Journal Of Foot And Ankle Research[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Three-dimensional differences in plantar surface shape captured by methods used for custom accommodative insole design.
Nickerson KA, Carranza C, Telfer S … +2 more , Ledoux WR, Muir BC
J Foot Ankle Res · 2025 Mar · PMID 39888265 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The patient-specific shape of custom accommodative insoles for individuals with diabetes provides full foot-to-insole contact, offloading areas with high plantar pressures and reducing ulceration risk. To des...
BACKGROUND: The patient-specific shape of custom accommodative insoles for individuals with diabetes provides full foot-to-insole contact, offloading areas with high plantar pressures and reducing ulceration risk. To design the insole surface, plantar surface shape is captured, traditionally with a foam crush box impression or more recently with 3D scans of the foot. Beyond discrete measurements of the foot, the overall plantar surface shapes obtained from these different methods have yet to be compared, however, differences in the shapes captured by these methods may affect the insole's surface geometry design and subsequent performance. METHODS: Plantar surface shapes of 12 individuals with diabetes were captured using a foam crush box, flatbed 3D foot scanner, and handheld 3D scanner. Foot length, width, arch height, and arch volume were measured from each shape-capture method and compared. Mesh-to-mesh distances between the foam crush box mesh and the direct scanning method meshes for each subject were calculated. RESULTS: Foot length and width measured from the foam crush box scan were greater than the foot length measured from the flatbed scan and handheld scan. The flatbed scan also measured a length and width greater than the handheld scan. Arch heights and volumes from the flatbed scan were less than the heights calculated from the foam crush box and handheld scan. Mesh-to-mesh distances for the flatbed scan and areas of the foot not in contact with the scanner were inferior to the corresponding areas in the foam crush box impression. For the handheld scan, the lateral hindfoot and midfoot were superior, and the medial forefoot was inferior to the foam crush box impression. CONCLUSIONS: Different clinical methods used to capture foot shapes for the design of accommodative insoles may result in different plantar surface shape outputs and therefore impact custom accommodative insole design.
Implementation of a clinical pathway for diabetes-related foot ulcers reduced the number of amputations and shortened hospital stay.
Sailer M, Wergeland H, Randsborg PH
J Foot Ankle Res · 2025 Mar · PMID 39875339 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Diabetes-related foot ulcer (DFU) is the leading cause for lower extremity amputations (LEAs) in western countries, and may cause social isolation, depression, and death. However, people with DFU are not of...
INTRODUCTION: Diabetes-related foot ulcer (DFU) is the leading cause for lower extremity amputations (LEAs) in western countries, and may cause social isolation, depression, and death. However, people with DFU are not offered the same prioritized care as cancer patients, despite comparable mortality rates. We therefore decided to create a clinical pathway for patients with DFU. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of implementing a new clinical pathway on rates of LEA, length of hospital stays, and cost reduction. METHODS: On January 1, 2019, a new clinical pathway ensured that all patients with a DFU were evaluated in a designated clinic run by a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon in collaboration with the vascular surgeons, supported by a specialized wound nurse and a certified prosthetist/orthotist (CPO). We designed an algorithm for the first consultation to identify patients in need for further investigation by other specialties such as endocrinology, infectious diseases, cardiology, or vascular surgery. All patients underwent a surgical wound debridement of DFU. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was not applied. After surgery, the dressings were changed daily on the ward, until the wound was deemed viable and clean. The patients were followed for two years and compared to a historic cohort of patients with DFU admitted to the institution in 2017. RESULTS: The number of major amputations was reduced from 65% (13/20) to 7.4% (2/27) (p < 0.001) after the introduction of the clinical pathway. Both the mean number of surgical revisions (5.5 vs. 1.2) and the median length of stay (46 vs. 9 days) were statistically significantly reduced. The median cost per patient was reduced by 76% (from €538 000 to €129 000, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The clinical pathway for managing DFUs resulted in a reduction in major amputations and shorter hospital stays. Discontinuing NPWT after surgical debridement did not adversely affect clinical outcomes. The new pathway also contributed to lower healthcare costs.
Anatomical dissection influences emotions of podiatry students.
Mohedano-Moriano A, Romo-Barrientos C, Flores-Cuadrado A … +9 more , Ubeda-Bañon I, Gonzalez-Gonzalez J, Gil Ruiz MT, Saiz-Sanchez D, Astillero-Lopez V, Marcos-Tejedor F, Martinez-Marcos A, Viñuela A, Criado-Alvarez JJ
J Foot Ankle Res · 2025 Mar · PMID 39804225 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Dissection and examination of prosected cadavers is a tool for teaching anatomy. However, this experience can provoke anxiety and stress among students. This study aims to understand the attitudes, reactions,...
