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Evolution and trends of hikikomori: a bibliometrics analysis

Wan Hussain WMH

Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract, 2023 Nov;27(4):385-396.
PMID: 37452649 DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2023.2233580

Hikikomori is the Japanese term for the phenomenon of young adults isolating themselves from society and becoming reclusive. This study aims to examine the evolution and distribution of hikikomori, as well as identify the major players and institutions involved in hikikomori research. The searches, which were conducted in Scopus database identified 286 academic research works pertaining to hikikomori research. The findings indicate that hikikomori has attracted the attention of academic researchers in both the East and the West, with a consistent increase in research output since the Internet revolution over the past decade. The study highlights the potential for additional research on hikikomori and provides a benchmark for new researchers entering the field.

Matched MeSH terms: Young Adult
Adolescents and young adults with cancer: Considerations from the Southeast Asian perspective

Dee EC, Eala MAB, Chua MLK, Bray F, Bhoo-Pathy N

Pediatr Blood Cancer, 2022 Jul;69(7):e29593.
PMID: 35129873 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29593
Matched MeSH terms: Young Adult
Fulltext Accessory respiratory muscles performance among people with spinal cord injury while singing songs with different musical parameters

Ramli MI, Hamzaid NA, Engkasan JP, Usman J, Salleh M, Hueh WD

PLoS One, 2024;19(7):e0305940.
PMID: 38968230 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305940

People with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience respiratory dysfunctions which include hypersecretions, bronchospasm, and respiratory muscles weakness. Singing therapy has been implemented as part of respiratory muscle training (RMT) to improve their muscle strength. Singing different types and genres of songs may elicit specific recruitment of respiratory muscles, attributed to the variation of the songs' characteristics including tempo, pitch, and rhythmic complexity. This study aims to determine the effect of singing songs with different characteristics on the accessory respiratory muscle performance among people with SCI. Thirteen male SCI participants of ASIA A and B (C4 -T11) were recruited. Respiratory muscle signals were retrieved by placing two mechanomyography (MMG) sensors on the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles. Eight music experts categorized several songs into four categories based on their pitch, tempo, and rhythmic complexity. Each participant sang one song from each category. Findings showed statistically significant difference in RA and SCM responses among all categories (P < 0.01). The SCM muscle is most active while singing high pitch songs. While the RA is most active during slow tempo and easy rhythmic complexity. This shows that different accessory respiratory muscle is activated by people with SCI while singing songs with different characteristics. Clinicians could benefit from this knowledge while prescribing singing therapy or exercise among people with SCI in the future.

Matched MeSH terms: Young Adult
Fulltext Transient pain and discomfort when wearing high-heeled shoes

Almadhaani HMA, Goonetilleke RS, Wijeweera A, Jayaraman R, Ameersing L, Khandoker AH, et al.

Sci Rep, 2024 Apr 23;14(1):9291.
PMID: 38654097 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59966-9

In the dynamic world of fashion, high-heeled footwear is revered as a symbol of style, luxury and sophistication. Yet, beneath the facade of elegance of classy footwear lies the harsh reality of discomfort and pain. Thus, this study aims to investigate the influence of wearing high-heeled shoes on the sensation of pain across different body regions over a period of 6 h. It involved fifty female participants, all habitual wearers of high-heeled shoes, aged between 20 and 30 years. Each participant kept a record of their perceptions of pain and discomfort every hour for a total of 6 h using a 0-10 pain scale with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating severe pain. The findings reveal a progressive rise in pain throughout wear, with the most intense pain reported in the back, calcaneus, and metatarsals. The analysis shows that after approximately 3.5 h, participants experience significant increases in pain levels. However, the relationship between heel height and pain is not linear. It appears that a heel height of 7.5 cm is the threshold where overall body pain becomes significant. The study suggests that a duration of 3.5 h of wear and a heel height of 7.5 cm serve as critical points to decrease overall body pain. Moreover, beyond this heel height, knee pain diminishes compared to other body areas possibly due to the shift towards a more neutral posture. The study findings, coupled with the recommendations, can assist footwear designers in crafting not only stylish but also comfortable shoes.

