Background: Although total-contact cast (TCC) systems are considered the gold standard for off-loading plantar ulcers, less than 6% of patients with diabetic foot ulcers receive them due to negative perceptions of special technique requirements and time investment in their application and removal. We compared the ease of use and casting time of four TCC systems. Methods: Four novice casters applied each of the four TCC systems three times using the manufacturer's written instructions for cast application and removal of each cast type. For each TCC system, casters also provided ratings of quality and effectiveness, their level of confidence in applying each system, and overall ease of use. Results: The time to complete the first application of each cast type was not different among TCC systems. However, by the third application, TCC-EZ had a significantly faster application time than the other three TCC systems. In addition, TCC-EZ was considered better overall in packaging and instructions, quality of cast components, and casting method than the other TCC systems. Half of the casters rated TCC-EZ and MedE-Kast as the easiest to apply after the third and final trial, and TCC-EZ and MedE-Kast were rated as being the cast chosen to use in the casters' clinical practices. Conclusions: One of the obstacles to use of TCC systems, despite being recognized as the gold standard of off-loading, is the perception of a prolonged learning curve on application. This study demonstrated that TCC-EZ can be applied by novice casters in less than 14 minutes after their third application experience.

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There are several parameters that could be considered key in determining match outcome in soccer. However, there is a lack of understanding how these parameters, observed in a match, can lead to an overall successful season. PURPOSE: to identify the key parameters for all matches, in a Division II men's soccer team, that led up to a successful season. METHODS: This study used video analysis as a means of identifying key parameters and analyzing their extent of importance in a match. Seventeen match videos were observed. Parameters analyzed included shots on goal, total number of shots attempted, successful number of passes, shots blocked by the team's goalkeeper, goal efficiency, and successful passing percentage. Parameters were recorded using the Dartfish EasyTag application. A discriminant analysis was used to identify key parameters in a successful match and season. RESULTS: Significant difference were found for successful passing percentage, p=0.007, 68.3% (±5.5%) higher in winning matches compared to 58.5% (±6.0%) in losing matches. No significant differences were observed for any of the other dependent variables which included: goal efficiency (p=0.084), shots on goal (p=0.151), total shots attempted (p=0.542), shots blocked by goalkeeper (p=0.08), and number of total successful passes (p=0.286). Winning matches had an average of 52.3% (±11.4%) for goal efficiency, 7.62 (±2.57) for shots on goal, 14.69 (±3.82) for total shots attempted, 8.62 (±4.09) for shots blocked by goalkeeper, 297.08 (±65.77) for total successful passes. In contrast, losing matches had an average of 40.2% (±11.4) for goal efficiency, 5.25 (±3.30) for shots on goal, 13.00 (±7.35) for total shots attempted, 4.50 (±2.52) for shots blocked by goalkeeper, and 255.50 (±65.40) for total successful passes. CONCLUSION: Successful passing percentage is a statistically significant predictor of match outcome; however further research should examine more matches of every level and tier to determine any differences and attributions to match outcome.