BACKGROUND: Dissection and examination of prosected cadavers is a tool for teaching anatomy. However, this experience can provoke anxiety and stress among students. This study aims to understand the attitudes, reactions, fears, and anxiety states of podiatry students before their first dissection in addition to evaluate its usefulness as an educational tool for academic training in anatomy. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out before and after the dissection room visit of first-year podiatry students. They were given several questionnaires: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaires (STAI-state anxiety and STAI-trait anxiety) and two anonymous questionnaires. RESULTS: Levels of total emotional anxiety (STAI-state anxiety) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from 16.9 points before practice to 10.9 points after practice. In terms of gender, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in anxiety levels before and after practice. However, female students had significantly (p < 0.05) higher pre-practice levels of STAI-state anxiety than male students. CONCLUSIONS: Although 100% of students (3.98 ± 0.149, over 4) expressed satisfaction with the practical's dissection and considered that these contributed significantly to the consolidation of their anatomical knowledge, the experience generated emotional responses that need to be addressed. Higher levels of anxiety were observed among female students, highlighting the need to implement effective coping mechanisms to mitigate emotional reactions, with special emphasis on this population.
Harnessing the drucebo effect: A new frontier in podiatric patient care.
Tedeschi R
J Foot Ankle Res · 2025 Mar · PMID 39799473 · Full text
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Measurement of plantar pressure differences in the contralateral limb when using offloading modalities for diabetic foot ulcerations.
Ngui IRY, Bowden J, Jones SL … +2 more , Daebeler R, Causby RS
J Foot Ankle Res · 2025 Mar · PMID 39797703 · Full text
BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effect of various offloading devices commonly used for the management of diabetic foot ulcerations on peak plantar pressure and pressure-time integral of the contralateral limb. ME...
BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effect of various offloading devices commonly used for the management of diabetic foot ulcerations on peak plantar pressure and pressure-time integral of the contralateral limb. METHODS: A quantitative, randomised and within-subject repeated measures study was conducted in an outpatient gait laboratory. Outpatients with unilateral diabetic foot ulcers and adequate perfusion to the lower limb without an intrinsic limb-length discrepancy who were able to walk were recruited for the study. They were also required to understand English. An in-shoe pressure sensor was placed in the participants' everyday shoes between their feet and insoles. Participants were asked to walk at their own speed and cadences with three stances recorded. Their peak and mean plantar pressures were recorded. This was repeated with four different offloading conditions: Darco APB™ All Purpose Boot, Darco APB™ All Purpose Boot with wool felt adhered to the bottom of the foot, DH Offloading Walker® and DH Offloading Walker® with Even-Up™ on the contralateral foot. RESULTS: The total sample comprised 22 adults (3 females and 19 males) aged between 34 and 78 years old (mean age, 57.6 ± 9.9 years). The results indicated that none of the regions of the foot showed a statistically significant difference in peak plantar pressure and pressure-time integral between the control condition and other offloading modalities, or between modalities. CONCLUSION: The use of offloading modalities for diabetic foot ulcers does not significantly affect peak plantar pressure or pressure-time integral measures on the contralateral limb. However, this should be considered with caution, as this population will possess the same risk factors in both the affected and the contralateral foot.
Association between clinical and MRI-detected imaging findings for people with midfoot pain, a cross-sectional study.
Halstead J, Martín-Hervás C, Hensor EMA … +6 more , Keenan AM, Conaghan PG, McGonagle D, Arnold JB, Jones J, Redmond AC
J Foot Ankle Res · 2025 Mar · PMID 39797599 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Midfoot pain is common but poorly understood, with radiographs often indicating no anomalies. This study aimed to describe bone, joint and soft tissue changes and to explore associations between MRI-detected...
