1.Correlation between hand foot mouth disease incidence and meteorological factors with assessment for excess incidence risk among children in Jiujiang City
XIE Wenjing, XU Ting, ZHANG Jingjing, LI Jie, FU Weijie
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):417-420
Objective:
To discuss the epidemiological characteristics of hand foot mouth disease (HFMD) among children in Jiujiang City, and its correlation with meteorological factors, so as to provide scientific evidence for developing targeted HFMD prevention and control measures.
Methods:
HFMD incidence data among children and meteorological factor records from Jiujiang City during 2019-2023 were collected. Pearson correlation analysis and Quasi-Poisson regression analysis of generalized additive model were used to analyze the relationship between the number of cases and meteorological factors, calculating correlation coefficients (r) and excess risk (ER).
Results:
The annual reported children HFMD cases in Jiujiang City during 2019-2023 were 4 299, 4 671, 2 560, 3 230, and 3 584, respectively. Except for a peak in autumn-winter in 2020, outbreaks occurred mainly in spring and summer in other years. The majority of cases involved scattered children (71.11%) and children in daycare centers (26.64%). Pearson correlation analysis showed that total case counts, cases among scattered children, and cases among children in daycare centers were positively correlated with average temperature ( r =0.36, 0.39, 0.23), maximum temperature ( r =0.32, 0.36, 0.20), minimum temperature ( r =0.37, 0.41, 0.24), and average relative humidity ( r =0.19, 0.20, 0.15) (all P <0.05). Quasi-Poisson regression analysis of generalized additive model revealed that total cases, cases among scattered children, and cases among daycare children were positively associated with average temperature ( r =0.05, 0.06, 0.03) and average relative humidity ( r =0.03, 0.02, 0.02) (all P <0.01). Excess incidence risk analysis indicated that for every 10 ℃ increase in average temperature, the ER (95% CI ) values were 72.16 (45.91-103.14), 79.76 (52.99- 111.23 ) and 39.30 (14.45-69.54) among total children, scattered children and daycare children, respectively; for every 10% increase in average relative humidity, the ER (95% CI ) values were 28.69 (12.22-47.56), 27.81 (12.01-45.84) and 24.42 (5.56-46.65), respectively.
Conclusions
The incidence level of HFMD among children in Jiujiang City is positively correlated with the average temperature and average relative humidity. Higher temperature and humidity are associated with an increased risk of excess HFMD incidence in scattered children compared to children in daycare centers.
2.Influenza A virus infection activates TLR3-mediated necroptosis
Weijie LI ; Congying HUANG ; Ziling ZENG ; Xiang LI ; Jia XU ; Tian GONG ; Hao ZHANG ; Xinyan ZHANG ; Ping WANG ; Yuanjia HU ; Haiyu XU ; Lijuan SONG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):40-49
Background: Influenza A virus (IAV) is a negative-sense RNA virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family and is the etiological agent of a highly contagious acute respiratory disease that can lead to acute lung injury. Objective: To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of IAV infection, an integrative research approach combining gene expression profiling, multinetwork analysis, and in vivo experimental validations was employed. Methods: First, a series of network-based analyses were performed, including protein-protein interaction network construction, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and subsequent gene set enrichment analysis, to identify the major underlying mechanisms of IAV infection. Following gene expression analysis, core targets, both direct and indirect regulators, were screened. An IAV (H1N1) strain A/PR/8/34-induced acute lung injury mouse model was constructed for in vivo validations. Batch one included two groups to evaluate findings from the multi-network analysis: Mock (n = 10; 5 males and 5 females) and IAV (n = 10; 5 males and 5 females). Batch two included three groups to assess the role of toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) in IAV infection: Mock (n = 6; 3 males and 3 females), IAV (n = 6; 3 males and 3 females), and TLR3 inhibitor (n = 6; 3 males and 3 females). Body weight was measured on days 0, 3, and 5 after infection. On day 5, lung tissues were collected to assess viral load and histopathological changes. Key targets were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining, both in sera and lung tissues. Results: IAV infection was significantly associated with dysregulation of the immune-inflammation system, such as the LTR, nucle-otide-binding oligomerization domain-(NOD) like receptor, retinoic acid-inducible gene I-like receptor, and nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathways. Gene set enrichment analysis further indicated that the TLR and necroptosis signaling pathways played crucial roles in the progression of IAV infection (TLR signaling pathway normalized enrichment score = 2.3941, P = 1.00 × 10 −10; necroptosis normalized