Project description:BackgroundThe EasyTube (EzT) is a supraglottic airway device that is used for emergency airway situations. Ventilation during general anesthesia should also be feasible, but literature on the EzT is scarce. We evaluated the EzT in comparison with the endotracheal tube (ETT) in its use during general anesthesia in a comparative study.MethodsA total of 400 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I to II scheduled for minor surgery in 4 centers were randomized for ventilation via the ETT or EzT.ResultsIn all patients, the EzT and the ETT could be inserted within 3 attempts. In all EzT patients, the inspiratory and expiratory minute volumes (6.64 ± 0.71 and 6.34 ± 0.69 L/min) were sufficient to reach target oxygenation values, similar to ETT patients (P = .59). Mean peak pressure, mean plateau pressure, and mean dynamic compliance did not differ between the groups. Sore throat and blood on the cuff after removal were the most frequent complications in both groups.ConclusionVentilation for up to 1 hour during general anesthesia in patients with ASA physical status I to II with the EzT is feasible and safe.
Project description:BackgroundFollow-up report of secondary outcomes of a randomized, single-blinded, parallel controlled trial that investigated the benefits of a foot-ankle therapeutic exercise program on foot-ankle kinematics, plantar pressure, and lower limb kinetics during gait in individuals with diabetic neuropathy (DPN).MethodsSixty-six participants with DPN were randomly allocated into a control group (CG; n = 31), which received usual care, and an intervention group (IG; n = 35), which received usual care plus a 12-week group-based foot-ankle exercise program. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks by an assessor blinded to group allocation.ResultsThe generalized linear mixed model and intention-to-treat analysis revealed a greater hip extensor moment at push-off and greater hallux contact area in the IG than CG after 12 weeks. A within-group analysis revealed a larger arch height during stance and higher peak pressure and pressure-time integral at the central forefoot region in the IG after 12 weeks compared to baseline. There were no other significant group difference or changes over time in foot-ankle kinematics or in any other joint moment related to overall lower limb biomechanics.ConclusionThe increases in hip moment at push-off and hallux surface contact area suggest an improvement in the propulsion phase with greater participation of the toes in foot rollover after 12 weeks of a group-based foot-ankle exercises program for people with DPN. Individual face-to-face, longer-term, and more intensive interventions may be needed to positively influence foot-ankle biomechanics and pressure parameters in other plantar areas.
Project description:Climate change is predicted to be one of the largest global health threats of the 21st century. Health care itself is a large contributor to carbon emissions. Determining the carbon footprint of specific health care activities such as cataract surgery allows the assessment of associated emissions and identifies opportunities for reduction.To assess the carbon footprint of a cataract pathway in a British teaching hospital.This was a component analysis study for one patient having first eye cataract surgery in the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. Activity data was collected from three sectors, building and energy use, travel and procurement. Published emissions factors were applied to this data to provide figures in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2eq).The carbon footprint for one cataract operation was 181.8 kg CO2eq. On the basis that 2230 patients were treated for cataracts during 2011 in Cardiff, this has an associated carbon footprint of 405.4 tonnes CO2eq. Building and energy use was estimated to account for 36.1% of overall emissions, travel 10.1% and procurement 53.8%, with medical equipment accounting for the most emissions at 32.6%.This is the first published carbon footprint of cataract surgery and acts as a benchmark for other studies as well as identifying areas for emissions reduction. Within the procurement sector, dialogue with industry is important to reduce the overall carbon footprint. Sustainability should be considered when cataract pathways are designed as there is potential for reduction in all sectors with the possible side effects of saving costs and improving patient care.
Project description:The aim of this study was to shed light on a crucial issue through a comprehensive evaluation of the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of a cutting-edge web-based foot-ankle therapeutic exercise program (SOPeD) designed for treating modifiable risk factors for ulcer prevention in individuals with diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy (DPN). In this randomized controlled trial, 62 participants diagnosed with DPN were assigned to the SOPeD software or received usual care for diabetic foot. Primary outcomes were DPN symptoms and severity, foot pain and function, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Between-group comparisons provided 95% confidence intervals. The study also calculated incremental cost-effectiveness and cost-utility ratios (ICERs), analyzed direct costs from a healthcare perspective, and performed a sensitivity analysis to assess uncertainty. The web-based intervention effectively reduced foot pain, improved foot function and showed favorable cost-effectiveness, with ICERs ranging from (USD) $5.37-$148.71 per improvement in different outcomes. There is a high likelihood of cost-effectiveness for improving DPN symptoms and severity, foot pain, and function, even when the minimum willingness-to-pay threshold was set at $1000.00 USD. However, the intervention did not prove to be cost-effective in terms of QALYs. This study reveals SOPeD's effectiveness in reducing foot pain, improving foot function, and demonstrating cost-effectiveness in enhancing functional and clinical outcomes. SOPeD stands as a potential game-changer for modifiable risk factors for ulcers, with our findings indicating a feasible and balanced integration into public health systems. Further studies and considerations are vital for informed decisions to stakeholders and the successful implementation of this preventive program on a larger scale.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04011267. Registered on 8 July 2019.