Matched MeSH terms: Young Adult
Validity and Reliability of the Wii Balance Board for Static Balance Assessment in Healthy Young Adults

Kaewkaen K, Uthama S, Ruengsirarak W, Puntumetakul R

Malays J Med Sci, 2019 Mar;26(2):114-121.
PMID: 31447614 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.2.12

Introduction: The Wii Balance Board (WBB) is a commonly used tool for balance assessment, however the inconsistency in the reported validity for the WBB when used for the assessment of healthy young adults needs to be clarified.
Aim: To investigate the concurrent validity and reliability of the WBB for balance assessment in healthy young adults.
Methods: Thirty-two young adults participated in this study. Their ability to balance was tested while standing on a WBB and a laboratory-grade force platform, under three conditions: feet together with eyes open, feet together with eyes closed and semi-tandem standing with eyes open. They had 10 min resting period between tests. The agreement between the WBB and the laboratory-grade force platform was investigated, and the reliability of the WBB was determined.
Results: A poor agreement between the WBB and the laboratory-grade force platform was found for all standing conditions [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.03 to 0.07]. A moderate to high reliability was found for the WBB for balance assessment in healthy young adults (ICC = 0.66 to 0.76).
Conclusion: The WBB was found to be a reliable tool for static balance assessment in healthy young adults. However, it had poor validity compared to the laboratory-grade force platform.

Matched MeSH terms: Young Adult
Navigating the assessment landscape: Dental students' perceptions of extended-matching questions versus single-correct answers

Lin GSS, Hashim H

J Dent Educ, 2024 Jul;88(7):949-956.
PMID: 38532665 DOI: 10.1002/jdd.13526

PURPOSE: The present study aims to evaluate students' perceptions of different types of written assessment within the context of dental materials science and to identify how various learning styles exhibited by dental students, as well as gender and ethnicity, may influence their perceptions of these assessment methods.
METHODS: The study was conducted among second-year dental students in a dental materials science class, during which students participated in a mock assessment that included extended matching questions (EMQs) and single correct answer (SCA) questions. An online questionnaire comprising three sections: demographic information, Honey and Mumford's Learning Styles Questionnaire, and 15 closed-ended questionnaire items employing a 5-point Likert scale were administered to assess students' perceptions of the assessment methods. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, and a post-hoc Bonferroni test.
RESULTS: All 70 students participated in the study with the majority being female, Chinese, and activist learners. Median total scores among various learning styles, gender, and ethnicity did not exhibit significant differences. Analysis of individual questionnaire items revealed mixed perceptions regarding EMQs. Reflectors generally held more positive perceptions of EMQs, while theorists showed the lowest total median scores toward EMQs. Most students did not prefer EMQs over SCAs, and some students expressed confusion about EMQs, especially those with a theorist learning style.
CONCLUSION: Although students generally showed good perceptions towards these assessment methods, further research is needed to better understand the interplay of learning styles, assessment preferences, and educational outcomes in dental education.

Matched MeSH terms: Young Adult
An uncommon case of retinitis pigmentosa patients based on clinical and genetic study

Supanji S, Perdamaian ABI, Paramita DK, Jenie RI

Med J Malaysia, 2024 Aug;79(Suppl 4):98-101.
PMID: 39215425

Inherited retinal dystrophy (IRD) is a group of phenotypes caused by mutations in visual pathways-related genes, mostly occurring at photoreceptors. This heterogeneous group includes retinitis pigmentosa (RP) recognised by bone spicule at the peripheral retina and the other is Stargardt with macular pisiform flecks. In this study, a 20- year-old male patient with RP symptoms was accompanied by a yellowish pisiform flex in the macula. However, his brother, mother and aunty have typical Stargardt disease. This study involved four persons, two males (cases 1 and 2), their mother (case 3) and aunt (case 4). Initially, cases 1 and 2 came to the clinic, case 1 was diagnosed as RP and macular dystrophy, and case 2 was diagnosed as Stargardt disease. On the follow-up, cases 1 and 2 as well as their father, mother and other family members underwent comprehensive eye examination, including fundus, Snellen, OCT, OCT-A and HFA, and found an uncommon macular abnormality besides typical RP appearance in case 1. The father is healthy while the mother and one of his aunties were diagnosed as Stargardt. A genetics analysis was conducted in case 1, finding various mutations associated with IRD mutation at the cone protein-encoded gene that concentrated at the central and rod protein-encoded gene concentrated at the peripheral retina. Whether the combination of multiple or the same mutations is responsible for this RP phenotype needs further analysis and validation. Cases 2 and 3 genetic analysis showed similar mutation results but with a healthy peripheral retina and only represented Stargardt. Case 1 is considered as RP with macular dystrophy, while cases 2, 3 and 4 are confirmed as Stargardt.