enrichment score = 1.9421, P = 6.21 × 10 −7). Among the core targets, TLR3 and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) may regulate gene expression at the transcriptional level (all P < 0.05). In vivo validation using an IAV (PR8) infected acute lung injury mouse model demonstrated increased viral load and lung index, alveolar structural damage, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Immunofluorescence staining exhibited large gaps in Lamin B1 staining and breaches in Emerin signals following IAV-PR8 infection. Expression levels of TLR3, p-receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3 (RIPK3)/RIPK3, and p-mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL)/MLKL proteins in lung tissues, as well as proinflammatory factors and mediators in sera, were significantly elevated after IAV infection. Moreover, enhanced neutrophil infiltration (myeloperoxidase) and citrullinated histone H3 (a neutrophil extracellular trap-specific marker), both established indicators of neutrophil extracellular trap formation, were observed. Notably, treatment with a TLR3 inhibitor significantly ameliorated IAV-induced acute lung injury by regulating necroptosis-related targets. Conclusion: Our study provides network-based in vivo evidence that TLR3-receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3-MLKL-mediated necroptosis may underlie IAV-induced acute lung injury and could serve as a potential therapeutic target in severe influenza cases.
3.Evaluation index system of life support equipment of hospital based on fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model
Liangjun NI ; Weijian CHEN ; Weijie HUANG ; Xia ZHANG
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(6):113-118
Objective:To construct a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model for life support equipment of hospital,so as to improve quality of management for equipment.Methods:Based on the operating status of life support equipment in Jiangmen Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangdong Province,a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model was constructed,and the indicators of different levels were set.The index weights were calculated according to the Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP),and the equipment management strategy was formulated based on the evaluated results.A total of 98 life support equipment in clinical use in our hospital from January 2023 to July 2024 were selected.In them,49 equipment were managed under the conventional management mode,and the other 49 equipment were managed under the assessment system management mode of the kind of life support equipment based on fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model(model management mode)according to the random number table method.The timeliness,management effect and management efficiency of the two management modes for equipment were compared.A self-made satisfaction questionnaire was used to investigate the satisfaction scores of equipment engineers,clinicians and managers of relevant departments in usage management for equipment in the equipment usage of the two management modes.Results:The timeliness of equipment early warning,the timeliness of maintenance personnel's arrival,and the timeliness of proposing maintenance opinions were respectively(0.78±0.14)min,(5.14±2.11)min,and(10.69±3.11)min in the model management mode,all which were shorter than those in the conventional management mode,and the differences were statistically significant(t=16.697,11.857,16.117,P<0.05).The regular maintenance rate of equipment adopting the model management mode was higher than that adopting the conventional management mode,and the failure rate was lower than that adopting the conventional management mode,and the differences were statistically significant(x2=12.274,12.261,P<0.05),respectively.The maintenance time of the model management mode was shorter than that of the conventional management mode,and the operation and maintenance cost of the model management mode was lower than that of the conventional management mode,and the differences were statistically significant(t=17.451,12.707,P<0.05).The scores of management efficiencies of resource allocation,technical support,environmental guarantee and information infrastructure of the model management mode were all higher than those of the conventional management mode,and the differences were statistically significant(t=12.268,14.908,16.128,13.920,P<0.05).In usage management for equipment,the satisfaction scores of equipment engineers,clinicians and managers of relevant departments for equipment management adopting the model management mode were higher than those adopting the conventional management mode,and the differences were statistically significant(t=13.118,16.209,12.557,P<0.05).Conclusion:The assessment system of hospital for life support equipment based on the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model can enhance the quality of management and operation for equipment,and improve the service level of equipment,and increase the operational efficiency of equipment.
