Publications by authors named "Martin Spink"

Aims: To investigate the contribution of foot type to plantar pressures in a community-dwelling adult population with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Foot Posture Index-6 (FPI-6) as a measure of foot type, barefoot plantar pressure (peak pressures and pressure-time integrals), presence of forefoot deformities, peripheral neuropathy, ankle and first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), and demographic variables were measured. Standard multiple regression models were used to investigate the independent contribution of FPI-6 on plantar pressure variables at the hallux, forefoot, and rearfoot.

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Objectives: The primary aim was to investigate the effect of prefabricated foot orthoses on pain and function in people with chronic nonspecific low back pain (LBP). Secondary aims were to report on the recruitment rate, adherence to and safety of these interventions, and the relationship between physical activity and pain and function.

Design: A two-arm parallel group (intervention vs.

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Objective: Recreational running is one of the most common physical leisure activities worldwide and is associated with high rates of running related injury (RRI). Little is known of the perceptions of male recreational runners regarding the aetiology and management of RRI.

Design: Utilising an interpretive phenomenological analysis framework, qualitative data was gathered from participants via interview, and reflexive thematic analysis was used to develop insights into the experiences and perceptions of the participants in relation to RRI.

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The primary objective of this systematic review was to synthesise peer-reviewed quantitative research of outcomes associated with participation in parkrun. The secondary objective was to synthesise the quantitative research of factors influencing why, and how often, individuals participate in parkrun. Studies were identified via electronic search of Medline, AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Informit, PsychInfo, SportDiscus, and Web of Science, to 30 March 2021.

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Background: Running-related injury (RRI) is highly prevalent among recreational runners and is a key barrier to participation. Atypical lower limb alignment and mechanical function have been proposed to play a role in development of lower extremity injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between incidence of running-related injury (RRI) in non-elite runners with biomechanical and musculoskeletal variables.

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Background: High plantar pressures are associated with increased foot ulcer risk in people with diabetes. Identification of high plantar pressures in people with diabetes is clinically challenging due to time and cost constraints of plantar pressure testing. Factors affecting foot biomechanics, including reduced joint range of motion and foot deformity, are implicated in the development of high plantar pressures and may provide a method to clinically identify those at risk of pressure related complications.

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Background: A weight bearing ankle equinus has adverse effects on forefoot plantar pressure variables in older adults with diabetes, but it is unclear if this is also the case in older adults without diabetes.

Methods: 40 older adults with diabetes (88% type 2, mean diabetes duration 17.6 ± 14.

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Objective: To examine differences in lower limb muscle strength between older people with varying degrees of hallux valgus deformity.

Methods: Muscle strength was measured at the knee, ankle and foot using hand-held dynamometry and a clinical test of toe strength (the paper grip test) in 157 older people (99 women and 58 men) aged 65 to 91 (mean 74.1, SD 5.

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Background: Research investigating differences in gluteus medius muscle activity in those with and without chronic nonspecific low back pain is both limited and conflicting. Additionally, in these populations the relationship between gluteus medius muscle activity, foot type, and transversus abdominis muscle thickness is unclear.

Research Question: We aimed to investigate gluteus medius muscle activity during gait in those with and without chronic nonspecific low back pain.

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Background: Abnormal gluteus medius muscle activity is associated with a number of musculoskeletal conditions. Research investigating the effect of foot type and foot orthoses on gluteus medius muscle activity is both conflicting and limited. The primary aim was to investigate the relationship between foot type and gluteus medius muscle activity during shod walking.

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The purpose of this study was to determine the intratester reliability of surface electromyography (EMG) assessment of the gluteus medius muscle in healthy people and people with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) during barefoot walking. Gluteus medius muscle activity was measured twice in 40 people without and 30 people with CNLBP approximately 7 days apart. Walking gluteus medius muscle activity was normalised to maximal voluntary isometric contractions during side-lying hip abduction with manual resistance.

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Background: Testing of protective sensation and vibration perception are two of the most commonly used non-invasive methods of screening for diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy (DPN). However, there is limited research investigating the reliability of these tests in people with diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine the inter- and intra-rater reliability of methods used to test vibration perception and protective sensation in a community-based population of adults with type 2 diabetes.