Project description:This study investigated the effectiveness of an 8-week foot-core exercise training program on foot-ankle kinematics during running and also on running kinetics (impact loads), with particular interest in biomechanical outcomes considered risk factors for running-related injuries in recreational runners. A single-blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted with 87 recreational runners randomly allocated to either the control (CG) or intervention (IG) group and assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks. The IG underwent foot-core training 3 times/week, while the CG followed a placebo lower-limb stretching protocol. The participants ran on a force-instrumented treadmill at a self-selected speed while foot-segment motion was captured simultaneously with kinetic measurements. After the intervention, there were statistically significant changed in foot biomechanics, such as: IG participants strike the ground with a more inverted calcaneus and a less dorsiflexed midfoot than those in the CG; at midstance, ran with a less plantarflexed and more adducted forefoot and a more abducted hallux; and at push-off, ran with a less dorsiflexed midfoot and a less adducted and more dorsiflexed hallux. The IG runners also had significantly decreased medial longitudinal arch excursion (p = 0.024) and increased rearfoot inversion (p = 0.037). The 8-week foot-core exercise program had no effect on impact (p = 0.129) and breaking forces (p = 0.934) or on vertical loading rate (p = 0.537), but it was positively effective in changing foot-ankle kinematic patterns."
Project description:Foot-ankle strengthening and mobility exercises are part of international guideline recommendations for people at risk of diabetic foot disease. We examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week foot-ankle exercise program on clinical, functional and biomechanical outcomes in people with diabetic neuropathy (DPN). We randomly allocated 30 people with DPN to usual care (control) or usual care plus a supervised exercise program (intervention). For feasibility, we assessed recruitment rate and participant adherence and satisfaction. For program efficacy, we assessed baseline to 12-week changes in daily physical activity level, gait speed, tactile sensitivity, ankle range of motion, DPN symptoms, quality of life, foot health and functionality, foot strength and plantar pressure during gait, using paired t-tests (p < 0.05). In 52 weeks, we recruited 45 eligible participants (0.90/week). Program adherence was 80% and participants' satisfaction had a mean (SD) of 4.57 (0.70) out of 5. The intervention group significantly improved on toes strength, contact time during gait and DPN symptoms, and peak forefoot pressures increased over time; controls showed significantly increased heel peak pressures and force. The exercise program was feasible, based on a moderate recruitment rate and an adherent and satisfied population, and the intervention showed several positive preliminary effects over time compared to usual care.
Project description:BackgroundDiabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) negatively affects foot and ankle function (strength and flexibility), which itself affects the daily physical activity and quality of life of patients. A physical therapy protocol aiming to strengthen the intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles and increase flexibility may be a promising approach to improve lower-extremity function, prevent further complications, and improve autonomy for daily living activities in these patients. Thus, the inclusion of a specific foot-related exercises focused on the main musculoskeletal impairments may have additional effects to the conventional interventions in the diabetic foot.Methods/designA prospective, parallel-group, outcome-assessor blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted in 77 patients with DPN who will be randomly allocated to usual care (control arm) or usual care with supervised foot-ankle exercises aiming to increase strengh and flexibility twice a week for 12 weeks and remotely supervised foot-ankle exercises for a year through a web software. Patients will be evaluated 5 times in a 1 year period regarding daily physical activity level, self-selected and fast gait speeds (primary outcomes), foot ulcer incidence, ulcer risk classification, neuropathy testing, passive ankle range of motion, quality of life, foot health and functionality, foot muscle strength, plantar pressure, and foot-ankle kinematics and kinetics during gait.DiscussionThis study aims to assess the effect of a foot-ankle strength and flexibility program on a wide range of musculoskeletal, activity-related, biomechanical, and clinical outcomes in DPN patients. We intend to demonstrate evidence that the year-long training program is effective in increasing gait speed and daily physical activity level and in improving quality of life; foot strength, functionality, and mobility; and biomechanics while walking. The results will be published as soon as they are available.Trial registrationThis study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT02790931 (June 6, 2016) under the name "Effects of foot muscle strengthening in daily activity in diabetic neuropathic patients".