BACKGROUND: Midfoot pain is common but poorly understood, with radiographs often indicating no anomalies. This study aimed to describe bone, joint and soft tissue changes and to explore associations between MRI-detected abnormalities and clinical symptoms (pain and disability) in a group of adults with midfoot pain, but who were radiographically negative for osteoarthritis. METHODS: Community-based participants with midfoot pain underwent an MRI scan of one foot and scored semi-quantitatively using the Foot OsteoArthritis MRI Score (FOAMRIS). Foot pain and disability were recorded using visual analog scales (VAS) and the Modified-Manchester Foot Pain Disability Index (MMFPDI). Associations were assessed for continuous data using Spearman's Rho, and for categorical data, a Wilcoxon signed rank test. Linear regression was used to explore the association between participant-reported measures and MRI abnormalities, adjusted for age, sex and BMI. RESULTS: Sixty-one participants (70% female, mean age 48.5 years, median BMI 28.6 kg/m) were included. Median VAS pain was 31/100 mm (IQR 21-47) and median disability was 30/48 (IQR 26-36). There was a moderate association between midfoot pain severity and the number of joints exhibiting joint space narrowing; adjusted results suggested 31% (95% confidence interval 3%-68%) worse VAS pain with each additional affected joint. Greater numbers of joints with cysts were associated with worse VAS pain [14% (0%-31%)] and disability [1.1 units (0-2.2)]. Effusion/synovitis was associated with MMFPDI pain. No other MRI abnormalities were associated with sex, body mass and foot pain/disability measures. Bone marrow lesions, joint space narrowing, cysts and osteophytes occurred more frequently with age. MRI abnormalities were common, particularly in the talo-navicular joint, first and second cuneo-metatarsal joints. Those with dorsal foot pain had more multi-joint involvement, bone marrow lesions, joint space narrowing and cysts and for those with pain on midfoot movement, bone marrow lesions and cysts were reported. CONCLUSIONS: In people with midfoot pain, MRI-detected features of osteoarthritis and soft-tissue abnormalities were found, clustered in the medial and intermediate cuneiform joints. These features were more common with age but not associated with pain or disability measures. Younger people with dorsal midfoot pain exhibited early signs of bone and joint features of osteoarthritis and we recommend further imaging studies to determine the clinical and diagnostic significance.
Efficacy of heel lifts for insertional Achilles tendinopathy (LIFTIT): A randomised feasibility trial.
Bourke J, Munteanu S, Garofolini A … +2 more , Taylor S, Malliaras P
J Foot Ankle Res · 2024 Dec · PMID 39702889 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: Insertional Achilles tendinopathy is a common and disabling condition. This trial aimed to determine the feasibility of conducting a parallel group randomised trial to evaluate the efficacy of heel lifts comp...
OBJECTIVES: Insertional Achilles tendinopathy is a common and disabling condition. This trial aimed to determine the feasibility of conducting a parallel group randomised trial to evaluate the efficacy of heel lifts compared to a sham intervention for reducing pain intensity associated with insertional Achilles tendinopathy. METHODS: Twenty-six people with insertional Achilles tendinopathy were randomised to either the heel lift group or sham intervention group. Outcome measures were obtained at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. The primary outcome was feasibility, evaluated according to demand (recruitment rate and conversion rate), acceptability, adherence, adverse events and retention. Limited efficacy testing was conducted on secondary outcome measures including pain intensity, function, physical activity, health-related quality of life, use of co-interventions and global rating of change. RESULTS: Between August 25, 2023, and April 7, 2024, we recruited and tested 26 participants (aged 28-65 years, mean [SD] 51 [8]). The pre-determined thresholds were met for demand, acceptability, adherence, retention, pain intensity, function, quality of life and global rating of change and partly met for adverse events, physical activity and use of co-interventions. Between 47 and 241, participants will be needed for a fully powered randomised trial. CONCLUSION: In its current form, a randomised trial of heel lifts compared to a sham intervention is feasible. However, future triallists may need to consider strategies to manage the risk of adverse events and plan to adjust the analyses to account for the use of co-interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12623000721606.
Revised minimal important difference values for the visual analogue scale and Foot Health Status Questionnaire when used for plantar heel pain.
Landorf KB, Twyford GN, Cotchett MP … +1 more , Whittaker GA
J Foot Ankle Res · 2024 Dec · PMID 39682003 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) are patient-reported outcome measures that are frequently used to evaluate the management of plantar heel pain. This study aimed...
