Objective The aim of the study was to investigate gender and age effect on dynamic plantar pressure distribution in early adolescence. Methods A total of 524 adolescents (211 women and 313 men; mean age: 12.58 ± 1.11 years (range: 11–14 years)) participated in pedobarographic measurements during gait at self-selected speed. Data of peak pressure (PP), maximum force (MaxF-Newton), body weight corrected maximum force (BW_MaxF), contact area (CA-cm 2 ) were analyzed for total foot and four plantar regions (hindfoot, midfoot, forefoot and toes). Results Higher toes PP was found in the ages of 12–14 years in females compared to males (253.79 ± 104.93 vs 216.00 ± 81.12 for the age of 12, p = 0.011, 264.40 ± 65.02 vs 227.21 ± 83.4 for the age of 13, p = 0.044, 299.75 ± 140.60 vs 238.75 ± 103.32 for the age of 14, p = 0.005). Females' higher MaxF especially for toes (136.24 ± 48.54 vs 115.33 ± 46.03, p = 0.008) and smaller CA especially for forefoot (50.12 ± 5.79 vs 54.4893 ± 6.80, p = 0.001) were considerable in the late of early adolescence. Forefoot (305.66 ± 82.14 females p = 0.001, 281.35 ± 79.59 males p < 0.001) and total foot PP (374.08 ± 113.93 females, p = 0.035, 338.61 ± 85.85 males p = 0.009) at the age of 14 was significantly higher than in younger ages in both gender groups. Conclusion The results indicate that especially the age of 14 years in early adolescence is a critical age for alteration in plantar pressure distribution. Interestingly females tended to increase their toe and forefoot plantar pressures compared to males by increasing age. We suggest that gender and age impact on toes plantar pressure alterations in early adolescence may be a possible risk factor for further foot impairments. Level of Evidence Level III, Diagnostic Study.

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of integrated and consecutive cognitive dual-task balance training in older adults on balance, fear of falling, and gait performance. Methods Fifty-eight subjects (age &gt; 65 years) were randomly assigned to an integrated dual-task training group (IDTT) (n = 29) and consecutive dual-task training group (CDTT) (n = 29). Balance exercises and cognitive tasks were performed simultaneously by the IDTT group and consecutively by the CDTT group for 8 weeks. Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) as a primary outcome measure and the Timed “Up & Go” Test (TUG) (standard-cognitive), fear of falling was assessed using the Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), and gait speed was assessed using the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) (under single-task and dual-task conditions). All tests were performed before and after the training. Results There was no difference in group-time interaction in the BBS, TUG-ST, 10MWT-ST, and 10MWT-DT tests. Group-time interaction was different in the TUG-Cog and FES scores. Also, the effect of time was significantly different in all scales except for the 10MWT-ST in both groups. Conclusion At the end of the 8 week training period, the impact of integrated and consecutive dual-task balance training on balance and gait performance in older adults was not statistically significantly different. This study suggests that consecutive dual-task balance training can be used as an alternative method to increase balance performance and gait speed in older adults who cannot perform integrated dual-task activities. Impact There were no significant differences between the effects of the 2 dual-task training methods on balance and gait speed. Suggesting that the consecutive dual-task balance training method can be used to improve the balance and gait of older adults. Consecutive dual-task training can be performed safely and considered as an alternative method for use in many rehabilitation training programs with older adults who cannot perform simultaneous activities.

BackgroundSmartphone use for long periods in a static and unsupported arm position could bring about abnormal alignment of upper limb and could cause postural problems and musculoskeletal pain. There are very few studies in the literature that examine the effect of smartphone use on musculoskeletal problems and related factors.ObjectivesThe primary aim of our study was to determine the musculoskeletal complaint associated with smartphone use among university students. other purpose of the study was to investigate the relationships with smartphone type, smartphone use frequency, smartphone use posture, smartphone use addiction level and psychological stress.Methods349 university students (240 women, 109 men; mean age 20.79±1,35) were included to our study. We conducted a survey that contains questions about students' smartphone usage patterns and habits. Nordic musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to determine the musculoskeletal complaint associated with smartphone use. Working posture while using smartphone were evaluated with Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Smartphone addiction level were determined with Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS). Also we use the Beck Depression İnventory (BDI) to determine the psychological distress. Pearson correlation analysis were used to associations between parameters.ResultsOur results showed that university students had a high frequency of smartphone use and that the frequency was related to the level of addiction (r=0.199 p=0.00). %43 of students were use their smartphones extremely more than 4 hours. Students specified that they use their smartphones often for messaging with smartphone applications (%86.5). the most frequent symptoms were found in the neck (%59.6), shoulder (%51.82) and upper back (%54.4) regions. Statistically significant relationship was found between daily frequency of smartphone use and RULA neck posture score (r=0.170, p=0.001). Also there were statistically significant relationships found between BDI score and upper limb (r=0.15, p=0.005) and upper back (r=0.152, p=0.004) postures while using smartphone.ConclusionsSmartphone users complain at least one area (neck, upper extremity, upper back. The frequency of smartphone use and addiction level is associated with abnormal postures while using smartphones which associated physiological distress. Consequently, musculoskeletal rehabilitation programs should include an analysis of preventive strategies which should be multifactorial with the team work of all health professionals.References Seong-Yeol Kim et al. Effect of duration of smartphone use on muscle fatigue and pain caused by forward head posture in adults. J Phys Ther Sci 2016;28:6.Junhyuk Park et al. The effects of heavy smartphone use on the cervical angle, pain threshold of neck muscles and depression Advanced Science and Technology Letters Vol.91.Shang-Yu-Yang et.al. Association between Smartphone use and Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Adolescent students. J Community Health 2016. Disclosure of InterestNone declared

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