Matched MeSH terms: Young Adult
Post-activation Performance Enhancement of Countermovement Jump after Drop Jump versus Squat Jump Exercises in Elite Rhythmic Gymnasts

Yang C, Shi L, Lu Y, Wu H, Yu D

J Sports Sci Med, 2024 Sep;23(1):611-618.
PMID: 39228782 DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2024.611

Drop jump (DJ) and squat jump (SJ) exercises are commonly used in rhythmic gymnastics training. However, the acute effects of DJ and SJ on countermovement jump (CMJ) performance have not been investigated. This study aimed to verify the post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) responses induced by DJ and SJ with optimal power load and evaluate the relationship between peak PAPE effects and strength levels. Twenty female rhythmic gymnasts completed the following exercises in a randomized order on three separate days: 6 repetitions of DJs; 6 repetitions of SJs with optimal power load; and no exercise (control condition). Jump height was assessed before (baseline) and at 30 seconds and 3, 6, and 9 minutes after each exercise. DJs significantly improved jump height by 0.8 cm (effect size (ES) = 0.25; P = 0.003) at 30 seconds post-exercise compared with baseline. Jump height significantly decreased by -0.14 cm (ES = -0.61; P = 0.021) at 9 minutes after the control condition. SJs significantly improved jump height by 1.02 cm (ES = 0.36; P = 0.005) at 9 minutes post-exercise compared to the control condition. Jump height and relative back squat one-repetition maximum were positively related after performing DJs (r = 0.63; P = 0.003) and SJs (r = 0.64; P = 0.002). DJ and SJ exercises effectively improved countermovement jump height. DJ improved jump height early, while SJ produced greater potentiation effects later. Athletes with a higher strength level benefited the most from these exercises.

Matched MeSH terms: Young Adult
Fulltext Comparison of reading speed with 3 different log-scaled reading charts

Buari NH, Chen AH, Musa N

J Optom, 2014 Oct-Dec;7(4):210-6.
PMID: 25323642 DOI: 10.1016/j.optom.2013.12.009

A reading chart that resembles real reading conditions is important to evaluate the quality of life in terms of reading performance. The purpose of this study was to compare the reading speed of UiTM Malay related words (UiTM-Mrw) reading chart with MNread Acuity Chart and Colenbrander Reading Chart.

Matched MeSH terms: Young Adult
Fulltext The Islamic Perspectives of Gender-Related Issues in the Management of Patients With Disorders of Sex Development

Zainuddin AA, Mahdy ZA

Arch Sex Behav, 2017 Feb;46(2):353-360.
PMID: 27102604 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-016-0754-y

In Islam, the person with somatic sex ambiguity due to a disorder of sex development (DSD), such as 46,XX congenital adrenal hyperplasia or 46,XY androgen insensitivity, is recognized as khunsa. Two types of khunsa are distinguished: wadhih (discernible) and musykil (intractable). A recent fatwa (religious edict) in Malaysia decreed that it is permissible for male-assigned patients from these two groups to have gender reassignment surgery to female following diagnosis; however, the religious authority has yet to rule on the reassignment from female to male, if requested. The different schools of law in Islam agree on some aspects of gender-related issues like the position of khunsa in prayer congregations, but differ in their opinions on others such as property inheritance and bathing rituals. For purposes of illustration, this article includes three case reports on Muslim patients with DSD in Malaysia, focusing on issues of gender assignment: (1) a patient with 46,XX CAH, assigned as female, requesting reassignment to male; (2) a patient with 46,XX CAH, assigned female, and gender dysphoric, but undecided on the gender to be; and (3) a patient with 46,XY complete gonadal dysgenesis, raised female due to her phenotype at birth, diagnosed late, at age 18 years, and content to remain female. Gender-related issues from the perspective of Islamic jurisprudence are highlighted and discussed. To ensure holistic care, health-service providers involved in the care of Muslim patients with DSDs need to be aware of the Islamic perspectives on gender-related issues and involve expert religious authorities.

