Background: The aim of this study was to compare the plantar pressure distribution and knee and ankle muscle architecture in women with and without knee osteoarthritis (OA).Methods: Fifty women with knee OA (mean age = 52.11 ± 4.96 years, mean Body mass index (BMI) = 30.94 ± 4.23 kg/m2) and 50 healthy women as a control group (mean age = 50.93 ± 3.78 years, mean BMI = 29.06 ± 4.82 kg/m2) were included in the study. Ultrasonography was used to evaluate knee and ankle muscles architecture and femoral cartilage thickness. The plantar pressure distribution was evaluated using the Digital Biometry Scanning System and Milleri software (DIASU, Italy). Static foot posture was evaluated using the Foot Posture Index (FPI), and pain severity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale.Results: The OA group exhibited lower muscle thickness in Rectus Femoris (RF) (p = 0.003), Vastus Medialis (VM) (p = 0.004), Vastus Lateralis (p = 0.023), and Peroneus Longus (p = 0.002), as well as lower Medial Gastrocnemius pennation angle (p = 0.049) and higher Fat thickness (FT) in RF (p = 0.033) and VM (p = 0.037) compared to the control group. The OA group showed thinner femoral cartilage thickness (p = 0.001) and higher pain severity (p = 0.001) than the control groups. FPI scores were higher (p = 0.001) in OA group compared to the control group. The plantar pressure distribution results indicated an increase in total surface (p = 0.027), total load (p = 0.002), medial load (p = 0.005), and lateral load (p = 0.002) on dominant side in OA group compared to the control group.Conclusions: Knee and ankle muscle architecture, knee extensor muscle FT, and plantar pressure distribution in the dominant foot differed in individuals with knee OA compared to the control group.
27 January 2022 in Journal of Basic and Clinical Health Sciences
Purpose: Scapular dyskinesis is defined as alteration in scapular movements due to the loss of strength in scapular muscles; tightness of the soft tissues around shoulder and postural problems. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is one of the therapeutic exercises to improve muscles weakness and pain levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a six-week PNF application on scapular muscle strength, scapular asymmetry, and pectoralis minor (PM) muscle tightness in participants with asymptomatic scapular dyskinesis. Methods: Twenty-five asymptomatic participants were evaluated using the video analysis method to determine the scapular dyskinesis. Eleven of them diagnosed with scapular dyskinesis and recruited for the PNF application. Lateral scapular slide test (LSST); tightness of PM; the muscle strength of serratus anterior (SA); lower trapezius (LT) and upper trapezius (UT) were evaluated. Anterior elevation-posterior depression; posterior elevation-anterior depression of PNF patterns were applied as repeated contractions technique by 2 times a week during 6 weeks. Results: The LT (p=0.012) and SA (p=0.035) muscle strength increased following PNF training, while UT muscle strength was similar (p>0,05). The UT/SA (p=0.035) and UT/LT (p=0.012) strength ratios decreased following PNF application. The mean differences of PM tightness and LSST did not exceed the established MDC%95. Conclusion: Scapular muscle balance improved following scapular PNF training. Therefore, scapular PNF patterns would be considered as an alternative treatment option to provide scapular stabilization and increase muscle strength.
16 August 2025 in Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)
Joint Diseases and Related Surgery (JDRS), the official journal of the Turkish Joint Diseases Foundation, is an international, peer-reviewed, immediate open access journal. All published articles in JDRS has been free for everyone, without embargo, since 1990.
31 December 2025 in Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal
Objectives: Accurate measurement of weight-bearing (WB) is critical in musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation, yet current systems are often costly and impractical for routine use. This study investigated the concurrent validity of the S-GAIT insole, a low-cost and portable tool, compared with the Digital Biometry Scanning System and Milletrix Software (DIASU, Italy). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, within-subject comparative design was applied to compare S-GAIT and DIASU. Twenty-one healthy individuals (mean age 32.6 ± 7.3 years) participated. WB of both lower extremities was assessed during quiet standing using both devices in a single laboratory session. Data were collected under standardized static conditions, and outcomes were statistically analyzed. Results: No significant differences were found between S-GAIT and DIASU in WB measures (p > 0.05). Strong Pearson correlations (r = 0.832–0.838, p < 0.001) and high intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC = 0.89–0.94, 95% CI: 0.73–0.95) were obtained. Bland–Altman analysis indicated low standard error of the mean for differences, confirming agreement between systems. Conclusions: The S-GAIT insole provided valid WB measurements when compared with DIASU under static conditions. Its strong psychometric properties and low cost support its potential as an economical, accessible, and clinically useful tool for objective WB quantification. By enabling portable WB assessment and real-time feedback that can be integrated into home-based or remote rehabilitation, the S-GAIT may facilitate patient compliance, telemonitoring, and more individualized therapeutic decision-making in musculoskeletal and neurological care.