The aim was to identify conservative treatments available for acute ankle sprain and to evaluate their effectiveness with respect to pain relief and short-term recovery of functional capacity. A systematic review of the relevant literature was conducted via a data search of the PROSPERO, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PyscINFO and SPORTDiscus databases, from inception until December 2019, focusing on randomised control trial studies. Two of the authors independently assessed the quality of each study located and extracted the relevant data. The quality of each paper was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool included in RevMan 5. In all, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. In terms of absence of bias, only nine papers were classed as “high quality”. Studies (75%) were of low quality in terms of the blinding of participants and personnel and uncertainty in blinding of outcome assessment and all presented one or more other forms of bias. Despite the generally low quality of the studies considered, it can be concluded that conservative treatment for acute ankle sprain normally achieves pain relief and rapidly improved functionality. Research based on higher-quality study designs and procedures would enable more definitive conclusions to be drawn.

Objective: Our study aim is to identify and describe the definitions used for different types of running shoes. In addition, we highlight the existence of gaps in these concepts and propose possible new approaches. Methods: This review was undertaken in line with the guidelines proposed by Green et al., based on a literature search (until December 2019) of the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar databases. A total of 23 papers met the inclusion criteria applied to identify the definition of running shoes. Results: Although there is a certain consensus on the characteristics of minimalist footwear, it is also described by other terms, such as barefoot-style or barefoot-simulating. Diverse terms are also used to describe other types of footwear, and in these cases, there is little or no consensus regarding their characteristics. Conclusions: The terms barefoot-simulated footwear, barefoot-style footwear, lightweight shoes and full minimalist shoes are all used to describe minimalist footwear. The expressions partial minimalist, uncushioned minimalist and transition shoes are used to describe footwear with non-consensual characteristics. Finally, labels such as shod shoes, standard cushioned running shoes, modern shoes, neutral protective running shoes, conventional, standardised, stability style or motion control shoes span a large group of footwear styles presenting different properties.

This study will explore the effectiveness of autologous platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of diabetic foot disease compared to conventional treatments, based on the ulcer healing rate. The electronic databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and WOS internet were searched. Evaluated outcome rate of complete ulcer healing. Statistical analysis was performed with RevMan 5.0 software and SPSS 25.0. Eleven RCTs with 828 patients were included in this study. The meta-analysis showed a higher complete ulcer healing rate (OR = 3.69, 95 % CI 2.62 to 5.20, P < 0.01, I² = 0 %) in growth factors based in autologous platelech-rich plasma (aPRP) group compared with control. Mixed evidence was seen for publication bias, but analyses by using the trim-and-fill method did not appreciably alter results. Autologous platelet-rich plasma can improve the complete healing rate of the ulcer compared to current conventional treatments in diabetic foot ulcer patients.

Pediatric flat foot (PFF) is a very frequent entity and a common concern for parents and health professionals. There is no established definition, diagnostic method, or clear treatment approach. There are multiple conservative and surgical treatments, the implantation of foot orthoses (FO) being the most used treatment. The evidence supporting FO is very thin. It is not clearly known what the effect of these is, nor when it is convenient to recommend them. The main objective of this protocol is to design a randomized controlled trial to determine if personalized FO, together with a specific exercise regimen, produce the same or better results regarding the signs and symptoms of PFF, compared to only specific exercises. In order to respond to the stated objectives, we have proposed a randomized controlled clinical trial, in which we intend to evaluate the efficacy of FO together with strengthening exercises, compared to a control group in which placebos will be implanted as FO treatment along with the same exercises as the experimental group. For this, four measurements will be taken throughout 18 months (pre-treatment, two during treatment and finally another post-treatment measurement). The combination of FO plus exercise is expected to improve the signs and symptoms (if present) of PFF compared to exercise alone and the placebo FO group. In addition, it is expected that in both conditions the biomechanics of the foot will improve compared to the initial measurements.

Background: The main aim of this study is to perform a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Visual Analogue Scale for the Foot and Ankle (VASFA) questionnaire, creating a Spanish-language version (VASFA-Sp), and to determine the measurement properties of this instrument. Methods: VASFA was cross-culturally translated into Spanish following the guidelines of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). The study sample was composed of 228 participants who were recruited from February to May 2022. All were at least 18 years old, gave signed informed consent to take part and properly completed the Foot and Ankle Ability Measures-Sp and VASFA-Sp questionnaires. Cronbach’s alpha and test/re-test reliability values were calculated. Structural validity was assessed via exploratory factor analysis. Results: The 228 patients included in the final analysis presented the following characteristics: 35.53% were male and 64.47% were female; the mean age was 35.95 (18–81) years; and the mean body mass index was 23.79. Internal consistency was excellent. The Cronbach’s alpha for VASFA-Sp was 0.96 and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.932 (95% CI; 0.84 to 0.97). Exploratory factor analysis identified one main factor. Conclusions: VASFA-Sp is a reliable, valid and sensitive questionnaire that is suitable for measuring perceived foot and ankle function impairment in a Spanish-speaking population.

Objective: Large numbers of people are subject to alterations and pathologies in the foot. To quantify how these problems of foot function affect the quality of life, clinicians and researchers have developed measures such as the Foot Function Index (FFI). Our aim is to determine the methodological quality of the FFI including adaptations to other languages. Data sources: The studies considered in this review were extracted from the PubMed, Embase and CINAHL databases. The inclusion criteria were followed: (1) studies of patients with no previous foot or ankle pathology and aged over 18 years; (2) based on English-language patient-reported outcome measures that assess foot function; (3) the patient-reported outcome measures should present measurement properties based on COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) criteria. Review methods: The systematic review was conducted following the COSMIN criteria to establish the methodological quality of the original FFI, together with its variants and adaptations. The last search was carried out in May 2024. Results: Of the 1994 studies obtained in the preliminary search, 20 were eligible for inclusion in the final analysis. These results are the validations and cross-cultural adaptations to the following languages: the original FFI has cross-cultural adaptation in 13 languages and the FFI-Revised Short Form has been adapted and validated for use in 2 languages. Conclusion: In terms of methodological quality, the FFI-Revised Short Form questionnaire is a valuable instrument for evaluating ankle and foot function and could usefully be expanded to be available in more languages.