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Introduction: Globally, low back pain (LBP) is one of the greatest causes of disability. In people with LBP, dysfunction of muscles such as the gluteus medius have been demonstrated to increase spinal loading and reduce spinal stability. Differences in gluteus medius function have been reported in those with LBP compared to those without, although this has only been reported in individual studies.

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Background: Limited ankle dorsiflexion, or equinus, is associated with elevated plantar pressures, which have been implicated in the development and non-healing of foot ulcer. A stretching intervention may increase ankle dorsiflexion and reduce plantar pressures in people with diabetes.

Methods: Two arm parallel randomised controlled trial from September 2016 to October 2017.

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Aims: To describe the physical activity levels of an Australian community-based adult population with diabetes, and investigate the interaction between diabetes complications and physical activity.

Methods: Anthropometric, demographic, biochemical and self-reported physical activity measures (IPAQ) were performed. Associations and multiple regression analyses were undertaken between physical activity, known risk factors for diabetes complications, and history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), neuropathy and foot ulceration obtained from medical records.

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Background: Foot problems are common in older people. The objective of this systematic review was to determine whether foot problems increase the risk of falling in community-dwelling older people.

Methods: Electronic databases were searched from inception to May 2018.

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Background: Prefabricated foot orthoses are used to treat chronic nonspecific low back pain, however their effectiveness and potential mechanism of action is unclear. The primary aims of the study are to investigate the effectiveness of prefabricated foot orthotic devices for reducing pain and improving function in people with chronic nonspecific low back pain over 52 weeks.

Methods: This study is a participant and assessor blinded, parallel-group, superiority randomised (1:1) controlled trial.

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Background: Low back pain (LBP) is an increasingly common condition worldwide with significant costs associated with its management. Identification of musculoskeletal risk factors that can be treated clinically before the development of LBP could reduce costs and improve the quality of life of individuals. Therefore the aim was to systematically review prospective cohort studies investigating lower back and / or lower limb musculoskeletal risk factors in the development of LBP.

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Background: Foot pain is a common problem affecting up to 1 in 5 adults and is known to adversely affect activities of daily living and health related quality of life. Orthopaedic footwear interventions are used as a conservative treatment for foot pain, although adherence is known to be low, in part due to the perception of poor comfort and unattractiveness of the footwear. The objective of this trial was to assess the efficacy of flip-flop style footwear (Foot Bio-Tec©) with a moulded foot-bed in reducing foot pain compared to participant's usual footwear.

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Objective: To determine, for adults with chronic low back pain, which exercise interventions are the most effective at reducing pain compared to other treatments.

Data Sources: A search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO and The Cochrane Library was conducted up to October 2014.

Review Methods: Databases were searched for published reports of randomised trials that investigated the treatment of chronic low back pain of non-specific origin with an exercise intervention.

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Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a significant public health problem in Western industrialised countries and has been reported to affect up to 80% of adults at some stage in their lives. It is associated with high health care utilisation costs, disability, work loss and restriction of social activities. An intervention of foot orthoses or insoles has been suggested to reduce the risk of developing LBP and be an effective treatment strategy for people suffering from LBP.

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Background: Falls are common in older people and are associated with substantial health-care costs. A recent randomized controlled trial of a multifaceted podiatric medical intervention demonstrated a 36% reduction in the fall rate over 12 months. We evaluated the acceptability of and levels of satisfaction with this intervention in the older people who participated in the trial.

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Background: Plantar calluses are a common cause of foot pain, which can have a detrimental impact on the mobility and independence of older people. Scalpel debridement is often the first treatment used for this condition. Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of scalpel debridement of painful plantar calluses in older people.

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Background: Foot posture is considered to be an important component of musculoskeletal assessment in clinical practice and research. However, many measurement approaches are not suitable for routine use as they are time-consuming or require specialised equipment and/or clinical expertise. The objective of this study was therefore to develop and evaluate a simple visual tool for foot posture assessment based on the Arch Index (AI) that could be used in clinical and research settings.

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Background: Despite emerging evidence that foot problems and inappropriate footwear increase the risk of falls, there is little evidence as to whether foot-related intervention strategies can be successfully implemented. The aim of this study was to evaluate adherence rates, barriers to adherence, and the predictors of adherence to a multifaceted podiatry intervention for the prevention of falls in older people.

Methods: The intervention group (n = 153, mean age 74.

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