Effects of specific and non-specific court footwear on anterior cruciate ligament loading during a maximal change of direction manoeuvre

Effect of Nail Grips on Weight Bearing and Limb Function in 30 Dogs 2 Weeks Post Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy

Simple Summary

Devices made to improve mobility are becoming increasingly popular among owners of dogs with orthopedic conditions, but there are few studies investigating their efficacy. Nail grips are commonly used by veterinary rehabilitation practitioners to improve the security of foot placement by increasing nail traction. This study aimed to assess if nail grips would improve mobility outcomes in dogs recovering from knee surgery. The results did not show a significant effect on outcomes during the initial 2-week post-operative period; however, further research is needed to determine if they are useful for other applications.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the functional outcomes of dogs wearing nail grips in the first 2 weeks following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). Thirty dogs were included (n = 13 nail grips and n = 17 sham grips). Visual lameness scores (VLS), total pressure index (TPI), and client-specific outcome measures (CSOMs) were obtained by blinded observers on day 1 and day 14 +/− 3 post TPLO. CSOMs were also obtained on day 7. There were no differences in VLS and TPI between the treatment and sham group on day 14 (p = 0.44 and p = 0.59, respectively) or at any time point. CSOMs assessing walking on slippery flooring, ability to rise, and consistent use of surgical limb on a 5 min walk were also not different between groups (p = 0.78, p = 0.80, and p = 0.63) at any time point. Nail grips were well tolerated in dogs after orthopedic surgery. This study did not demonstrate a benefit for dogs wearing nail grips during the first two weeks after TPLO; however, further studies are warranted.

Six different football shoes, one playing surface and the weather; Assessing variation in shoe-surface traction over one season of elite football

INTRODUCTION

An optimal range of shoe-surface traction (grip) exists to improve performance and minimise injury risk. Little information exists regarding the magnitude of traction forces at shoe-surface interface across a full season of elite football (soccer) using common football shoes.

OBJECTIVE

To assess variation in shoe-surface traction of six different football shoe models throughout a full playing season in Qatar encompassing climatic and grass species variations.

METHODS

Football shoes were loaded onto a portable shoe-surface traction testing machine at five individual testing time points to collect traction data (rotational and translational) on a soccer playing surface across one season. Surface mechanical properties (surface hardness, soil moisture) and climate data (temperature and humidity) were collected at each testing time point.

RESULTS

Peak rotational traction was significantly different across shoe models (F = 218, df = 5, p <0.0001), shoe outsole groups (F = 316.2, df = 2, p < .0001), and grass species (F = 202.8, df = 4, p < 0.0001). No main effect for shoe model was found for translational traction (F = 2.392, p = 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

The rotational (but not translational) traction varied substantially across different shoe types, outsole groups, and grass species. Highest rotational traction values were seen with soft ground outsole (screw-in metal studs) shoes tested on warm season grass. This objective data allows more informed footwear choices for football played in warm/hot climates on sand-based elite football playing surfaces. Further research is required to confirm if these findings extend across other football shoe brands.