BACKGROUND: The visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) are patient-reported outcome measures that are frequently used to evaluate the management of plantar heel pain. This study aimed to re-calculate (i.e. revise) the minimal important differences (MIDs) of the VAS and the FHSQ when used for plantar heel pain to enhance the validity and precision of previous estimates. METHODS: This study used an anchor-based method to calculate MIDs and incorporated best-practice analyses to ensure credibility of the estimates. Data from 369 participants previously recruited from the community into four randomised controlled trials that evaluated interventions for plantar heel pain were used. VAS and FHSQ data from these participants at baseline and follow-up were pooled to calculate the MIDs (95% confidence intervals). A 15-point global rating of change Likert scale was used at follow-up as the transition scale, which was anchored to baseline. For the VAS, MIDs for two distinct types of pain were calculated: average pain and first-step pain. For the FHSQ, MIDs for two domains were calculated: foot pain and foot function. RESULTS: The revised MIDs for the 100 mm VAS were -8.5 mm (95% CI: -12.2 to -4.7) for average pain and -19.2 mm (95% CI: -24.7 to -13.8) for first-step pain, which represent improvements in pain. The MIDs for the FHSQ were 12.4 points (95% CI: 6.9 to 18.0) for foot pain and 6.4 points (95% CI: 0.9 to 11.9) for foot function, which represent improvements in foot health status. CONCLUSIONS: The revised MIDs from this study for the VAS and the FHSQ when used for plantar heel pain have enhanced validity and precision compared to previous estimates. This is important for clinicians and researchers as it provides a better understanding of how much improvement is required by an individual before an important change is experienced. The revised MIDs will also assist researchers with prospective sample size calculations, so future clinical trials are appropriately powered from a statistical standpoint.
Relationship of foot pain with the increased risk of falls in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Jiménez-Cebrián AM, Ruiz-Sánchez FJ, Losa-Iglesias ME … +6 more , Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo R, López-López D, Montiel-Luque A, de Labra C, Saavedra-García MÁ, Navarro-Flores E
J Foot Ankle Res · 2024 Dec · PMID 39666372 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Falls are one of the most frequent difficulties in patients with Parkinson's disease. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between foot pain and the risk of falls in participants wi...
INTRODUCTION: Falls are one of the most frequent difficulties in patients with Parkinson's disease. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between foot pain and the risk of falls in participants with Parkinson's disease compared to a group of participants without Parkinson's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects (124) were divided into two groups, cases (n = 62) and controls (n = 62). They completed the Downton scale that collects the following 5 dimensions: previous falls, medications, sensory deficit, mental state, and ambulation. RESULTS: Analyzing the Downton scale using dimensions, a significant difference was observed between both groups in all dimensions except mental state. Regarding the global result of risk of falls, the participants who had a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease presented a high risk of falls, 40.3% compared to 3.2% of the non-Parkinson's disease group, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). For the numerical value of the Downton scale, there was a clear statistically significant difference between groups (2.65 ± 0.96 vs. 1.31 ± 1.19). CONCLUSION: This research confirms further evidence that people with Parkinson's disease who suffer from foot pain are at high risk of falling, regardless of gender.
The association of demographic, psychological, social and activity factors with foot health in people with plantar heel pain.
Gulle H, Morrissey D, Tayfur A … +4 more , Coskunsu DK, Miller S, Birn-Jeffery AV, Prior T
J Foot Ankle Res · 2024 Dec · PMID 39663183 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Plantar Heel Pain (PHP) can be a debilitating musculoskeletal condition from which only 50% recover within a year due to poor understanding of the mechanisms explaining severity and predicting outcomes specif...
BACKGROUND: Plantar Heel Pain (PHP) can be a debilitating musculoskeletal condition from which only 50% recover within a year due to poor understanding of the mechanisms explaining severity and predicting outcomes specific to PHP. OBJECTIVE: To explore associations between biopsychosocial variables and the severity of people with PHP. Secondly, to determine what combination of self-reported factors distinguishes people with PHP from other foot pain (OFP). METHODS: We collected data from 235 participants, including 135 (%57) PHP (age 44 ± 12 years, 66% female) and 99 OFP (%43) (age 38 ± 11 years, 57% female) using 5 demographic, 13 biomedical, 8 psychological, 3 social and 8 activity-related factors. These were tested in linear and logistic regression models. RESULTS: Quality of life (QoL) (β = 0.35; p < 0.001), education (β = -0.22; p = 0.003), gender (β = -0.20; p = 0.007), morning pain duration (β = -0.18; p = 0.01) and disease duration (β = -0.15; p = 0.040) were significantly associated with severity of PHP. The second model, without QoL, showed that having sensitisation (β = -0.18; p = 0.002) and a higher level of morning pain (β = -0.20; p = 0.01) are associated with severity. The logistic regression results revealed that people with PHP tend to have a systemic disease (OR = 3.34; 1.53-7.76), express more kinesiophobia (OR = 1.02; 1.01-1.14), are less likely to have previous injuries (OR = 0.40; 0.19-0.81), worse morning pain (OR = 1.02; 1.01-1.03) and standing pain (OR = 2.60; 1.39-4.87) compared to people with OFP. CONCLUSIONS: People with PHP have higher associated levels of a range of psychological, social and activity related factors than people with OFP. The findings highlight the importance of considering psychosocial assessments alongside physical examination.
Determining health professional students' self-perceived cultural capability following participation in clinical placement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples: A systematic review.
