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Ryskalin L, Morucci G, Soldani P, Gesi M. Do the fasciae of the soleus have a role in plantar fasciitis? Clin Anat 2024; 37:413-424. [PMID: 37539773 DOI: 10.1002/ca.24102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Plantar fasciitis is a chronic, self-limiting, and painful disabling condition affecting the inferomedial aspect of the heel, usually extending toward the metatarsophalangeal joints. There is compelling evidence for a strong correlation between Achilles tendon (AT) loading and plantar aponeurosis (PA) tension. In line with this, tightness of the AT is found in almost 80% of patients affected by plantar fasciitis. A positive correlation has also been reported between gastrocnemius-soleus tightness and heel pain severity in this condition. Despite its high prevalence, the exact etiology and pathological mechanisms underlying plantar heel pain remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present paper is to discuss the anatomical and biomechanical substrates of plantar fasciitis with special emphasis on the emerging, though largely neglected, fascial system. In particular, the relationship between the fascia, triceps surae muscle, AT, and PA will be analyzed. We then proceed to discuss how structural and biomechanical alterations of the muscle-tendon-fascia complex due to muscle overuse or injury can create the conditions for the onset of PA pathology. A deeper knowledge of the possible molecular mechanisms underpinning changes in the mechanical properties of the fascial system in response to altered loading and/or muscle contraction could help healthcare professionals and clinicians refine nonoperative treatment strategies and rehabilitation protocols for plantar fasciitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Ryskalin
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Center for Rehabilitative Medicine "Sport and Anatomy", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Morucci
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Center for Rehabilitative Medicine "Sport and Anatomy", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Soldani
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Center for Rehabilitative Medicine "Sport and Anatomy", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Gesi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Center for Rehabilitative Medicine "Sport and Anatomy", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Ryskalin L, Morucci G, Natale G, Soldani P, Gesi M. Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Pain-Relieving Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy: A Focus on Fascia Nociceptors. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050743. [PMID: 35629410 PMCID: PMC9146519 DOI: 10.3390/life12050743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has received increasing attention for its potential beneficial effects on various bone and soft-tissue pathologies, yielding promising outcomes for pain relief and functional recovery. In fact, ESWT has emerged as an alternative, non-invasive, and safe treatment for the management of numerous musculoskeletal disorders, including myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). In particular, MPS is a common chronic painful condition, accounting for the largest proportion of patients affected by musculoskeletal problems. Remarkably, sensory innervation and nociceptors of the fascial system are emerging to play a pivotal role as pain generators in MPS. At the same time, increasing evidence demonstrates that application of ESWT results in selective loss of sensory unmyelinated nerve fibers, thereby inducing long-lasting analgesia. The findings discussed in the present review are supposed to add novel viewpoints that may further enrich our knowledge on the complex interactions occurring between disorders of the deep fascia including changes in innervation, sensitization of fascial nociceptors, the pathophysiology of chronic musculoskeletal pain of MPS, and EWST-induced analgesia. Moreover, gaining mechanistic insights into the molecular mechanisms of pain-alleviating effects of ESWT may broaden the fields of shock waves clinical practice far beyond the musculoskeletal system or its original application for lithotripsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Ryskalin
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Center for Rehabilitative Medicine "Sport and Anatomy", University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Morucci
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Center for Rehabilitative Medicine "Sport and Anatomy", University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Natale
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Center for Rehabilitative Medicine "Sport and Anatomy", University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
- Museum of Human Anatomy "Filippo Civinini", University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Soldani
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Center for Rehabilitative Medicine "Sport and Anatomy", University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Gesi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Center for Rehabilitative Medicine "Sport and Anatomy", University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
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Abstract
Augmented reality (AR) technology is gaining popularity and scholarly interest in the rehabilitation sector because of the possibility to generate controlled, user-specific environmental and perceptual stimuli which motivate the patient, while still preserving the possibility to interact with the real environment and other subjects, including the rehabilitation specialist. The paper presents the first wearable AR application for shoulder rehabilitation, based on Microsoft HoloLens, with real-time markerless tracking of the user’s hand. Potentialities and current limits of commercial head-mounted displays (HMDs) are described for the target medical field, and details of the proposed application are reported. A serious game was designed starting from the analysis of a traditional rehabilitation exercise, taking into account HoloLens specifications to maximize user comfort during the AR rehabilitation session. The AR application implemented consistently meets the recommended target frame rate for immersive applications with HoloLens device: 60 fps. Moreover, the ergonomics and the motivational value of the proposed application were positively evaluated by a group of five rehabilitation specialists and 20 healthy subjects. Even if a larger study, including real patients, is necessary for a clinical validation of the proposed application, the results obtained encourage further investigations and the integration of additional technical features for the proposed AR application.
