Kerstin Bosch | PubMed Health

PubMed2006

Preliminary normative values for foot loading parameters of the developing child.

The purpose of the present study was to provide normative data for foot loading patterns and foot shape parameters in order to support decisions about the normal or abnormal development of the growing foot during childhood. In a longitudinal design, 90 healthy German children were followed over the course of 6-48 months. The children had a mean age of 15 months at the first appointment and 63 months at the last appointment. The children participated in 11 measurement appointments every 3 months or 6 months. Dynamic foot loading was evaluated with plantar pressure measurements during walking and static footprints were taken to determine changes in foot shape. During the investigation period a significant increase of peak pressure in almost every foot region was observed. Peak pressure of the total foot increased by 92%. Only for the midfoot region a significantly decreased impulse by about 15% per year and a significant decrease of the contact area by 9% per year could be observed. A significant influence of gender was observed for peak pressures and impulses in some foot regions as well as for the midfoot width and the foot shape index. The established database can be used as comparative values for clinical decisions about the normal development.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed2005

The influence of external ankle braces on subjective and objective parameters of performance in a sports-related agility course.

With lateral ankle sprains being the most frequent sports-related injury, there is an evident demand for the preventive measures in active individuals with chronic ankle instability. Braces are commonly used for prevention and treatment of ankle injuries. Various investigations-mostly performed with healthy subjects-focused on this problem, yet they often compared only a few models or used only limited testing procedures. However, controversy exists whether braces affect sports performance. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of ten different ankle braces-one rigid, five semirigid, four soft models-in a comprehensive evaluation with multiple testing procedures in 34 subjects with self-reported chronic ankle instability. The multiple testing procedures evaluated objective performance-related parameters and subjective parameters related to comfort and stability. The subjects performed an agility course with maximal effort. The course included a vertical jump and a cutting maneuver, both on a force platform, a single leg hopping test on level and inclined plates, a combined straight and curve sprint and sidesteps. Three valid trials were measured and averaged for each brace and every subject. Subjective aspects were evaluated with a questionnaire about handling, perceived restrictions, support and comfort; it was completed after each brace was worn and tried. With regard to the objective parameters, no significant differences were found between the braces except for the rigid brace which showed decreased values for the vertical jump and longer times for the other tests compared to all other braces. The subjective evaluation of the braces revealed significant differences with respect to comfort and handling and therefore, permitted a distinction between semirigid and soft braces. Although significant differences between braces were found in subjective performance restriction, no significant differences were revealed in the objective evaluation. From that point of view, patients could choose a brace model according to their individual needs. A comfortable brace might have a positive influence on the athlete's state of mind although other aspects like the brace's stabilizing effect play an additional role and should also be taken into account for recommendation of braces.

Adolescent↗