Implications of Walking Aid Selection for Nonweightbearing Ambulation on Stance Limb Plantar Force, Walking Speed, Perceived Exertion, and Device Preference in Healthy Adults 50 Years of Age and Older.

Background: Young adults often tolerate the increased energy expenditure, coordination, and stance limb discomfort associated with walking aids for nonweightbearing ambulation. Adults aged ≥50 years may not have the same tolerance. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine how walking aid selection affects stance limb plantar force, walking speed, perceived exertion, and device preference in adults aged ≥50 years.

Changes to stance limb peak, cumulative, and regional plantar foot forces among normal walking and three mobility aids in healthy older adults.

Background: Mobility aids are commonly prescribed to offload an injured lower extremity. Device selection may impact stance foot loading patterns and foot health in clinical populations at risk of foot ulceration.

Research Questions: Two questions motivated this study: How does device selection influence peak plantar and regional (rearfoot, mid foot and forefoot) foot forces on the stance foot? Does device selection influence peak, cumulative, and regional plantar forces within a 200 m walking trial?

Methods: Twenty-one older adults walked 200 m at self-selected pace in four randomized conditions for this prospective crossover study.

Tibiofemoral Rotation During Sit-to-Stand Activity After TKA.

The objective of this study was to describe how tibiofemoral internal/external rotation varies in patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) when compared with control participants during a sit-to-stand (STS) maneuver. Motion analysis was used to measure internal/external knee rotation during STS in the control and TKA groups. Fourteen participants were included in the study.

Antidepressant Use and Recurrent Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Findings From the Health ABC Study.

Background: Few studies have compared the risk of recurrent falls across various antidepressant agents-using detailed dosage and duration data-among community-dwelling older adults, including those who have a history of a fall/fracture.

Objective: To examine the association of antidepressant use with recurrent falls, including among those with a history of falls/fractures, in community-dwelling elders.

Methods: This was a longitudinal analysis of 2948 participants with data collected via interview at year 1 from the Health, Aging and Body Composition study and followed through year 7 (1997-2004).

Increased hip abduction in high body mass index subjects during sit-to-stand.

Obesity is associated with increased risk of total hip arthroplasty (THA) dislocation. Differences in kinematics and kinetics at the hip during activities of daily living such as sit-to-stand (STS) may contribute to this risk. Nine high body mass index (BMI) subjects (mean BMI 31.

LC-MS/MS identification of the one-carbon cycle metabolites in human plasma.

The one-carbon cycle is composed of four major biologically important molecules: methionine (L-Met), S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), and homocysteine (Hcy). In addition to these key metabolites, there are multiple enzymes, vitamins, and cofactors that play essential roles in the cascade of the biochemical reactions that convert one metabolite into another in the cycle. Simultaneous quantitative measurement of four major metabolites can be used to detect possible aberrations in this vital cycle.

Principal component analysis of knee kinematics and kinetics after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

This study compared the gait of 10 subjects with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction to a group of 12 height- and weight-matched control subjects. The analysis was based on knee flexion, adduction, and internal rotation angles and moments. The objective was to use principal component analysis (PCA) to identify knees of the ACL reconstructed subjects that fell outside normal ranges as determined by control subjects.

Effects of a 6-week, individualized, supervised exercise program for people with bleeding disorders and hemophilic arthritis.

Background: People with bleeding disorders may develop severe arthritis due to joint hemorrhages. Exercise is recommended for people with bleeding disorders, but guidelines are vague and few studies document efficacy. In this study, 65% of people with bleeding disorders surveyed reported participating in minimal exercise, and 50% indicated a fear of exercise-induced bleeding, pain, or physical impairment.