-three patients with MS (48 females) completed the PDDS/BR and underwent a neurological examination for generation of Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores.

Plantar pressure distribution during running in early childhood.

Introduction: Plantar loads represent a reliable estimation of the mechanical efficiency of movement. The aim of this study was to describe and compare plantar pressure measures during running in children 4-6 years of age.

Methods: Twenty-eight children were divided into three groups (4, 5 6 year-olds).

Hippotherapy on postural balance in the sitting position of children with cerebral palsy - Longitudinal study.

: To verify the effects of 12, 24, 36 hippotherapy sessions over time on postural balance while sitting in children with cerebral palsy as well the effects of treatment after one interruption period of 45 days. : Hippotherapy program with a twice-weekly treatment with a total of 13 children aged 5-10 years old. Measurements of postural balance during sitting were performed using the AMTI AccuSway Plus platform.

Childhood obesity is associated with altered plantar pressure distribution during running.

Background: Obesity is associated with higher foot loading during walking. The impact of this condition on running, however, has yet to be elucidated.

Research Question: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between childhood obesity and plantar pressure distribution during running.

Knee flexor strength and balance control impairment may explain declines during prolonged walking in women with mild multiple sclerosis.

Background: Physiological factors such as muscle weakness and balance could explain declines in walking distance by multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The purpose of this study was to characterize levels and examine associations among decline in walking distance, balance and muscular strength in women with mild MS.

Methods: Participants included 28 women with mild relapsing-remitting MS and 21 women without MS.

The Association Between Body Adiposity Measures, Postural Balance, Fear of Falling, and Fall Risk in Older Community-Dwelling Women.

Background And Purpose: Recent investigations demonstrate an association between obesity and the propensity of older adults to fall. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between body adiposity measures, postural balance, fear of falling, and risk of falls in older women.

Methods: One hundred forty-seven volunteers took part in this cross-sectional study.

Obesity is Associated With Altered Plantar Pressure Distribution in Older Women.

Increased plantar pressure has been found to be related with greater risk of falling. Although there is evidence suggesting that obesity is linked to foot disorders, the association between obesity and plantar pressure of older adults has been poorly investigated. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between obesity and plantar pressure distribution and to explore its relationship with body fat distribution.

Vitamin d is related to gait recovery after total hip arthroplasty: A prospective analysis.

Objectives: To investigate the association between baseline serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and gait pattern in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods: Prospective study of patients with hip osteoarthritis undergoing primary THA between January 2012 and December 2013. Blood samples were collected on the day of hospital admission.

Balance Exercises Circuit improves muscle strength, balance, and functional performance in older women.

This study introduces the Balance Exercises Circuit (BEC) and examines its effects on muscle strength and power, balance, and functional performance in older women. Thirty-five women aged 60+ (mean age = 69.31, SD = 7.

Effects of changing speed on knee and ankle joint load during walking and running.

Joint moments can be used as an indicator of joint loading and have potential application for sports performance and injury prevention. The effects of changing walking and running speeds on joint moments for the different planes of motion still are debatable. Here, we compared knee and ankle moments during walking and running at different speeds.

Obese children experience higher plantar pressure and lower foot sensitivity than non-obese.

Background: Children obesity is a risk factor for several dysfunctions and diseases, with negative effects on the morphology of the locomotor system, plantar pressure and body stability. A relationship between postural control and sensorimotor information has been assumed. However, there is few data on the effects of children obesity on the availability of sensorial information from the foot during standing.