Professor Viv Chuter

Background: Podiatry enrolments at Australian and New Zealand universities have decreased by 17.3% since 2015, which threatens the profession's sustainability and the health and wellbeing of Australian and New Zealand people and communities. Reasons for this decline remain unclear due to insufficient evidence on factors influencing career choices. The overarching aim of this study was to identify motivators and barriers for studying podiatry in Australia and New Zealand. Methods: This study used a convergent mixed methods design. Students enrolled in (i) podiatry and (ii) relevant non-podiatry health, sport or science programs at nine Australian and one New Zealand university, were invited to participate in an online survey. First-year podiatry students were also invited to participate in an online workshop. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and linear/logistic regression models. Three independent assessors used inductive thematic analysis for the qualitative data. Results: Overall, 278 podiatry students (mean age 24.9¿±¿8.5¿years, 65.1% female) and 553 non-podiatry students (mean age 24.8¿±¿8.2¿years, 75.4% female; 32.2% from physiotherapy and 29.1% from occupational therapy) responded to the survey. Interest in a health-related career, wanting to make a difference to people's health, and opportunity to care for people from different backgrounds/age groups were key motivating factors among podiatry students. Barriers to studying podiatry were encountered by 28.1% of podiatry students. Thematic analysis identified seven themes concerning career choice, which are as follows: (i) awareness of profession and scope of practice; (ii) stereotypes and negative perceptions of the profession; (iii) awareness of career pathways; (iv) job prospects and earning potential; (v) working with people and building relationships; (vi) podiatry is not the first preference; and (vii) barriers which limit student enrolment. Conclusions: There are a variety of factors that motivate and influence students to study podiatry, however, altruistic reasons are most highly rated. Allied health students have limited understanding of the scope of practice and career opportunities in podiatry. Additionally, the podiatry profession often faces negative stereotypes. Further work is required to reverse the negative stereotypes and perceptions of podiatry and build knowledge of the profession's scope of practice, career pathways/opportunities, job prospects and earning potential.

Aims: To investigate the contribution of foot type to plantar pressures in a community-dwelling adult population with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Foot Posture Index-6 (FPI-6) as a measure of foot type, barefoot plantar pressure (peak pressures and pressure-time integrals), presence of forefoot deformities, peripheral neuropathy, ankle and first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), and demographic variables were measured. Standard multiple regression models were used to investigate the independent contribution of FPI-6 on plantar pressure variables at the hallux, forefoot, and rearfoot. Results: 122 adults (mean age 70.9 ± 9.3, n = 58 female) with type 2 diabetes were recruited. A lower (more supinated) FPI-6 significantly contributed to an increased forefoot pressure-time integral (ß = -0.285, p = 0.04). FPI-6 was not a statistically significant independent predictor of peak pressure at the hallux, forefoot or rearfoot. Conclusions: When screening for at-risk sites of elevated plantar pressure in adults with type 2 diabetes, clinicians should consider performing the FPI-6 along with other clinical measures that have been shown to be associated with increased plantar pressures including first MTPJ dorsiflexion ROM, and presence of digital deformities. Evidence-based treatments to offload these areas should then be considered.

Multiple disciplines are involved in the management of diabetes-related foot disease and a common vocabulary is essential for clear communication. Based on the systematic reviews of the literature that form the basis of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) Guidelines, the IWGDF has developed a set of definitions and criteria for diabetes-related foot disease. This document describes the 2023 update of these definitions and criteria. We suggest these definitions be used consistently in both clinical practice and research, to facilitate clear communication with people with diabetes-related foot disease and between professionals around the world.