Paisley K, Sadler S, West Wiradjuri M … +4 more , Gerrard J, Wilson Wiradjuri R, Searle A, Chuter V
J Foot Ankle Res · 2024 Dec · PMID 39654074 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Collective evaluation of studies assessing students' self-perceived cultural capability following clinical placement is required to help inform future cultural capability training for both university and heal...
BACKGROUND: Collective evaluation of studies assessing students' self-perceived cultural capability following clinical placement is required to help inform future cultural capability training for both university and healthcare service environments. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate studies investigating health professional students' self-perceived cultural capability following participation in a clinical placement with First Nations Peoples. METHODS: Electronic database searchers were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, PsychINFO, Pubmed, CINAHL and Informit. Hand Searches of grey literature were conducted including Lowitja institute, Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, Menzies School of Health Research, Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health, and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Studies published in English that investigated health professional students' self-perceived cultural capability before and after clinical placement undertaken with First Nations people in Australia were eligible for inclusion. Two authors independently screened potentially eligible studies and performed quality appraisal and data extraction. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies were included (n = 307 participants). Studies included undergraduate students from podiatry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and mixed health professions. The results of this systematic review suggest that clinical placements in health services or settings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples that involve elements of co-design are effective in increasing aspects of health professional students' self-perceived cultural capability. This outcome was consistent across studies regardless of the location of clinical placements (urban or rural), type of clinical placement (health setting or Community), or length of placement. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this systematic review suggest that clinical placement in health services or settings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples may contribute to increased self-perceived cultural capability in health professions graduates. However, the impact of the placements on the cultural safety of student-led care, from a First Nations perspective, remains to be established.
Simulation in podiatry teaching and learning: A scoping review.
Anning N, Tehan P
J Foot Ankle Res · 2024 Dec · PMID 39627181 · Full text
BACKGROUND: In podiatry, there are a variety of clinical tasks that require precision and skill and it is expected that clinicians will obtain these skills during their training. Simulation is a dynamic teaching tool use...
BACKGROUND: In podiatry, there are a variety of clinical tasks that require precision and skill and it is expected that clinicians will obtain these skills during their training. Simulation is a dynamic teaching tool used in healthcare to enhance skill and knowledge acquisition. Currently, the extent and nature of the research on the use of simulation in podiatry teaching and learning are not clear. AIM: A scoping review was conducted to identify the extent and nature of research activity on the use of simulation in podiatry teaching and learning and identify gaps in the existing literature. METHODS: Any research relating to simulation use in podiatry teaching including various designs and focusing on simulations aimed at improving podiatry teaching or learning were eligible for inclusion. A systematic search was conducted on February 14, 2024 of the following databases: Embase (via Embase.com), MEDLINE (via PubMed), CINAHL, and the Web of Science. Additional papers were identified via bibliographies of included studies. Content analysis of content relating to podiatry teaching and learning was performed and grouped into broad themes, then further narrowing to six themes. RESULTS: A total of 21 research studies were deemed eligible for inclusion focusing on diverse aspects of podiatry simulation utilized in high-income countries exclusively. Conducted between 1997 and 2023, these studies were categorized into six key themes: skill improvement, communication and professionalism, clinical competencies and patient safety, educational enhancement, and anatomy and histology education. The simulations, carried out by or assessed for podiatry professionals, staff, or students, ranged from high-fidelity medical mannequins to low-fidelity simulations such as a grapefruit model of a diabetes-related foot ulcer. CONCLUSION: Overall, the findings suggest that simulation teaching in podiatry, whether through direct skill enhancement or through educational impact assessments, holds potential in improving competency, confidence, and educational outcomes in podiatry practice. This scoping review identified a small yet diverse evidence base for simulation modalities in podiatry education, demonstrating gaps in long-term effects and comparative effectiveness studies. It highlights the urgent need for research focused on longitudinal impacts, evaluating various simulation technologies and standardizing best practices to improve podiatry education and align with clinical and patient care needs.
Investigating pre-registration podiatry students approaches to identifying dermatology conditions in different skin tones: A mixed methods protocol.
Otter S, Whitham D, Melotto G … +6 more , Mann L, Agyare Y, Gozo-Reyes J, Funnell F, Sykes A, Dale P
J Foot Ankle Res · 2024 Dec · PMID 39614694 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Health inequalities are a well-known and widespread phenomenon throughout health care settings. In particular, people of color experience higher rates of delayed and/or misdiagnosis contributing to poorer out...