4.Study on the risk factors of hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia symptoms in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy
Weijie LIU ; Jie ZHANG ; Yaolei YE ; Zhenyu WU ; Bolin ZHANG ; Jingjing ZHANG ; Fang LI ; Yanfeng TIAN
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2025;48(11):980-986
Objective:To investigate the risk factors of hypoparathyroidism (HPT) and hypocalcemia in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy (TT), and to explore the changes of parathyroid hormone and blood calcium after TT.Methods:The clinical data of 101 patients undergoing TT from November 2018 to September 2022 in the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. The basic clinical data were recorded. The blood calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were measured before surgery and 1 d, 1 week after surgery. The occurrence of postoperative hypocalcemia was recorded. According to postoperative parathyroid hormone level, the patients were divided into control group (normal parathyroid function) and HPT group (reduced parathyroid hormone level). The patients with postoperative hypocalcemia symptoms were classified as the hypocalcemia symptoms group, and the patients without postoperative hypocalcemia symptoms were classified as the non-hypocalcemia symptoms group. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of HPT and hypocalcemia in TT patients.Results:The postoperative parathyroid hormone level decreased in 41 cases (HPT group) and normal in 60 cases (control group). There were 24 patients with postoperative hypocalcemia symptoms (hypocalcemia symptoms group) and 77 patients without postoperative hypocalcemia symptoms (non-hypocalcemia symptoms group). The rate of using bipolar electric coagulation forceps in HPT group was significantly lower than that in control group: 31.71% (13/41) vs. 76.67% (46/60), while the rate of central lymph node dissection was significantly higher than that in control group: 82.93% (34/41) vs. 60.00% (36/60), and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01 and <0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis result showed that TT combined with unilateral or bilateral central lymph node dissection was an independent risk factor for HPT in TT patients ( OR = 1.706 and 1.501, 95% CI 1.019 to 2.856 and 1.052 to 2.140, P<0.05). The preoperative serum calcium, postoperative serum calcium and postoperative parathyroid hormone in hypocalcemia symptoms group were significantly lower than those in hypocalcemia symptoms group: (2.32 ± 0.11) mmol/L vs. (2.37 ± 0.11) mmol/L, (2.16 ± 0.21) mmol/L vs. (2.25 ± 0.18) mmol/L and 3.00 (1.00, 5.45) ng/L vs. 19.90 (8.50, 33.80) ng/L, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05 or <0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis result showed that postoperative parathyroid hormone was an independent risk factor of hypocalcemia symptoms in TT patients ( OR = 0.927, 95% CI 0.883 to 0.974, P<0.01). In patients with HPT, the blood calcium at 1 week after surgery was significantly lower than that at 1 d after surgery: (2.07 ± 0.19) mmol/L vs. (2.17 ± 0.25) mmol/L, and there was statistical difference ( t = 2.05, P<0.05); the parathyroid hormone at 1 week after surgery was significantly higher than that at 1 d after surgery: 8.30 (3.55, 19.55) ng/L vs. 3.60 (1.00, 6.85) ng/L, and there was statistical difference ( Z = - 3.78, P<0.01). Conclusions:When performing TT, standardizing the surgical techniques, reducing unnecessary central lymph node dissection, and using bipolar electric coagulation forceps as much as possible can help to reduce the occurrence of postoperative HPT. The levels of postoperative parathyroid hormone and blood calcium should be promptly detected, the change of both should be given attention, and do a good job in preventing and treating hypocalcemia.
5.Study on the Medication Law of Amenorrhea in Southwest China Based on Hypergraph
Siwei TIAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Bing LI ; Weijie LI ; Jing'ai WANG ; Jialun WANG ; Huamin ZHANG ; Ziling ZENG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(5):55-61
Objective To explore the compatibility law of amenorrhea and commonly used local herbs in southwest China using hypergraph;To provide drug choice for the clinical treatment of modern TCM amenorrhea and promote the development and utilization of local Chinese materia medica resources.Methods In this study,the data of prescriptions for the treatment of amenorrhea in Southwest China were used as the data source.By constructing formulas related to amenorrhea-hypergraph(AFR-HG),the topological structure of AFR-HG was analyzed,and the core subnet was extracted according to the node weighted hypercentrality.Based on the sub-network AFR-HG-p1 extracted from the top 20 kinds of Chinese materia medica in AFR-HG,the Kumar algorithm was used to divide the efficacy community network.Results A total of 123 amenorrhea prescriptions were included in this study.Angelicae Sinensis Radix,Carthami Flos,Cyperi Rhizoma,Chuanxiong Rhizoma and other drugs with the efficacy of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis,soothing liver and regulating qi,and warming and tonifying were the main drugs with high frequency.Three layers of core subnets were extracted layer by layer through weighted hyper-centrality sorting.The first layer contained Angelicae Sinensis Radix,Chuanxiong Rhizoma,Hyperici Sampsonii Herba,etc.;the second layer of drugs were mainly Lycopi Herba,Rubiae Radix et Rhizoma,Bombycis Feculae,etc.;the third layer of drugs were mainly Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra,Moutan Cortex,Sargentodoxae Caulis and other drugs;based on the top 20 node overdose drugs,community drugs were obtained through community detection:the first community subnet was Armeniacae Semen Amarum,Draconis Sanguis,Corydalis Rhizoma,etc.,the second community subnet was Rubiae Radix et Rhizoma,Rosae Chinensis Flos,Hyperici Sampsonii Herba,etc.,and the third community subnet was Akebiae Caulis,Homalomenae Rhizoma,Bombycis Feculae,etc.Conclusion In prescriptions of amenorrhea in Southwest China,the treatment principles are basically consistent with modern clinical practice.In addition to commonly used drugs,local herbal medicines and similar medicines are also common.It is of great value to explore the rules of prescriptions for the development and utilization of Chinese materia medica resources.
