SS-TES was effective in some patients with refractory urinary incontinence.

Background: The prevalence of hallux valgus (HV) increases with age in females. Several studies have investigated the relationship between foot problems, including HV, and falls in older individuals. This study aimed to examine whether HV causes a decline in functional activity in young females and also evaluate the relationship between HV angle, functional activity, toe flexor strength, and plantar pressure. Methods: We assessed 94 females (mean age, 19.6 ± 1.3 years; mean body mass index, 21.2 ± 2.0 kg/m 2) not currently receiving treatment for lower limb disease. HV angle was determined using their footprint. Functional reach (FR) and maximum step length (MSL), toe flexor strength, and plantar pressure were measured. Plantar pressure was measured during walking. We also calculated FR and the pressure in eight regions (first toe, second through fifth toes, first metatarsal, second through fourth metatarsals, fifth metatarsal, midfoot, medial heel, and lateral heel). Results: There were 39 and 55 participants in the HV and no HV groups, respectively. FR and MSL did not differ significantly between the HV and no HV groups. Toe flexor strength was significantly different between the HV and no HV groups (26.69 ± 9.68 vs. 32.19 ± 8.55, respectively) (p = 0.002, β = 0.206). During walking, plantar pressure was significantly lower in the second through fifth toes in the HV group (p = 0.005, β = 0.187). During FR, plantar pressure was significantly greater in the first metatarsal in the HV group (p = 0.016, β = 0.338). HV angle was negatively correlated with toe flexor strength (r = − 0.315, p = 0.002, β = 0.121) and plantar pressure during walking in the second through fifth toes (r = − 0.362, p < 0.001, β = 0.047), and positively correlated with plantar pressure during FR in the first metatarsal (r = 0.308, p = 0.002, β = 0.137). Toe flexor strength was negatively correlated with plantar pressure during FR in the second through fourth metatarsals (r = − 0.318, p = 0.002, β = 0.115), and there was a positive correlation with MSL (r = 0.330, p = 0.001, β = 0.092). Conclusions: This study confirmed that HV reduces toe flexor strength and affects forefoot pressure during walking and FR in young females. Moreover, the toe flexor strength affects MSL. Efforts to prevent the onset and deterioration of HV from a young age might help reduce the risk of falling when older.

[Purpose] The purpose was to clarify the relationship between foot morphology and toe muscle strength in female university students. [Participants and Methods] Data from 103 female university students (age, 20.4 ± 1.6 years) on height, body weight, pain in the foot and toes, heel height (cm) of shoes worn in everyday life, and the number of times (per week) shoes with heels ≥3 cm were worn were collected. The hallux valgus angle and medial longitudinal arch height ratio of the foot were measured, and toe muscle strength was evaluated according to the strength of the toe flexor and abductor hallucis muscles. [Results] Arch height ratio was significantly lower with hallux valgus angle ≥16°. In the 206 feet, a very weak negative correlation was found between hallux valgus angle and arch height ratio. In 150 feet with hallux valgus angle <16°, a very weak correlation was found between toe flexor strength and arch height ratio. [Conclusion] Body mass index was within the normal range, and the period of wearing high-heeled shoes was short; these factors have no effect on hallux valgus angle. Hallux valgus may be prevented by increasing toe flexor strength to prevent downward movement of the navicular and first cuneiform bones.

This study aimed to explore the relationship between toe flexor strength and the daily activity levels in 56 Japanese older women aged between 70 and 88 years. The activity levels were measured as the average number of steps/day using a pedometer and the life space assessment (LSA) scores. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare toe flexor muscle strength and the LSA scores between those with fewer than and more than 6,000 steps/day. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between toe grip strength according to age and each variable. The LSA scores were significantly higher in the group with >6,000 steps/day (β = 0.188, p < .05). A correlation was found between the number of steps/day and toe flexor strength (r = .424, β = 0.419, p < .05) and the LSA scores (r = .417, β = 0.435, p < .05) in the participants in their 80s. Increasing the number of steps/day may benefit women in their 80s.

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Background Hallux valgus is a foot deformity that may affect gait, thus increasing the risk of falls among older people. We investigated the relationship between foot morphology, muscle strength, and physical performance. Methods In this study, community-dwelling older people aged ≥65 years were included. A three-dimensional footprint automatic measurement apparatus was used to measure the hallux valgus angle, arch height ratio, and heel-floor angle. Furthermore, the toe flexor strength and ankle plantar flexion strength were measured. Physical performance tests included the five-repetition sit-to-stand test, one-leg standing time, maximal step length, functional reach test, and 5-m fastest walking time (walking time). The relationship between the hallux valgus angle and foot morphology and muscle strength was examined. In addition, factors affecting physical performance testing were assessed. Two-group comparisons, correlation, and multiple comparisons were used for statistical analyses. Results Of the 133 women (age 77.7 ± 6.2 years), 57 had hallux valgus and 76 had no hallux valgus. There was a significant difference in the arch height ratio and heel-floor angle between women with and without hallux valgus (p < 0.001). A correlation was found between the hallux valgus angle and the heel-floor angle (r = 0.468, p < 0.001) and arch height ratio (r = − 0.337, p < 0.001), respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that the hallux valgus angle was related to functional reach (β = − 0.162, p = 0.042), and toe flexor strength was related to five-repetition sit-to-stand (β = − 0.182, p = 0.036), maximal step length (β = 0.328, p < 0.001), and walking time (β = − 0.219, p = 0.006). Conclusions A relationship was found between the hallux valgus angle, arch height rate, and inward inclination angle of the calcaneus. Functional reach was predicted based on the hallux valgus angle, whereas the five-repetition sit-to-stand, maximal step length, and walking time were predicted based on toe flexor strength. Hallux valgus predicted not only the forefoot but also the foot morphology and was related to physical performance. From the perspective of motor function and fall prevention, efforts should be made to better understand and prevent the onset and progression of hallux valgus.

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Objective: To evaluate the effects of analgesia by sacral surface electrical stimulation on lower abdominal pain in women with primary dysmenorrhoea. Design: Explorative study. Participants: Eleven female university students, who regularly experience difficulty in their university work due to menstrual pain, or who use analgesics for more than one day each month, were recruited. Methods: Sacral surface electrical stimulation, 5 Hz for 15 min, was performed after the onset of menstruation. Electrodes were placed on the skin, directly above the second and fourth sacral foramina. Visual analogue scale and degree of pain (calculated by using a low current to assess pain) were determined before and after electrical stimulation. Results: Visual analogue scale score and degree of pain decreased significantly immediately after electrical stimulation (p < 0.001). A correlation was observed between visual analogue scale score and degree of pain before and after electrical stimulation (r=0.516, p < 0.001). No side-effects were observed in any participant. Conclusion: Sacral surface electrical stimulation may provide immediate pain relief in women with dysmenorrhoea and lower abdominal pain.