Matched MeSH terms: Young Adult
Fulltext Visual acuity measured with luminance-modulated and contrast-modulated noise letter stimuli in young adults and adults above 50 years old

Woi PJ, Kaur S, Waugh SJ, Hairol MI

F1000Res, 2016;5:1961.
PMID: 28184281 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.9410.1

The human visual system is sensitive in detecting objects that have different luminance level from their background, known as first-order or luminance-modulated (LM) stimuli. We are also able to detect objects that have the same mean luminance as their background, only differing in contrast (or other attributes). Such objects are known as second-order or contrast-modulated (CM), stimuli. CM stimuli are thought to be processed in higher visual areas compared to LM stimuli, and may be more susceptible to ageing. We compared visual acuities (VA) of five healthy older adults (54.0±1.83 years old) and five healthy younger adults (25.4±1.29 years old) with LM and CM letters under monocular and binocular viewing. For monocular viewing, age had no effect on VA [F(1, 8)= 2.50, p> 0.05]. However, there was a significant main effect of age on VA under binocular viewing [F(1, 8)= 5.67, p< 0.05]. Binocular VA with CM letters in younger adults was approximately two lines better than that in older adults. For LM, binocular summation ratios were similar for older (1.16±0.21) and younger (1.15±0.06) adults. For CM, younger adults had higher binocular summation ratio (1.39±0.08) compared to older adults (1.12±0.09). Binocular viewing improved VA with LM letters for both groups similarly. However, in older adults, binocular viewing did not improve VA with CM letters as much as in younger adults. This could reflect a decline of higher visual areas due to ageing process, most likely higher than V1, which may be missed if measured with luminance-based stimuli alone.

Matched MeSH terms: Young Adult
Fulltext Differences in Motion Accuracy of Baduanjin between Novice and Senior Students on Inertial Sensor Measurement Systems

Li H, Khoo S, Yap HJ

Sensors (Basel), 2020 Nov 02;20(21).
PMID: 33147851 DOI: 10.3390/s20216258

This study aimed to evaluate the motion accuracy of novice and senior students in Baduanjin (a traditional Chinese sport) using an inertial sensor measurement system (IMU). Study participants were nine novice students, 11 senior students, and a teacher. The motion data of all participants were measured three times with the IMU. Using the motions of the teacher as the standard motions, we used dynamic time warping to calculate the distances between the motion data of the students and the teacher to evaluate the motion accuracy of the students. The distances between the motion data of the novice students and the teacher were higher than that between senior students and the teacher (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). These initial results showed that the IMU and the corresponding mathematical methods could effectively distinguish the differences in motion accuracy between novice and senior students of Baduanjin.

Matched MeSH terms: Young Adult
Fulltext Migraine masquerading as temporomandibular disorders: a case report

Shoji Y, Cohen HV

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2018;3(1):43-46.
MyJurnal

Migraine is a common disabling primary headache disorder. Ipsilateral radiation of pain to orofacial regions, including teeth, jaws and temporomandibular joints, although not a common complaint, could occur. The area of involvement may obscure the diagnosis and lead to unnecessary dental treatment. A case is presented in which a patient initially sought dental care for left jaw pain that radiated to her left maxillary teeth and temple region and she was also experiencing discomfort in the left masticatory musculature. Subsequently a medical consult diagnosed migraine headache without aura and fortunately unnecessary dental treatment was not done. The key issue here is the complexity of the Trigeminal nerve when the dentist is assessing a patient for dental or other orofacial pain complaints and dental pathology has been ruled out. Equally as important is the dentist taking thorough medical history since a patient may not tell a dentist about a “headache” because the pain is in the teeth and/or jaws. And, perhaps most important is the final differential diagnosis whether made by the dentist or medical care provider.

Matched MeSH terms: Young Adult
Fulltext The Relationship between Dark Triad Personality Traits and Sexting Behaviors among Adolescents and Young Adults across 11 Countries

Morelli M, Urbini F, Bianchi D, Baiocco R, Cattelino E, Laghi F, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 03 04;18(5).
PMID: 33806314 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052526