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Abstract
Literature shows an increasing interest for the development of augmented reality (AR) applications in several fields, including rehabilitation. Current studies show the need for new rehabilitation tools for upper extremity, since traditional interventions are less effective than in other body regions. This review aims at: Studying to what extent AR applications are used in shoulder rehabilitation, examining wearable/non-wearable technologies employed, and investigating the evidence supporting AR effectiveness. Nine AR systems were identified and analyzed in terms of: Tracking methods, visualization technologies, integrated feedback, rehabilitation setting, and clinical evaluation. Our findings show that all these systems utilize vision-based registration, mainly with wearable marker-based tracking, and spatial displays. No system uses head-mounted displays, and only one system (11%) integrates a wearable interface (for tactile feedback). Three systems (33%) provide only visual feedback; 66% present visual-audio feedback, and only 33% of these provide visual-audio feedback, 22% visual-audio with biofeedback, and 11% visual-audio with haptic feedback. Moreover, several systems (44%) are designed primarily for home settings. Three systems (33%) have been successfully evaluated in clinical trials with more than 10 patients, showing advantages over traditional rehabilitation methods. Further clinical studies are needed to generalize the obtained findings, supporting the effectiveness of the AR applications.
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Bordoni B, Marelli F, Morabito B, Sacconi B. Emission of Biophotons and Adjustable Sounds by the Fascial System: Review and Reflections for Manual Therapy. J Evid Based Integr Med 2019; 23:2515690X17750750. [PMID: 29405763 PMCID: PMC5871034 DOI: 10.1177/2515690x17750750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Every body structure is wrapped in connective tissue or fascia, creating a structural continuity that gives form and function to every tissue and organ. The fascial tissue is uniformly distributed throughout the body, enveloping, interacting with and permeating blood vessels, nerves, viscera, meninges, bones and muscles, creating various layers at different depths and forming a tridimensional metabolic and mechanical matrix. This article reviews the literature on the emission of biophotons and adjustable sounds by the fascial system, because these biological changes could be a means of local and systemic cellular communication and become another assessment tool for manual (therapy) practitioners. This is the first article that discusses these topics in a single text, attempting to bring such information into an area of application that is beneficial to osteopaths, chiropractors, and manual therapists.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabiola Marelli
- 2 CRESO, School of Osteopathic Centre for Research and Studies, Gorla Minore (VA), Italy.,3 CRESO, School of Osteopathic Centre for Research and Studies, Fano (Pesaro Urbino), Italy
| | - Bruno Morabito
- 2 CRESO, School of Osteopathic Centre for Research and Studies, Gorla Minore (VA), Italy.,3 CRESO, School of Osteopathic Centre for Research and Studies, Fano (Pesaro Urbino), Italy.,4 Foundation Polyclinic University A. Gemelli University Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Bordoni B, Marelli F, Morabito B, Castagna R, Sacconi B, Mazzucco P. New Proposal to Define the Fascial System. Complement Med Res 2018; 25:257-262. [PMID: 29550826 DOI: 10.1159/000486238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
At the beginning of the third millennium, we still do not have a definition of 'fascia' recognized as valid by every researcher. This article attempts to give a new definition of the fascial system, including the epidermis, by comparing the mechanical-metabolic characteristics of the connective tissue and the skin. In fact, according to the latest classification deriving from the Fascia Nomenclature Committee, the outer skin layer is not considered as part of the fascial continuum. This article highlights the reasons for taking the functional characteristics of the tissue into consideration, rather than its mere structure. A brief discussion will address the questions as to what is considered as fascial tissue and from which embryonic germ layer the epidermis is formed. The notion that all the layers intersect will be highlighted, demonstrating that quoting precise definitions of tissue stratification in the living organism probably does not correspond to what happens in vivo. What we propose as a definition is not to be regarded as a point of arrival but as another departure.
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Adstrum S, Hedley G, Schleip R, Stecco C, Yucesoy CA. Defining the fascial system. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2017; 21:173-177. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Turini G, Condino S, Stecco A, Ferrari V, Ferrari M, Gesi M. A 3D sparse motion field filtering for quantitative analysis of fascial layers mobility based on 3D ultrasound scans. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2015; 2015:775-780. [PMID: 26736377 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2015.7318477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In the last few years, there has been an increasing interest in the role of deep fascia mobility in musculoskeletal dynamics and chronic pain mechanisms. In a previous paper we presented an innovative semiautomatic approach to evaluate the 3D motion of the fascia using ultrasound (US) imaging, generating a sparse deformation vector field. This paper presents an improvement of our original method, focusing on the filtering of the sparse vector field and its validation. Moreover, in order to evaluate the performance of the algorithm, a method is proposed to generate synthetic deformation vector fields, including: expansion, rotation, horizontal shear, and oblique shear components. Preliminary tests on the final synthetic deformation vector fields showed promising results. Further experiments are required in order to optimize the tuning of the algorithm.
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Adstrum S. Fascial eponyms may help elucidate terminological and nomenclatural development. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2015; 19:516-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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A semiautomatic method for in vivo three-dimensional quantitative analysis of fascial layers mobility based on 3D ultrasound scans. Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg 2015; 10:1721-35. [DOI: 10.1007/s11548-015-1167-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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