BACKGROUND: Health inequalities are a well-known and widespread phenomenon throughout health care settings. In particular, people of color experience higher rates of delayed and/or misdiagnosis contributing to poorer outcomes and an increased mortality risk. Research suggests that health care professionals find it more difficult to correctly diagnose dermatological conditions in the non-White patient demographic. Although podiatrists routinely examine and assess skin lesions, there is a paucity of research exploring their accuracy or confidence in recognizing skin pathologies. This study aims to investigate podiatry student's ability, confidence, approaches, and perceptions in diagnosing dermatology pathologies in different skin tones. A mixed methods exploratory sequential design is proposed. In stage one, podiatry students from different higher education institutions will be invited to complete a pictorial survey. We have designed a survey comprising six validated images of inflammatory skin pathology (either eczema or psoriasis) in three different skin tone categories, standardized using the Fitzpatrick scale. Data from the survey in stage one will then be utilized to inform the next stage of the research. In stage two, respondents who completed the initial survey will be invited to participate in focus groups to explore their perceptions surrounding diagnostic approaches, confidence, and perceptions of skin conditions in different skin tone. A process of thematic analysis will be employed to identify emergent themes from these data. METHODS: A mixed methods exploratory sequential design is proposed. In stage one, podiatry students from different higher education institutions will be invited to complete a pictorial survey. We have designed a survey comprising six validated images of inflammatory skin pathology (either eczema or psoriasis) in three different skin tone categories, standardized using the Fitzpatrick scale. Data from the survey in stage one will then be utilized to inform the next stage of the research. In stage two, respondents who completed the initial survey will be invited to participate in focus groups to explore their perceptions surrounding diagnostic approaches, confidence, and perceptions of skin conditions in different skin tone. A process of thematic analysis will be employed to identify emergent themes from these data.
Letter to the Editor: Offloading diabetic wounds.
Holbrook-Martin M, Curran S
J Foot Ankle Res · 2024 Dec · PMID 39584827 · Full text
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Enhancing teamwork in higher education: Experiences of podiatry students using SPARK for self- and peer-assessment in group work.
Kaminski MR, Raspovic A, Munteanu SE
J Foot Ankle Res · 2024 Dec · PMID 39558623 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Teamwork is essential for delivering high-quality healthcare, particularly given the increasing complexity of care due to chronic diseases, comorbidities and limited resources. The necessary skills and attrib...
BACKGROUND: Teamwork is essential for delivering high-quality healthcare, particularly given the increasing complexity of care due to chronic diseases, comorbidities and limited resources. The necessary skills and attributes for effective teamwork are often taught and assessed through group work within healthcare education programs. While group work can assist the development of skills and attributes of students to be effective team members, it also presents challenges, such as ensuring equitable student contributions. The Self and Peer Assessment Resource Kit (SPARK) endeavours to increase transparency, address inequities and provide learning-oriented feedback in group work. However, there is limited evidence on its utility within university health education. This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the experiences of podiatry students who used SPARK for self-evaluation and peer review during group work. METHODS: Undergraduate podiatry students (n = 102) enrolled in a fourth-year (final year) project-based subject provided self- and peer-assessment ratings for two group assessment tasks using SPARK. Eleven students (10.8%) participated in semi-structured focus groups, which were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted by two independent reviewers. RESULTS: Four overarching themes and 11 subthemes were identified: (i) Performance (1a. Equity; 1b. Accountability), (ii) Peer inter-relationships (2a. Social dynamics; 2b. Fear of consequences), (iii) Feedback and reflection (3a. Self-reflection; 3b. Receiving and responding to feedback; 3c. Supervisor action; 3d. Avoiding confrontation) and (iv) Utility (4a. Enablers; 4b. Barriers; 4c. Integration throughout course). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, SPARK encouraged equity, accountability and self-reflection among group members. There was perceived risk of negative group dynamics and relationships when poor feedback was given. It was equivocal if team member contributions increased. Self- and peer-assessment with SPARK is a useful approach towards addressing inequities in group work within health education and may offer insight into the development and assessment of teamwork capabilities.
Factors associated with the development of recurrent and contralateral Charcot neuroarthropathy in individuals with diabetes mellitus: A scoping review.
Cheong KY, Bergin SM, Munteanu SE … +2 more , Perrin BM, Landorf KB
J Foot Ankle Res · 2024 Dec · PMID 39550635 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) can result in fractures and dislocations of the foot and ankle in individuals with diabetes and neuropathy, leading to ulceration, amputation and a poor quality of life. Additi...