OBJECTIVE Diabetes affects 537 million people globally, with 34% expected to develop foot ulceration in their lifetime. Diabetes-related foot ulceration causes strain on health care systems worldwide, necessitating provision of high-quality evidence to guide their management. Given heterogeneity of reported outcomes, a core outcome set (COS) was developed to standardize outcome measures in studies assessing treatments for diabetes-related foot ulceration. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The COS was developed using Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) methodology. A systematic review and patient interviews generated a long list of outcomes that were rated by patients and experts using a nine-point Likert scale (from 1 [not important] to 9 [critical]) in the first round of the Delphi survey. Based on predefined criteria, outcomes without consensus were repriori-tized in a second Delphi round. Critical outcomes and those without consensus after two Delphi rounds were discussed in the consensus meeting where the COS was ratified. RESULTS The systematic review and patient interviews generated 103 candidate outcomes. The two consecutive Delphi rounds were completed by 336 and 176 respondents, resulting in an overall second round response rate of 52%. Of 37 outcomes discussed in the consensus meeting (22 critical and 15 without consensus after the second round), 8 formed the COS: wound healing, time to healing, new/recurrent ulceration, infection, major amputation, minor amputation, health-related quality of life, and mortality. CONCLUSIONS The proposed COS for studies assessing treatments for diabetes-related foot ulceration was developed using COMET methodology. Its adoption by the research community will facilitate assessment of comparative effectiveness of current and evolving interventions.

Introduction: Diabetes-related foot disease (DFD) is a significant and costly complication of diabetes in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). Diabetes footcare education is considered a cornerstone of DFD prevention and management, with podiatrists playing a key role in education provision. This systematic review evaluated the nature and composition of diabetes footcare education provided by podiatrists to people living with diabetes in Australia and NZ. Methods: Medline, EBSCO, Megafile Ultimate and Cochrane library databases were conducted from inception until January 31, 2024 to identify studies reporting on the mode of delivery and composition, including frequency, of diabetes footcare education provided to people with diabetes by podiatrists in Australia and NZ. Results: From a total of 226 abstracts screened, 4 studies with 878 participants were included. Three studies were from Australia and 1 from NZ. Studies included podiatrists in both private and public health sectors and used cross-sectional web-based surveys or observation. Components of diabetes footcare education included education on neuropathy and vascular foot health, footwear and general foot health/hygiene. This education was provided by podiatrists from both countries routinely. Verbal education was the most frequently used method of delivery. There was no significant difference between content, mode of delivery and frequency of diabetes footcare education between private and public practitioners in either country. No studies reported on culturally responsive content or education delivery methods. Conclusion: There are little available data on the composition or mode of delivery of diabetes footcare education provided by podiatrists in Australia and NZ to people living with diabetes. A range of footcare education is provided, most frequently verbally. Further qualitative research is required to conclusively establish the composition and delivery methods used for diabetes footcare education provided by podiatrists. In addition, the provision of culturally responsive diabetes footcare education and availability of related culturally responsive supporting resources is yet to be established.

Background: Diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and limited joint mobility of the foot and ankle are implicated in the development of increased plantar pressures and diabetesrelated foot ulcers. The extent of this relationship has not been conclusively established. We aimed to determine the relationship between ankle joint and first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion range of motion and DPN using a cross-sectional observational study design. Methods: Primary outcomes were DPN status, ankle joint range of motion (extended and flexed knee lunge tests), and nonweightbearing first metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion. Correlations were performed using Pearson r, and hierarchical regression analyses were undertaken to determine the independent contribution of DPN to the variance in dorsiflexion range of motion of ankle and first metatarsophalangeal joints using standardized ß regression coefficients, controlling for age, sex, body mass index, diabetes duration, and hemoglobin A1c level. Results: One hundred one community-dwelling participants (mean ± SD age, 65.0 ± 11.2 years; 55 men; 97% type 2 diabetes; mean ± SD diabetes duration, 8.7 ± 7.8 years; 23% with DPN) were recruited. Diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy demonstrated significant correlations with reduced range of motion at the ankle joint (knee extended: r = ¿0.53; P < .001 and knee flexed: r = ¿0.50; P < .001) and the first metatarsophalangeal joint (r = ¿0.37; P < .001). Also, DPN made significant, unique contributions to the regression models for range of motion at the ankle joint (knee extended: r2 change = 0.121; ß = ¿0.48; P < .001 and knee flexed: r2 change = 0.109; ß = ¿0.45; P < .001) and first metatarsophalangeal joint (r2 change = 0.037; ß = ¿0.26; P = .048). Conclusions: These findings suggest that DPN contributes to reduced ankle and first metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion. Due to the established link between reduced ankle and first metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion and risk of diabetes-related foot ulcer, we recommend that clinicians assess dorsiflexion range of motion at these joints as part of routine foot assessment in people with diabetes, especially those with DPN.