6.Evaluation index system of life support equipment of hospital based on fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model
Liangjun NI ; Weijian CHEN ; Weijie HUANG ; Xia ZHANG
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(6):113-118
Objective:To construct a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model for life support equipment of hospital,so as to improve quality of management for equipment.Methods:Based on the operating status of life support equipment in Jiangmen Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangdong Province,a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model was constructed,and the indicators of different levels were set.The index weights were calculated according to the Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP),and the equipment management strategy was formulated based on the evaluated results.A total of 98 life support equipment in clinical use in our hospital from January 2023 to July 2024 were selected.In them,49 equipment were managed under the conventional management mode,and the other 49 equipment were managed under the assessment system management mode of the kind of life support equipment based on fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model(model management mode)according to the random number table method.The timeliness,management effect and management efficiency of the two management modes for equipment were compared.A self-made satisfaction questionnaire was used to investigate the satisfaction scores of equipment engineers,clinicians and managers of relevant departments in usage management for equipment in the equipment usage of the two management modes.Results:The timeliness of equipment early warning,the timeliness of maintenance personnel's arrival,and the timeliness of proposing maintenance opinions were respectively(0.78±0.14)min,(5.14±2.11)min,and(10.69±3.11)min in the model management mode,all which were shorter than those in the conventional management mode,and the differences were statistically significant(t=16.697,11.857,16.117,P<0.05).The regular maintenance rate of equipment adopting the model management mode was higher than that adopting the conventional management mode,and the failure rate was lower than that adopting the conventional management mode,and the differences were statistically significant(x2=12.274,12.261,P<0.05),respectively.The maintenance time of the model management mode was shorter than that of the conventional management mode,and the operation and maintenance cost of the model management mode was lower than that of the conventional management mode,and the differences were statistically significant(t=17.451,12.707,P<0.05).The scores of management efficiencies of resource allocation,technical support,environmental guarantee and information infrastructure of the model management mode were all higher than those of the conventional management mode,and the differences were statistically significant(t=12.268,14.908,16.128,13.920,P<0.05).In usage management for equipment,the satisfaction scores of equipment engineers,clinicians and managers of relevant departments for equipment management adopting the model management mode were higher than those adopting the conventional management mode,and the differences were statistically significant(t=13.118,16.209,12.557,P<0.05).Conclusion:The assessment system of hospital for life support equipment based on the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model can enhance the quality of management and operation for equipment,and improve the service level of equipment,and increase the operational efficiency of equipment.
7.Functional Role of the Triceps Surae-Tendon Unit and its Contribution to Running Biomechanics
Liqin DENG ; Xini ZHANG ; Songlin XIAO ; Weijie FU
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(1):223-230
The triceps surae muscle-tendon unit(MTU)is the key for effective force generation,transmission,and energy storage and release in human movement,with great influences on sports efficiency,but its injury rate remains high.This review summarizes MTU function and its biomechanical adaptations during running,aiming to deepen the understanding of MTU's role in movement and explore how external factors influence its biomechanical properties,offering scientific insights for improving running performance and preventing injuries.During running,under forefoot striking and wearing shoes with greater stiffness,such as shoes with carbon plate,the energy contraction or return could be achieved through a more economical MTU behavior,namely reducing energy consumption by more economically muscle contraction and more energy storage of elastic elements,and the muscle contraction was exerted at a length closer to the optimal muscle fascicle length and reduced energy consumption caused by muscle contraction.However,adopting forefoot striking,barefoot running,or wearing minimalist shoes during running could increase the mechanical loads on the MTU.After gait retraining,the MTU could contract or return energy more efficiently during running,while the impact of other training methods on MTU was relatively poor,and the research in this area is still not sufficient.Therefore,future research should focus on optimizing the biomechanical properties of the MTU,MTU interaction and balanced development through changes in movement patterns,equipment,and training methods to enhance performance and reduce injuries.