INTRODUCTION: Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) can result in fractures and dislocations of the foot and ankle in individuals with diabetes and neuropathy, leading to ulceration, amputation and a poor quality of life. Additional episodes of acute CN can lead to extended periods of physical and psychosocial distress. The aim of this scoping review was to identify and synthesise the evidence relating to factors associated with the development of recurrent and contralateral Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) in individuals with diabetes. METHODS: A systematic search of four electronic databases was conducted from inception to February 06, 2023. All relevant study designs, except single case studies, that had been published in full in peer-reviewed journals were included. Studies were excluded if they were not published in English and did not provide data on individuals with diabetes. RESULTS: The search identified two studies that investigated factors associated with the development of recurrent CN, but none that related to the development of contralateral CN. Ten factors were investigated for association with recurrent CN development: age, body mass index, diabetes type and duration, glycated haemoglobin, anatomical site affected, duration of offloading applied to treat the primary CN episode, use of pharmacological intervention, severity of neuropathy, and skin temperature. However, no significant associations were reported. CONCLUSIONS: There is an alarming lack of evidence-based findings in this research area to guide practice. Clearly, more research in the form of rigorous prospective studies is urgently required to identify risk factors for the development of recurrent and contralateral CN in individuals with diabetes.
The PRE-registration podiatry: Accessible recruitment and employment (PREPARE) project: A commentary on the novel approach to the podiatry workforce crisis in Glasgow.
Price P, Higgins P, Lambert D … +2 more , Dickson DM, Barn R
J Foot Ankle Res · 2024 Dec · PMID 39548948 · Full text
The profession of podiatry is facing significant workforce challenges and urgent solutions are required to increase workforce capacity. Apprenticeship models are available in England but as yet, not available in Scotland...
The profession of podiatry is facing significant workforce challenges and urgent solutions are required to increase workforce capacity. Apprenticeship models are available in England but as yet, not available in Scotland. This paper explores the local context of the current workforce challenges and summarises a novel solution collaboratively developed in Glasgow. A collaborative initiative between NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Glasgow Caledonian University developed the PRE-registration Podiatry: Accessible Recruitment and Employment (PREPARE) Project. Creative use of vacancy savings are being used to employ a limited number of individuals on a whole-time Band 5 Annex 21 basis at the start of their podiatry degree for the duration of their studies. Academic timetables were consolidated with no change to module or learning outcomes with candidates spending 3 days per week on academic studies and 2 days per week employed within the host podiatry service during term time. If academic milestones are achieved, substantive Band five opportunities are available once registration is achieved. This project opens opportunities for graduate level study to the support workforce and others not in a position to pursue traditional models of full-time education. To date, two additional health boards in Scotland have adopted this model and it has the potential to be a national approach for Scotland. High applicant numbers were achieved demonstrating increased interest in podiatry from this approach. This project has the potential to have a transformative impact on educating and training the future workforce, potentially being adopted by other professions facing similar workforce challenges.
The composition and mode of delivery of diabetes-related footcare education provided by podiatrists in Australia and Aotearoa (New Zealand): A systematic review.
Al Husaini M, Searle A, Chuter V
J Foot Ankle Res · 2024 Dec · PMID 39528437 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Diabetes-related foot disease (DFD) is a significant and costly complication of diabetes in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). Diabetes footcare education is considered a cornerstone of DFD prevention...
INTRODUCTION: Diabetes-related foot disease (DFD) is a significant and costly complication of diabetes in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). Diabetes footcare education is considered a cornerstone of DFD prevention and management, with podiatrists playing a key role in education provision. This systematic review evaluated the nature and composition of diabetes footcare education provided by podiatrists to people living with diabetes in Australia and NZ. METHODS: Medline, EBSCO, Megafile Ultimate and Cochrane library databases were conducted from inception until January 31, 2024 to identify studies reporting on the mode of delivery and composition, including frequency, of diabetes footcare education provided to people with diabetes by podiatrists in Australia and NZ. RESULTS: From a total of 226 abstracts screened, 4 studies with 878 participants were included. Three studies were from Australia and 1 from NZ. Studies included podiatrists in both private and public health sectors and used cross-sectional web-based surveys or observation. Components of diabetes footcare education included education on neuropathy and vascular foot health, footwear and general foot health/hygiene. This education was provided by podiatrists from both countries routinely. Verbal education was the most frequently used method of delivery. There was no significant difference between content, mode of delivery and frequency of diabetes footcare education between private and public practitioners in either country. No studies reported on culturally responsive content or education delivery methods. CONCLUSION: There are little available data on the composition or mode of delivery of diabetes footcare education provided by podiatrists in Australia and NZ to people living with diabetes. A range of footcare education is provided, most frequently verbally. Further qualitative research is required to conclusively establish the composition and delivery methods used for diabetes footcare education provided by podiatrists. In addition, the provision of culturally responsive diabetes footcare education and availability of related culturally responsive supporting resources is yet to be established.