Diabetes related foot complications have become a major cause of morbidity and are implicated in most major and minor amputations globally. Approximately 50% of people with diabetes and a foot ulcer have peripheral artery disease (PAD) and the presence of PAD significantly increases the risk of adverse limb and cardiovascular events. The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) has published evidence based guidelines on the management and prevention of diabetes related foot complications since 1999. This guideline is an update of the 2019 IWGDF guideline on the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of peripheral artery disease in people with diabetes mellitus and a foot ulcer. For this updated guideline, the IWGDF, the European Society for Vascular Surgery, and the Society for Vascular Surgery decided to collaborate to develop a consistent suite of recommendations relevant to clinicians in all countries. This guideline is based on three new systematic reviews. Using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework clinically relevant questions were formulated, and the literature was systematically reviewed. After assessing the certainty of the evidence, recommendations were formulated which were weighed against the balance of benefits and harms, patient values, feasibility, acceptability, equity, resources required, and when available, costs. Through this process five recommendations were developed for diagnosing PAD in a person with diabetes, with and without a foot ulcer or gangrene. Five recommendations were developed for prognosis relating to estimating likelihood of healing and amputation outcomes in a person with diabetes and a foot ulcer or gangrene. Fifteen recommendations were developed related to PAD treatment encompassing prioritisation of people for revascularisation, the choice of a procedure and post-surgical care. In addition, the Writing Committee has highlighted key research questions where current evidence is lacking. The Writing Committee believes that following these recommendations will help healthcare professionals to provide better care and will reduce the burden of diabetes related foot complications.

Diabetes related foot complications have become a major cause of morbidity and are implicated in most major and minor amputations globally. Approximately 50% of people with diabetes and a foot ulcer have peripheral artery disease (PAD) and the presence of PAD significantly increases the risk of adverse limb and cardiovascular events. The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) has published evidence based guidelines on the management and prevention of diabetes related foot complications since 1999. This guideline is an update of the 2019 IWGDF guideline on the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of peripheral artery disease in people with diabetes mellitus and a foot ulcer. For this updated guideline, the IWGDF, the European Society for Vascular Surgery, and the Society for Vascular Surgery decided to collaborate to develop a consistent suite of recommendations relevant to clinicians in all countries. This guideline is based on three new systematic reviews. Using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework clinically relevant questions were formulated, and the literature was systematically reviewed. After assessing the certainty of the evidence, recommendations were formulated which were weighed against the balance of benefits and harms, patient values, feasibility, acceptability, equity, resources required, and when available, costs. Through this process five recommendations were developed for diagnosing PAD in a person with diabetes, with and without a foot ulcer or gangrene. Five recommendations were developed for prognosis relating to estimating likelihood of healing and amputation outcomes in a person with diabetes and a foot ulcer or gangrene. Fifteen recommendations were developed related to PAD treatment encompassing prioritisation of people for revascularisation, the choice of a procedure and post-surgical care. In addition, the Writing Committee has highlighted key research questions where current evidence is lacking. The Writing Committee believes that following these recommendations will help healthcare professionals to provide better care and will reduce the burden of diabetes related foot complications.