8.Study on the risk factors of hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia symptoms in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy
Weijie LIU ; Jie ZHANG ; Yaolei YE ; Zhenyu WU ; Bolin ZHANG ; Jingjing ZHANG ; Fang LI ; Yanfeng TIAN
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2025;48(11):980-986
Objective:To investigate the risk factors of hypoparathyroidism (HPT) and hypocalcemia in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy (TT), and to explore the changes of parathyroid hormone and blood calcium after TT.Methods:The clinical data of 101 patients undergoing TT from November 2018 to September 2022 in the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. The basic clinical data were recorded. The blood calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were measured before surgery and 1 d, 1 week after surgery. The occurrence of postoperative hypocalcemia was recorded. According to postoperative parathyroid hormone level, the patients were divided into control group (normal parathyroid function) and HPT group (reduced parathyroid hormone level). The patients with postoperative hypocalcemia symptoms were classified as the hypocalcemia symptoms group, and the patients without postoperative hypocalcemia symptoms were classified as the non-hypocalcemia symptoms group. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of HPT and hypocalcemia in TT patients.Results:The postoperative parathyroid hormone level decreased in 41 cases (HPT group) and normal in 60 cases (control group). There were 24 patients with postoperative hypocalcemia symptoms (hypocalcemia symptoms group) and 77 patients without postoperative hypocalcemia symptoms (non-hypocalcemia symptoms group). The rate of using bipolar electric coagulation forceps in HPT group was significantly lower than that in control group: 31.71% (13/41) vs. 76.67% (46/60), while the rate of central lymph node dissection was significantly higher than that in control group: 82.93% (34/41) vs. 60.00% (36/60), and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01 and <0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis result showed that TT combined with unilateral or bilateral central lymph node dissection was an independent risk factor for HPT in TT patients ( OR = 1.706 and 1.501, 95% CI 1.019 to 2.856 and 1.052 to 2.140, P<0.05). The preoperative serum calcium, postoperative serum calcium and postoperative parathyroid hormone in hypocalcemia symptoms group were significantly lower than those in hypocalcemia symptoms group: (2.32 ± 0.11) mmol/L vs. (2.37 ± 0.11) mmol/L, (2.16 ± 0.21) mmol/L vs. (2.25 ± 0.18) mmol/L and 3.00 (1.00, 5.45) ng/L vs. 19.90 (8.50, 33.80) ng/L, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05 or <0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis result showed that postoperative parathyroid hormone was an independent risk factor of hypocalcemia symptoms in TT patients ( OR = 0.927, 95% CI 0.883 to 0.974, P<0.01). In patients with HPT, the blood calcium at 1 week after surgery was significantly lower than that at 1 d after surgery: (2.07 ± 0.19) mmol/L vs. (2.17 ± 0.25) mmol/L, and there was statistical difference ( t = 2.05, P<0.05); the parathyroid hormone at 1 week after surgery was significantly higher than that at 1 d after surgery: 8.30 (3.55, 19.55) ng/L vs. 3.60 (1.00, 6.85) ng/L, and there was statistical difference ( Z = - 3.78, P<0.01). Conclusions:When performing TT, standardizing the surgical techniques, reducing unnecessary central lymph node dissection, and using bipolar electric coagulation forceps as much as possible can help to reduce the occurrence of postoperative HPT. The levels of postoperative parathyroid hormone and blood calcium should be promptly detected, the change of both should be given attention, and do a good job in preventing and treating hypocalcemia.