The use of a novel toe-thumb pressure index for assessing arterial status in the lower limb. A reliability and validity study.
Mazzeo J, Banwell HA, Tehan PE … +2 more , Anderson G, Graham K
J Foot Ankle Res · 2024 Dec · PMID 39425819 · Full text
AIMS: This study explored the reliability, validity and perceived comfort of a novel thumb pressure measure and calculation of a toe-thumb index to identify their suitability as an adjunct or alternatives to ankle-brachi...
AIMS: This study explored the reliability, validity and perceived comfort of a novel thumb pressure measure and calculation of a toe-thumb index to identify their suitability as an adjunct or alternatives to ankle-brachial and toe-brachial indices. METHODS AND RESULTS: Repeated manual thumb and toe systolic blood pressures were conducted using two raters, over two time points, on 34 healthy participants. Concurrent automated toe, thumb and brachial systolic blood pressures as well as comfort ratings for these measures (using a 10 mm visual analogue scale) were captured once by a research assistant. Automated thumb and brachial measures showed fair correlation (ρ = 0.36, p = 0.03) and a toe-thumb index and toe-brachial index good correlation (ρ = 0.62, p < 0.01). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) identified moderate intra-rater reliability for manual thumb pressures for Rater 1 and 2 (ICC 0.57, 95% CI [0.14, 0.79] and ICC 0.74, 95% CI [0.49, 0.87], respectively), while inter-rater reliability was poor (ICC = 0.16, 95% CI [-0.85, 0.47]). Concurrent validity comparing manual and automated measures for thumb pressure was also poor (ICC -0.05, 95% CI [-1.06, 0.72] and ICC 0.42, 95% CI [-0.16, 0.72] Rater 1 and 2 respectively). Thumb measures were significantly more comfortable than brachial measures (5 mm, p < 0.00). CONCLUSION: Thumb systolic pressures are correlated with brachial systolic pressures, with reasonable intra-rater reliability, however, correlation is only fair and measurement error wider than clinically acceptable. Furthermore, manual measures are poorly correlated with automated units. Consequently, caution is required in applying these techniques. As thumb measures were perceived as significantly more comfortable than brachial measures and have an advantage where brachial pressures cannot, or should not, be obtained, further evaluation is warranted.
3D-printed custom ankle braces for people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: A pilot study.
Philps A, Frecklington M, Stewart S
J Foot Ankle Res · 2024 Dec · PMID 39425477 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a neurodegenerative condition resulting in footdrop, ankle instability and impaired balance and gait. This study aimed to determine (1) whether 3D-printed custom ankle b...
INTRODUCTION: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a neurodegenerative condition resulting in footdrop, ankle instability and impaired balance and gait. This study aimed to determine (1) whether 3D-printed custom ankle braces improve function and balance in people with CMT and (2) whether this is an acceptable device for use in this population. METHODS: A within-subject comparison pragmatic/pilot study was undertaken. Ten people with CMT (mean [SD] age 48 [14] years, 60% male) were fitted with 3D-printed ankle braces. Following a 4-week wear-in period, walking and balance tests and patient-reported outcomes were assessed in two experimental conditions: (i) usual shoes and (ii) usual shoes with 3D-printed custom ankle braces. Differences in outcome measures between experimental conditions were analysed using linear mixed models. Comfort, aesthetics and overall satisfaction of the brace were assessed via 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). Adverse events and tripping/falls associated with the brace during the wear-in period were also recorded by participants using daily diaries. RESULTS: A significant improvement was seen during single-leg balance with eyes open (p = 0.026, Cohen's d = 0.55) and a significant reduction in foot pain (p = 0.045, Cohen's d = 0.82), with use of the ankle brace. Mean (SD) 100 mm VAS scores were 62.7 mm (17.9) for overall comfort and 73.9 mm (21.2) for overall satisfaction. Subjective data from the daily dairies showed that one participant found the brace too firm around the ankle due to loss of soft tissue mass and two participants found it challenging to don and doff the brace due to loss of hand dexterity. CONCLUSION: This pilot study suggests that a 3D-printed custom ankle brace may improve balance and reduce foot pain in people with CMT; however, larger-scale trials are needed to further explore the impact of this brace on function and balance. Further customisation of the brace may also be required to improve acceptability for some people.
About
- Frequency
- Sun
- Papers found
- 200
- RSS feed
- Subscribe