Background: Ankle joint dorsiflexion range of motion is essential to normal gait. Ankle equi-nus has been implicated in a number of foot and ankle pathologies included Achilles tendo-nitis, plantar fasciitis, ankle injury, forefoot pain, and foot ulceration. Reliable measurement of ankle joint dorsiflexion range of motion, both clinically and in a research setting, is important. Methods: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the intertester reliability of an innovative device for measuring ankle joint dorsiflexion range of motion. A total of 31 (n = 31) participants volunteered to take part in this study. A paired t-test was performed to assess for systematic differences between the mean measures of each rater. Intertester reliability was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and their 95% confi-dence intervals. Results: A paired t-test demonstrated that the mean ankle joint dorsiflexion range of motion did not significantly differ between raters. The ankle joint ROM mean for rater 1 was 4.65 SD (3.71) and rater 2 was 4.67 SD (3.91). Intertester reliability for the use of the Dorsi-Meter was excellent and demonstrated a very narrow range of error. The ICC (95%CI) was 0.991 (0.980 to 0.995) the SEM (in degrees) was 0.07, the MDC95, in degrees was 0.19 and 95% LOA, degrees was ¿1.49 to 1.46. Conclusions: We found the intertester reliability of the Dorsi-Meter to demonstrate higher levels of intertester reliability compared to previous studies investigating other devices. We reported the MDC values to provide an estimate of the smallest amount of change in the ankle joint dorsiflexion range of motion that must be achieved to reflect a true change, out-side the error of the test. The Dorsi-Meter has been established as an appropriate reliable device to measure ankle joint dorsiflexion for clinicians and researchers with very small mini-mal detectable change and limits of agreement. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 113(1), 2023).

Objectives: The primary aim was to investigate the effect of prefabricated foot orthoses on pain and function in people with chronic nonspecific low back pain (LBP). Secondary aims were to report on the recruitment rate, adherence to and safety of these interventions, and the relationship between physical activity and pain and function. Design: A two-arm parallel group (intervention vs. control) randomised (1:1) controlled trial. Subjects: Forty-one participants with chronic nonspecific LBP. Intervention: Twenty participants were randomised to the intervention group (prefabricated foot orthotic and The Back Book) and 21 to the control group (The Back Book). The primary outcomes for this study were change in pain and function from baseline to 12¿weeks. Results: No statistically significant difference in pain was found between the intervention and control group (adjusted mean difference -0.84, 95% CI: -2.09 to 0.41, p¿=¿0.18) at the 12-week follow-up. No statistically significant difference in function was found between the intervention and control group (adjusted mean difference -1.47, 95% CI: -5.51 to 2.57, p¿=¿0.47) at the 12-week follow-up. Conclusion: This study found no evidence of a significant beneficial effect of prefabricated foot orthoses for chronic nonspecific LBP. This study demonstrated that the rate of recruitment, intervention adherence and safety, and participant retention is acceptable and supportive of conducting a larger randomised controlled trial. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12618001298202).

Background: To systematically evaluate the literature investigating the relationship between cutaneous microvascular reactivity in the foot of adults with diabetes-related Charcot neuroarthropathy compared to a non-Charcot adult control group. Methods: A systematic search was conducted to June 2021 using the biomedical databases EBSCO Megafile Ultimate, Cochrane Library and EMBASE. Original research conducting comparative investigation of cutaneous microvascular reactivity in the foot of adults with diabetes and any pattern of acute or chronic Charcot neuroarthropathy and any non-Charcot adult control groups were included. A modified Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool was used for quality appraisal. Cutaneous microvascular reactivity in diabetes-related Charcot neuroarthropathy data were synthesised and meta-analysis conducted where possible. Results: The search strategy identified 1,684 articles, with seven eligible for inclusion. Included studies used various methodologies and equipment to assess cutaneous microvascular reactivity in 553 participants (162 with Charcot neuroarthropathy). Cutaneous microvascular reactivity in Charcot neuroarthropathy groups was impaired compared to uncomplicated diabetes groups. Meta-analysis investigating the difference in response to thermal hyperaemia demonstrated a significant difference in cutaneous microvascular reactivity between Charcot neuroarthropathy and peripheral neuropathy with a large, pooled effect size (SMD 1.46 95% CI: 0.89¿2.02) and low heterogeneity (I2 = 4%, T2 = 0.01) indicating that the cutaneous microvascular response is more impaired in peripheral neuropathy than in Charcot neuroarthropathy. Conclusions: Charcot neuroarthropathy is associated with greater cutaneous microvascular reactivity in the periphery relative to diabetes cohorts with diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy alone. It is unknown if this occurs prior to, or as a result of, Charcot neuroarthropathy.