9.Effects of exercise-induced fatigue on the functional connectivity of the primary motor cortex during unilateral ankle plantar-dorsiflexion
Jianglong ZHAN ; Changxiao YU ; Songlin XIAO ; Bin SHEN ; Chuyi ZHANG ; Zhen XU ; Weijie FU
Chinese Journal of Sports Medicine 2025;44(9):698-703
Objective To explore the effect of exercise-induced fatigue on intra-and interhemispher-ic functional connectivity of the primary motor cortex during unilateral ankle plantar-dorsiflexion.Meth-ods Twenty-four healthy adult males(age:21.6±2.2 years;all right-side dominant)were selected as participants for the study.They ran on a treadmill at an individualized constant speed until fatigue.Fatigue was determined when all the following criteria were met:(1)participants failing to maintain the individualized constant speed despite the strong verbal encouragement from the experimenters;(2)reaching a rating of perceived exertion(RPE)score of at least 19;and(3)their heart rate reaching 90%of their age-predicted maximal heart rate(220-age).Moreover,EEG signals from four channels(C1,C2,C3,and C4)of the primary motor cortex were collected during unilateral ankle dorsi-plan-tarflexion movements before and after fatigue,followed by EEG coherence analyses on the collected da-ta.Results Compared to the pre-fatigue state,the coherence values of the intra-hemispheric primary motor cortex electrode pairs C1-C3 and C2-C4 during unilateral ankle plantar-dorsiflexion decreased significantly in the alpha and gamma bands after fatigue(both P<0.05).Conversely,the value of the interhemispheric primary motor cortex electrode pair C1-C2 increased significantly in the beta band(P<0.05).Conclusion Exercise-induced fatigue significantly weakens the intra-hemispheric functional con-nectivity of the primary motor cortex during unilateral ankle plantar-dorsiflexion.However,it may en-hance the interhemispheric functional connectivity and potentially collaborate to strengthen the regula-tion of fatigued muscles.
10.Effects of different running shoes and foot strike patterns on Achilles tendon length changes and loading characteristics during running based on real-time ultrasound
Xini ZHANG ; Baisheng FU ; Liqin DENG ; Yuxin LI ; Weijie FU
Chinese Journal of Sports Medicine 2025;44(8):618-625
Objective To compare the effect of immediately wearing different running shoes and foot-strike patterns on the in vivo Achilles tendon(AT)length and loading of habitual rearfoot striking(RFS)runners.Methods Eleven male running enthusiasts were recruited(age:33.7±8.7 years old,running experience:5.3±2.3 years).They were randomly assigned to wear cushioned running shoes or minimalist shoes,and run at 10 km/h on a Bertec 3-D force platform with forefoot striking(FFS)and RFS,respectively.The ultrasound imaging probe was fixed at the junction of the AT and the me-dial head of the gastrocnemius muscle with an elastic bandage,synchronized with the Vicon high-speed infrared motion capture system,which collected and calculated real-time length changes and loading characteristics of the AT in vivo.A 2×2 two-way ANOVA was used to determine the effect of different running shoes(cushioned running shoes vs.minimalist shoes)and foot strike patterns(FFS vs.RFS)on the in vivo AT loading characteristics during running,and the significance level α was set at 0.05.Results There was a significant interaction between footwear type and footstrike patterns on the foot strike angle.Within the same shoe condition(cushioned or minimalist),foot strike angle(FSA)was significantly greater during RFS than during FFS(P<0.05).Moreover,during RFS,FSA was significantly greater in cushioned shoes than in minimalist shoes(P<0.05).In addition,under acute manipulations of footwear and strike pattern,the instantaneous AT loading rate also exhibited a signifi-cant footwear and foot strike patterns interaction(P<0.05).The instantaneous AT loading rate was sig-nificantly greater when immediately wearing minimalist shoes with RFS than when wearing cushioned running shoes with RFS,as well as significantly greater when immediately wearing cushioned running shoes with FFS than when running with RFS(P<0.05).In addition,there was no interaction effect for the other parameters,except the significant group or time main effects(P<0.05).The peak AT force,average AT loading rate,AT impulse,peak AT stress,peak AT length change,and AT work during FFS were significantly greater than those during RFS(P<0.05).What's more,the peak AT force when immediately wearing minimalist shoes was significantly greater than that when wearing cushioned run-ning shoes(P<0.05).Conclusion It is suggested that immediately wearing minimalist shoes and/or transi-tioning to FFS could provide higher tendon loading intensity,which might improve the morphology and mechanical properties of the AT.However,the increased AT loading rate also indicated that if RFS was maintained while running in minimalist shoes,the reduced cushioning could have led to a greater risk of injury without an appropriate adaptation process.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail