[Purpose] To compare the lower limb joint range of motion and muscle length between different types of foot posture, and determine the correlation of range of motion and muscle length with balance performance. [Subjects and Methods] Ninety individuals (age, 65.2±4.6 years) were assessed using the Foot Posture Index to determine their type of foot (Normal [0 to +5], pronated [+6 to +9], and supinated [−1 to −4]; n=30 per group). The range of motion (goniometer), muscle length (goniometer and tape measure), and balance performance (functional reach test and four square step test) were measured for each participant. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman’s rank-order correlation. [Results] No significant differences were found in range of motion, muscle length, and balance performance among different types of foot posture, except for right and left ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. Balance performance was significantly correlated with selected muscle length and range of motion, especially in the supinated foot. [Conclusion] Range of motion and muscle length of the lower limb may be associated with balance performance in older adults with foot deformities. These findings may guide physiotherapists in choosing intervention based on specific assessments for older adults with foot deformity.

This study determines (1) the correlation between mobility and balance performances with physiological factors and (2) the relationship between foot postures with anthropometric characteristics and lower limb characteristics among elderly with neutral, pronated, and supinated foot. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in community-dwelling elderly (age: 69.86 ± 5.62 years). Participants were grouped into neutral (n = 16), pronated (n = 14), and supinated (n = 14) foot based on the foot posture index classification. Anthropometric data (height, weight, and BMI), lower limb strength (5-STS) and endurance (30 s chair rise test), mobility (TUG), and balance (FSST) were determined. Data were analyzed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Body weight was negatively and moderately correlated (r s = −0.552, P < 0.05) with mobility in supinated foot; moderate-to-high positive linear rank correlation was found between lower limb strength and mobility (r s = 0.551 to 0.804, P < 0.05) for pronated and neutral foot. Lower limb endurance was negatively and linearly correlated with mobility in pronated (r s = −0.699) and neutral (r s = −0.573) foot. No correlation was observed in balance performance with physiological factors in any of the foot postures. We can conclude that muscle function may be the most important feature to make movement possible in older persons regardless of the type of foot postures.

Background. This study investigated the effects of short-duration high-intensity simulation of soccer fatigue on the dynamic balance and isokinetic strength of the lower limbs in youth soccer players. Methods. Thirty-nine youth soccer players completed a high-intensity fatigue simulation in 5-min. The participants performed tests on dynamic balance and isokinetic strength before the fatigue simulation (PRE), immediately after simulation (POST5), and 20 min (POST20) and 35 min (POST35) after simulation. Dynamic balance was measured using the Y-Balance test for both legs in the anterior, posteromedial (PM), and posterolateral (PL) directions. The muscle strength of the lower limb was measured using the maximal isokinetic contraction of the dominant leg only. Results. Dynamic balance was significantly reduced after stimulation in all directions for both legs (P<0.005). Significant reduction in the eccentric hamstring, concentric hamstring, and concentric quadriceps peak torques were also observed (P<0.05). However, no significant reductions were found in the functional hamstring/quadriceps ratio and conventional hamstring/quadriceps ratio (P>0.05). Conclusion. Fatigue influences dynamic balance, hamstrings, and quadriceps strength which may have implications for higher risk of knee injury in youth players.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a well-discussed neurovascular condition in upper limbs that prompted the scientists to conduct several reviews and to write articles on the topic during the last three decades. Most of the treatments are surgery and a series of conservative treatments. However, the variation of conservative treatments is wide and not defined. The aim of this systematic review was to define the effectiveness of physical treatments, as one of the conservative managements, for patients with TOS, in terms of pain relief. Eleven articles published during the period 1990e2009 were selected for this review. Results show that physical treatments can reduce the pain of patients with TOS, which is the primary outcome. However, there is no firm evidence to support their effectiveness.

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