Project description:This study sought to determine whether a foot-ankle therapeutic exercise program can improve daily physical activity (i.e. number of steps) and fast and self-selected gait speed in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). In this single-blind randomized controlled trial and intention-to-treat analysis, 78 volunteers with DPN were allocated into a control group, which received usual care, and an intervention group (IG), which received usual care plus a 12-week foot-ankle exercise program. The adherence at 12 weeks rate in the IG was 92.3% (36 participants) and the dropout was 5.1% in the control group (2 participants). The number of steps and self-selected gait speed did not change significantly in either group (p > 0.05), although a 1,365-step difference between groups were observed at 1-year followup. The 12-week foot-ankle therapeutic exercises improved significantly fast-gait speed (primary outcome) (p = 0.020), ankle range of motion (p = 0.048), and vibration perception (secondary outcomes) (p = 0.030), compared with usual-care at 12 weeks. At 24 weeks, the IG showed better quality of life than controls (p = 0.048). At 1-year, fast-gait speed and vibration perception remained higher in the IG versus controls. Overall, the program may be a complementary treatment strategy for improving musculoskeletal and functional deficits related to DPN.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02790931 (06/06/2016).
Project description:BackgroundThere is a potential role for tranexamic acid (TXA) use in foot and ankle procedures; however, the benefits of this intervention have not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to explore the safety, outcomes, and medical complication profile of the use of intravenous TXA in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery.MethodsA prospective study with retrospective review of 241 patients undergoing elective and traumatic foot and ankle procedures was performed. One gram of intravenous (IV) TXA was administered prior to incision. Patients were followed and evaluated for medical comorbidities, intraoperative blood loss, wound complication, superficial and deep infections, hematoma formation, medical complications, 30-day hospital readmission rate, and return visits to the emergency department or urgent care setting prior to first postoperative visit. Descriptive statistics were used for subgroup analysis. Mean postoperative follow-up was 4.5 months.ResultsEstimated blood loss in all cases was less than 20 mL. There was 1 case of superficial cellulitis (1/241, 0.4%), 1 deep infection after Achilles tendon repair (1/241, 0.4%), 4 cases of delayed wound healing (4/241, 1.6%), 1 instance of deep vein thrombosis (1/241, 0.4%), and 2 cases of postoperative pulmonary embolism (2/241, 0.8%). There were no instances of postoperative hematoma formation. There were no additional recorded thromboembolic events. There were no adverse drug reactions. There were no 30-day hospital readmissions or return visits to the emergency department or urgent care setting before the first postoperative visit. In a subgroup analysis, there was no significant difference in wound complications or infections between nondiabetics and diabetics (P > .05) and traumatic and nontraumatic cases (P > .05).ConclusionsThe use of IV TXA in foot and ankle surgeries was associated with low risk of wound complications, infections, hematoma formation, thromboembolic events, and overall complication rates with minimal side effect profile. Perioperative tranexamic acid use may prove to be beneficial in foot and ankle surgery patients but especially in higher-risk patients such as those with diabetes, trauma, and those that are immunocompromised.Level of evidenceLevel IV, case series.
Project description:BackgroundRobot-assisted ankle-foot-orthosis (AFO) can provide immediate powered ankle assistance in post-stroke gait training. Our research team has developed a novel lightweight portable robot-assisted AFO which is capable of detecting walking intentions using sensor feedback of wearer's gait pattern. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of robot-assisted gait training with ankle dorsiflexion assistance.MethodsThis was a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Nineteen chronic stroke patients with motor impairment at ankle participated in 20-session robot-assisted gait training for about five weeks, with 30-min over-ground walking and stair ambulation practices. Robot-assisted AFO either provided active powered ankle assistance during swing phase in Robotic Group (n = 9), or torque impedance at ankle joint as passive AFO in Sham Group (n = 10). Functional assessments were performed before and after the 20-session gait training with 3-month Follow-up. Primary outcome measure was gait independency assessed by Functional Ambulatory Category (FAC). Secondary outcome measures were clinical scores including Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), Six-minute Walk Test (SMWT), supplemented by gait analysis. All outcome measures were performed in unassisted gait after patients had taken off the robot-assisted AFO. Repeated-measures analysis of covariance was conducted to test the group differences referenced to clinical scores before training.ResultsAfter 20-session robot-assisted gait training with ankle dorsiflexion assistance, the active ankle assistance in Robotic Group induced changes in gait pattern with improved gait independency (all patients FAC ≥ 5 post-training and 3-month follow-up), motor recovery, walking speed, and greater confidence in affected side loading response (vertical ground reaction force + 1.49 N/kg, peak braking force + 0.24 N/kg) with heel strike instead of flat foot touch-down at initial contact (foot tilting + 1.91°). Sham Group reported reduction in affected leg range of motion (ankle dorsiflexion - 2.36° and knee flexion - 8.48°) during swing.ConclusionsRobot-assisted gait training with ankle dorsiflexion assistance could improve gait independency and help stroke patients developing confidence in weight acceptance, but future development of robot-assisted AFO should consider more lightweight and custom-fit design.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02471248 . Registered 15 June 2015 retrospectively registered.