BACKGROUND: Sexting is an increasingly common phenomenon among adolescents and young adults. Some studies have investigated the role of personality traits in different sexting behaviors within mainstream personality taxonomies like Big Five and HEXACO. However, very few studies have investigated the role of maladaptive personality factors in sexting. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between Dark Triad Personality Traits and experimental (i.e., sharing own sexts), risky (i.e., sexting under substance use and with strangers), and aggravated sexting (i.e., non-consensual sexting and sexting under pressure) across 11 countries.
METHODS: An online survey was completed by 6093 participants (Mage = 20.35; SDage = 3.63) from 11 different countries which covered four continents (Europe, Asia, Africa, and America). Participants completed the Sexting Behaviors Questionnaire and the 12-item Dark Triad Dirty Dozen scale.
RESULTS: Hierarchical regression analyses showed that sharing own sexts was positively predicted by Machiavellianism and Narcissism. Both risky and aggravated sexting were positively predicted by Machiavellianism and Psychopathy.
CONCLUSIONS: The present study provided empirical evidence that different sexting behaviors were predicted by Dark Triad Personality Traits, showing a relevant role of Machiavellianism in all kinds of investigated sexting behaviors. Research, clinical, and education implications for prevention programs are discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: Young Adult
Fulltext Bilateral cavernous sinus and left dural sigmoid sinus thrombosis associated with extreme exertion: a case report

Wern-Yih C, Jan-Bond C, Sudha M, Norlelawati A, Shatriah I

Arq Bras Oftalmol, 2021 1 21;84(1):83-86.
PMID: 33470347 DOI: 10.5935/0004-2749.20210013

Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis is a rare but often debilitating and potentially fatal disease. We describe a case of bilateral orbital cellulitis with rapidly progressing cavernous sinus thrombosis and left sigmoidal sinus thrombosis in an immunocompetent 20-year-old military man who had undergone intensive physical training. The patient presented with rapid painful swollen left eye for 2 days. The examination results were gross proptosis with total ophthalmoplegia. He was treated with intravenous antibiotics and corticosteroid. At 1 week, visual acuity improved to 20/20 OU, with a normal intraocular pressure. There was a significant improvement in proptosis. The ocular motility of the right eye was fully restored, with slight residual ophthalmoplegia in the left eye. There was no residual illness or recurrence of illness at 3 months' follow-up.

Matched MeSH terms: Young Adult
Prayer Moderating Job Stress Among Muslim Nursing Staff at the University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC)

Achour M, Muhamad A, Syihab AH, Mohd Nor MR, Mohd Yusoff MYZ

J Relig Health, 2021 Feb;60(1):202-220.
PMID: 31079348 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-019-00834-6

This study examines how Salat (prayer) in Islam moderates the relationship between job stress and life satisfaction among Muslim nursing staff. The researchers sampled 335 nursing staff employed at the University of Malaya Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Their ages ranged from 21 to 60 years. The findings indicate the job stress was associated negatively with life satisfaction; there is a strong positive and significant correlation, respectively, between Salat and life satisfaction and that Salat reduces stress and increases the life satisfaction of Muslim nurses. Thus, Salat has a moderating effect on job stress and life satisfaction of Muslim nurses.

Matched MeSH terms: Young Adult
Fulltext Breakfast skipping and its associated factors among undergraduates in a public university in Kuala Lumpur

Moy FM, Johari S, Ismail Y, Mahad R, Tie FH, Wan Ismail WA

Malays J Nutr, 2009 Sep;15(2):165-74.
PMID: 22691814 MyJurnal

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in a public university in Kuala Lumpur among a random sample of 2665 undergraduates. The objective was to study the prevalence of breakfast skipping and its associated factors. Data collection was conducted via a self-administered pre-tested questionnaire. There were 43.5% male respondents, with Malays being the majority (58.3%). The prevalence of breakfast skipping was 29.2 (95% CI: 27.3 - 30.3)%. The factors significantly associated with breakfast skipping (p<0.05) were age, race, accommodation, faculty and skipping dinner. As the respondents' age increased, their risk of breakfast skipping was lower (OR: 0.95; 0.89 - 0.99). Malays (OR: 1.94; 1.48 - 2.54), Indians (OR: 1.70; 1.08 - 2.66), and students from the Sabah and Sarawak indigenous communities (OR: 2.13; 1.37 - 3.33) were more likely to skip breakfast compared to their Chinese counterparts. Respondents who stayed in their own houses were also less likely to skip breakfast compared to those staying in hostel with meals catered (OR: 2.32; 1.39 - 3.84), hostel with cafeteria (OR: 2.92; 1.74 - 4.91) or in rented houses (OR: 2.08; 1.25 - 3.46). Respondents majoring in Arts and Economics had 1.40 (1.07 - 1.82) times risk of breakfast skipping compared to those majoring in Life Sciences. Those who skipped dinner too had twice the odds (1.47 - 2.77) of breakfast skipping. In conclusion the prevalence of breakfast skipping among the undergraduates of this university was moderately high. Health awareness campaigns or introduction of healthy eating guidelines should be initiated for the undergraduates as well as food caterers in campus. The policy and pricing of catered food in campus should also be reviewed.

Matched MeSH terms: Young Adult
Fulltext Lymphangioma of the Dorsal Tongue

Nelson BL, Bischoff EL, Nathan A, Ma L

Head Neck Pathol, 2020 Jun;14(2):512-515.
PMID: 31823215 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-019-01108-z

Lymphangiomas are rare, congenital malformations of the lymphatic system which have a marked predilection for the head and neck. In this region, they most commonly occur on the dorsum of the tongue, followed by the lips, buccal mucosa, soft palate, and floor of the mouth. Lymphangiomas of the tongue are commonly present at birth; however, they may go unnoticed until after eruption of the dentition or even puberty. They may present as a defined mass or as macroglossia with impaired speech, difficulty in mastication, and, in extreme cases, airway obstruction. Clinically, lymphagiomas of the tongue are characterized by clusters of pebbly, vesicle-like nodules. A benign proliferation of lymphatic vessels is identified histologically. A classic case of a lymphangioma of the dorsal tongue is presented.

Matched MeSH terms: Young Adult
Seizures among young adults consuming kratom beverages in Malaysia: A case series

Halim SA, Low JH, Chee YC, Alias MR

Epilepsy Behav, 2021 08;121(Pt A):108057.
PMID: 34052638 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108057

We report a case series of young adults who were admitted to hospital with seizures after regular kratom beverage consumption. This study aimed to determine kratom consumption habits and seizure characteristics and to explore whether chronic kratom ingestion without concomitant drug abuse leads to recurrent seizure or epilepsy. All patients underwent blood investigations, a brain computed tomography (CT) scan, electroencephalography, and urine testing for mitragynine and drug toxicology. Eleven participants who had a positive urine mitragynine test were included in the study. The longest duration of kratom consumption was 84 months: - most drank more than eight times per month (>200 mL/drink). Seizure developed within 10 minutes or up to 72 hours post-ingestion. Seizure occurred one to three times per year in most cases. Four patients had a focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizure whereas the remaining participants had a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Four patients mixed kratom with diphenhydramine syrup, and one patient took methamphetamine. Two patients had positive urine results for recreational drugs (opioid and amphetamine). This study provided indirect evidence that chronic kratom use with or without concomitant drug abuse can cause recurrent seizures in susceptible individuals, which may progress to epilepsy or require antiepileptic medication.

Matched MeSH terms: Young Adult
Fulltext Muscles Affecting Minimum Toe Clearance

Perera CK, Gopalai AA, Ahmad SA, Gouwanda D

Front Public Health, 2021;9:612064.
PMID: 34136448 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.612064

The aim of this study was to investigate how the anterior and posterior muscles in the shank (Tibialis Anterior, Gastrocnemius Lateralis and Medialis), influence the level of minimum toe clearance (MTC). With aging, MTC deteriorates thus, greatly increasing the probability of falling or tripping. This could result in injury or even death. For this study, muscle activity retention taping (MART) was used on young adults, which is an accepted method of simulating a poor MTC-found in elderly gait. The subject's muscle activation was measured using surface electromyography (SEMG), and the kinematic parameters (MTC, knee and ankle joint angles) were measured using an optical motion capture system. Our results indicate that MART produces significant reductions in MTC (P < α), knee flexion (P < α) and ankle dorsiflexion (P < α), as expected. However, the muscle activity increased significantly, contrary to the expected result (elderly individuals should have lower muscle activity). This was due to the subject's muscle conditions (healthy and strong), hence the muscles worked harder to counteract the external restriction. Yet, the significant change in muscle activity (due to MART) proves that the shank muscles do play an important role in determining the level of MTC. The Tibialis Anterior had the highest overall muscle activation, making it the primary muscle active during the swing phase. With aging, the shank muscles (specifically the Tibialis Anterior) would weaken and stiffen, coupled with a reduced joint range of motion. Thus, ankle-drop would increase-leading to a reduction in MTC.

Matched MeSH terms: Young Adult

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