This systematic review aimed to evaluate custom-made 3D printed insoles for people with flatfeet. PubMed, Embase, ISI web of knowledge, ProQuest, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, were searched from inception until January 2022. The quality assessment of included studies was performed through the Downs and Black checklist. A narrative analysis was performed since a meta-analysis could not be conducted. Ten studies including 225 subjects with flexible flatfeet were chosen for final evaluation. Although the evidence from selected literature was generally weak, using insoles with 3D printing technology may positively affect pain (comfort score) and foot function, with no significant change in vertical loading rate during walking or running. There were discrepancies among studies for plantar pressures, center of pressure trajectories, 3D ankle joint kinematics and kinetics of gait while wearing these insoles. Dose-response effects of medial posting on 3D printed insoles suggested beneficial effects on lower limb gait biomechanics in people with flatfeet. There was insufficient evidence to conclude the comparison between 3D printed insoles and other types of insoles. In conclusion, using a 3D printed insole may improve comfort score and foot function in people with flatfeet.

Background: Research is limited and controversial on the effectiveness of various stretching methods on muscle lengthening. Objective: Studying the effectiveness of static stretch and muscle energy technique on the flexibility of hamstring muscles. M

Background: Due to the fundamental role of gripping in most upper limb activities, grip strength promotion is a chief goal in the treatment of patients with upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. Kinesio taping is a novel and effective therapeutic technique believed to facilitate muscle contraction through stimulating mechanoreceptors and increasing the sensory feedback around the taped region. Objectives: The present study aimed to identify the best region (flexor, extensor and flexor/extensor regions) and time (immediate, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 hours) of forearm Kinesio taping to obtain the maximum improvement in grip strength. Materials and Methods: In this longitudinal study, 40 healthy men and women (the mean age of 22.3 ± 2.19 years) were selected among students of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran by simple, nonrandom sampling method. A dynamometer was used to measure grip strength immediately and every 30 minutes during the two hours after I-shaped application of tape (with 50% stretch) to the flexor, extensor, and flexor/extensor forearm muscles. Results: Grip strength was significantly increased in various muscle groups for males (P = 0.002) and females (P = 0.000) of the forearm and at different intervals for males (P = 0.000) and females (P = 0.000). Moreover, in both men and women, tape application to the extensor region provided greater grip strength compared to taping of the flexor and flexor/extensor regions (P = 0.000 for both). Furthermore, the maximum increase in grip strength were 0.5 (10.8% increase, P = 0.001) and 1.5 h (23.9% increase, P = 0.000) after taping in males and females, respectively. Conclusions: Taping the extensor region of forearm is recommended to achieve higher grip strength. Although grip strength increased at a slower pace in females than males, the final values were higher in women. Keywords: Athletic Tape; Hand Strength; Forearm

Objective: The stability of the craniocervical (CC) area is provided by CC muscles. Muscle imbalance between forces of these muscles may lead to forward head posture (FHP). FHP is one of the most prevalent abnormal postures in patients with neck pain. The aim of the present study was to compare isometric force of the CC flexor and extensor muscles between women with and without FHP. Method: Isometric force of the CC flexor and extensor muscles was measured by a custom-made device and compared between 70 women with and without FHP (35 in each group). Results: No significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding isometric force of the CC flexor and extensor muscles, but the ratio of the isometric force of the CC muscles (flexor to extensor) revealed significant difference between the two groups, and it was greater in the control group compared with that in the FHP group. Discussion: The ratio of isometric force of the CC muscles (flexor to extensor) may be a good indicator for assessment of patients with FHP. This ratio may also be valuable to follow the results of therapeutic intervention for these patients.