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is implicated in up to 50% of diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFU) and significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality in this population. An evidence-based guideline that is relevant to the national context including consideration of the unique geographical and health care system differences between Australia and other countries, and delivery of culturally safe care to First Nations people, is urgently required to improve outcomes for patients with PAD and DFU in Australia. We aimed to identify and adapt current international guidelines for diagnosis and management of patients with PAD and DFU to develop an updated Australian guideline. Methods: Using a panel of national content experts and the National Health and Medical Research Council procedures, the 2019 International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) guidelines were adapted to the Australian context. The guideline adaptation frameworks ADAPTE and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) were applied to the IWGDF guideline for PAD by the expert panel. Recommendations were then adopted, adapted or excluded, and specific considerations for implementation, population subgroups, monitoring and future research in Australia were developed with accompanying clinical pathways provided to support guideline implementation. Results: Of the 17 recommendations from the IWGDF Guideline on diagnosis, prognosis and management of PAD in patients with diabetes with and without foot ulcers, 16 were adopted for the Australian guideline and one recommendation was adapted due to the original recommendation lacking feasibility in the Australian context. In Australia we recommend all people with diabetes and DFU undergo clinical assessment for PAD with accompanying bedside testing. Further vascular imaging and possible need for revascularisation should be considered for all patients with non-healing DFU irrespective of bedside results. All centres treating DFU should have expertise in, and/or rapid access to facilities necessary to diagnose and treat PAD, and should provide multidisciplinary care post-operatively, including implementation of intensive cardiovascular risk management. Conclusions: A guideline containing 17 recommendations for the diagnosis and management of PAD for Australian patients with DFU was developed with accompanying clinical pathways. As part of the adaptation of the IWGDF guideline to the Australian context, recommendations are supported by considerations for implementation, monitoring, and future research priorities, and in relation to specific subgroups including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and geographically remote people. This manuscript has been published online in full with the authorisation of Diabetes Feet Australia and can be found on the Diabetes Feet Australia website: https://www.diabetesfeetaustralia.org/new-guidelines/.

Introduction/Aims: We explored correlates of night-time and exercise-associated lower limb cramps in participants of the 1000 Norms Project. Methods: A volunteer community sample of healthy people aged =18 y underwent assessment of motor function and physical performance, and were questioned about muscle cramps in the previous 3¿mo. Results: Of 491 (221 female) participants age 18¿101 y (mean: 59.12; SD: 18.03), about 1 in 3 experienced night-time lower limb cramps, and about 1 in 4 experienced exercise-associated lower limb cramps. For night-cramps, a one unit increase in Beighton score (greater whole-body flexibility) was associated with a 31% reduced odds of cramps (odds ratio [OR]¿=¿0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.45, 0.99) and passing all three lesser-toe strength tests was associated with 50% reduced odds of cramps (OR¿=¿0.50, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.78). For exercise-associated cramps, participants in the fourth (lowest arch) quartile of Foot Posture Index were 2.1 times (95% CI: 1.11, 3.95) more likely to experience cramps than participants in the first (highest arch) quartile. Odds of experiencing both types of cramps versus no cramps were lower with passing all three lesser-toe strength tests (OR¿=¿0.40, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.85) and better performance in the six-minute walk test (OR¿=¿0.997, 95% CI: 0.996, 0.998). Discussion: People who experienced both exercise-associated and night-time cramps were less functional. The association between night-time cramps with less whole-body flexibility and reduced lesser-toe flexor strength should be explored to determine causation. Planovalgus (low-arched) foot type was independently associated with exercise-associated cramps. The effectiveness of foot orthoses for secondary prevention of exercise-associated cramps in people with low-arched feet should be explored.

Backgrounds and aims: Obesity and diabetes independently contribute to cutaneous microvascular dysfunction via pathological processes that are not fully understood. We sought to determine if obesity severity is associated with cutaneous microvascular dysfunction and measures of peripheral arterial disease in adults with type 2 diabetes in cross-sectional observational study design. Methods and results: Primary outcomes were post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia as determined by laser-Doppler fluxmetry (peak flux post-occlusion, time to peak flux post-occlusion, peak as a percentage of baseline, and area under the curve [AuC] index post-occlusion to pre-occlusion). Secondary outcomes were ankle- and toe-brachial indices (ABI and TBI) and systolic toe pressure. Thirty-six participants (20 men, 16 women) with mean age 55 ± 8 years, BMI of 36 ± 5 kg/m2 and duration of diabetes 8 ± 6 years underwent measurements. After adjusting for age and duration of diabetes, SAT and total percentage body fat were able to explain 29% (p = 0.001) and 20% (p = 0.01) of variance of AuC index models, as well as 29% (p = 0.02) and 18% (p = 0.02) of peak as a percentage of baseline models, respectively. Though TBI demonstrated moderate, significant correlations with SAT (r:0.37, p = 0.04) and total percentage body fat (r:0.39, p = 0.03), these were not upheld by regression analyses. Neither ABI nor systolic toe pressure significantly correlated with any measure of adiposity or obesity. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate impairment in cutaneous microvascular function related to adiposity and obesity severity in adults with type 2 diabetes, suggesting that obesity may pathologically effect cutaneous microvascular function in the absence of overt macrovascular disease, warranting further investigation.

Background: A weight bearing ankle equinus has adverse effects on forefoot plantar pressure variables in older adults with diabetes, but it is unclear if this is also the case in older adults without diabetes. Methods: 40 older adults with diabetes (88% type 2, mean diabetes duration 17.6 ± 14.8 years) and 40 older adults without diabetes, matched for age (±3 years), sex and BMI (±2 BMI units) were included (63% female, mean age 72 ± 4 years, BMI 30 ± 4 kg/m2). Primary outcomes were prevalence of a weight bearing equinus and evaluation of barefoot forefoot plantar pressures in older adults with and without diabetes. Findings: A weight bearing equinus was present in 37.5% and 27.5% of the diabetes and non-diabetes group respectively with no significant difference between groups (p = 0.470). People with diabetes and equinus displayed higher peak pressure (808 versus 540 kPa, p = 0.065) and significantly higher pressure-time integral (86 versus 68 kPa/s, p = 0.030) than people with diabetes and no equinus group. The non-diabetes equinus group had significantly higher peak pressure (665 versus 567 kPa, p = 0.035) than those with no diabetes and no equinus, but no difference in pressure-time integral. Interpretation: A high prevalence of a weight bearing equinus was detected in older adults with and without diabetes, with associated increases in plantar pressures. As an equinus has been associated with many foot pathologies this study's findings suggest that clinicians should check for the presence of a weight bearing ankle equinus in all older adults.

Background: For university-based podiatry education there are little data available documenting the delivery method and impact of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health curricula or the use of, and outcomes from, immersive clinical placements generally or specific to podiatry practice. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of undertaking clinical placement in a culturally safe podiatry service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples on podiatry students' understanding of, and confidence with, providing culturally safe podiatry care. Methods: Final year University of Newcastle undergraduate podiatry students attending a culturally safe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student clinic at a local hospital were purposively recruited to participate. Students completed a custom-made and pilot-tested cultural awareness and capability survey before and after placement. Survey domains were determined from a principle component analysis. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was used to compare pre-placement scores on each domain of the survey to the post-placements scores. Effect sizes were calculated and interpreted as small (0.1¿0.29), medium (0.3¿0.49), and large (=0.5). Results: This study recruited 58 final year University of Newcastle podiatry students to complete baseline and follow-up surveys. For survey domain 1 (level of understanding of power relationships), domain 2 (level of understanding of the interrelationship between culture and self-perceived health), domain 3 (level of understanding of the importance of culture in clinical practice and access to health care), and domain 4 (level of confidence with providing culturally safe care) a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in scores was recorded post-placement. The effect sizes were medium to large. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that an immersive student placement at a culturally safe podiatry clinic significantly improved students' understanding of, and confidence with, providing culturally appropriate care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. This study provides foundation evidence of the role that such placements have on developing students' cultural capability in a tertiary health care setting, and will help inform future curricula development at both educational institutions and health services, as well as form the basis for ongoing research.

Objectives We aimed to investigate which prevention strategies for low back pain (LBP) are most effective. Design We completed a Bayesian network meta-analysis to summarise the comparative effectiveness of LBP prevention strategies. The primary outcomes were an episode of LBP and LBP-associated work absenteeism represented as ORs with associated 95% credibility intervals (CrIs). We ranked all prevention strategies with surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) analysis. Data sources PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases were searched along with manual searches of retrieved articles. We only included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that reported an episode of LBP and/or LBP-associated work absenteeism evaluating LBP prevention strategies were included. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies Data were independently extracted by two investigators, and RCT quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results and summary Forty RCTs were included. Exercise combined with education (OR: 0.59, CrI: 0.41 to 0.82) and exercise alone (OR: 0.59, CrI: 0.36 to 0.92) both prevented LBP episodes; exercise combined with education and education alone both had large areas under the curve (SUCRA: 81.3 and 79.4, respectively). Additionally, exercise (OR: 0.04, CrI: 0.00 to 0.34) prevented LBP-associated work absenteeism, with exercise and the combination of exercise and education ranking highest (SUCRA: 99.0 and 60.2, respectively). Conclusions Exercise alone and exercise combined with education can prevent episodes of LBP and LBP-related absenteeism. Trial registration number PROSPERO 42017056884.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a novel low-volume high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), or placebo (PLA) intervention on liver fat, glycemia, and cardiorespiratory fitness using a randomized placebo-controlled design. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Thirty-five inactive adults (age 54.6 ± 1.4 years, 54% male; BMI 35.9 ± 0.9 kg/m2) with obesity and type 2 diabetes were randomized to 12 weeks of supervised MICT (n 5 12) at 60% VO2peak for 45 min, 3 days/week; HIIT (n 5 12) at 90% VO2peak for 4 min, 3 days/week; or PLA (n 5 11). Liver fat percentage was quantified through proton MRS. RESULTS Liver fat reduced in MICT (20.9 ± 0.7%) and HIIT (21.7 ± 1.1%) but increased in PLA (1.2 ± 0.5%) (P 5 0.046). HbA1c improved in MICT (20.3 ± 0.3%) and HIIT (20.3 ± 0.3%) but not in PLA (0.5 ± 0.2%) (P 5 0.014). Cardiorespiratory fitness improved in MICT (2.3 ± 1.2 mL/kg/min) and HIIT (1.1 ± 0.5 mL/kg/min) but not in PLA (21.5 ± 0.9 mL/kg/min) (P 5 0.006). CONCLUSIONS MICT or a low-volume HIIT approach involving 12 min of weekly high-intensity aerobic exercise may improve liver fat, glycemia, and cardiorespiratory fitness in people with type 2 diabetes in the absence of weight loss. Further studies are required to elucidate the relationship between exercise-induced reductions in liver fat and improvements in glycemia.

Background: Limited ankle dorsiflexion, or equinus, is associated with elevated plantar pressures, which have been implicated in the development and non-healing of foot ulcer. A stretching intervention may increase ankle dorsiflexion and reduce plantar pressures in people with diabetes. Methods: Two arm parallel randomised controlled trial from September 2016 to October 2017. Adults with diabetes and ankle equinus (=5° dorsiflexion) were randomly allocated to receive an 8 week static calf stretching intervention or continue with their normal activities. Primary outcome measures were change in weight bearing and non-weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion and forefoot peak plantar pressure. Secondary outcome measures were forefoot pressure time integrals and adherence to the stretching intervention. Findings: 68 adults (mean (standard deviation) age and diabetes duration 67.4 (10.9) years and 14.0 (10.8) years, 64.7% male) were randomised to stretch (n = 34) or usual activity (n = 34). At follow up, no significant differences were seen between groups (adjusted mean difference) for non-weight (+1.3°, 95% CI:-0.3 to 2.9, p = 0.101) and weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion (+0.5°, 95% CI:-2.6 to 3.6, p = 0.743) or forefoot in-shoe (+1.5 kPa, 95% CI:-10.0 to 12.9, p = 0.803) or barefoot peak pressures (-19.1 kPa, 95% CI:-96.4 to 58.1, p = 0.628). Seven of the intervention group and two of the control group were lost to follow up. Interpretation: Our data failed to show a statistically significant or clinically meaningful effect of static calf muscle stretching on ankle range of motion, or plantar pressures, in people with diabetes and ankle equinus.

Aims: To describe the physical activity levels of an Australian community-based adult population with diabetes, and investigate the interaction between diabetes complications and physical activity. Methods: Anthropometric, demographic, biochemical and self-reported physical activity measures (IPAQ) were performed. Associations and multiple regression analyses were undertaken between physical activity, known risk factors for diabetes complications, and history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), neuropathy and foot ulceration obtained from medical records. Results: 240 participants were recruited (96% type 2 diabetes; age 68.7 ± 10.5 y; 58% men; diabetes duration 14.3 ± 11.4 y). Sixty seven percent of participants reported undertaking moderate or vigorous intensity exercise to recommended levels, and 29% reported no moderate-vigorous exercise. In addition to being associated with known demographic and biochemical risk factors and other complications, diabetes complications were also associated with different physical activity behaviours. Individuals with a history of CVD were more likely to participate in moderate-vigorous exercise and meet exercise guidelines, individuals with neuropathy undertook less walking and moderate intensity exercise, and those with a history of foot ulceration sat more and participated less in vigorous exercise. Conclusions: In Australian adults, the presence of diabetes complications may influence physical activity participation, and associate with characteristic physical activity approaches.

The postexercise ankle¿brachial index (ABI) is recommended in patients with normal resting ABI when peripheral artery disease (PAD) is suspected. The aims of this study were to determine the comparative diagnostic accuracy of the resting and postexercise ABI for detecting PAD, and, the effect of the presence of diabetes on these. Three methods of interpretation currently in use were also investigated: a reduction in postexercise ABI by >20% compared to resting ABI, an ABI value of =0.90 postexercise, or a reduction in systolic ankle pressure of >30 mmHg postexercise. This retrospective study used colour duplex ultrasound (CDU) as the reference standard. In 278 limbs (whole group), the resting ABI had an overall area under the curve (AUC) of 0.71, with the postexercise ABI yielding a similar diagnostic accuracy of AUC 0.72. In the non-diabetes group (n=171), the resting ABI had an overall AUC of 0.74 and the postexercise ABI had a similar AUC of 0.76. In the diabetes group (n=107), overall accuracy was reduced compared to the non-diabetes group, with the resting ABI having an overall AUC of 0.65 and the postexercise ABI yielding a similar accuracy with an AUC of 0.64. The overall diagnostic accuracy of the postexercise ABI for diagnosing PAD was not greatly improved compared to resting ABI. Given the lower overall diagnostic accuracy in the diabetes group, both the resting and the postexercise ABI results in diabetes populations should be interpreted with caution. There is a risk of undiagnosed disease if relying on these results alone to determine lower limb vascular status.

Background: An association between equinus and plantar pressure may be important for people with diabetes, as elevated plantar pressure has been linked with foot ulcer development. To determine the prevalence of equinus in community dwelling people with diabetes and to examine any association between presence of equinus and forefoot plantar pressures. Methods: Barefoot (Tekscan HR Mat¿) and in-shoe (Novel Pedar-X®) plantar pressure variables, non-weight bearing ankle range of motion and neuropathy status were assessed in 136 adults with diabetes (52.2% male; 47.8% with neuropathy; mean (standard deviation) age and diabetes duration: 68.4 (11.5) and 14.6 (11.1) years respectively). Findings: Equinus, when measured as =5° dorsiflexion, was present in 66.9% of the cohort. There was a significant correlation between an equinus and barefoot (r = 0.247, p = 0.004) and in-shoe forefoot pressure time integrals (r = 0.214, p = 0.012) and in-shoe forefoot alternate pressure time integrals (r = 0.246, p = 0.004). Significantly more males (p < 0.01) and people with neuropathy (p = 0.02) or higher glycated haemoglobin levels (p < 0.01) presented with an equinus. Interpretation: Community dwelling adults with diabetes have a high rate of ankle equinus which is associated with increased forefoot pressure time integrals and a two-fold increased risk of high in-shoe peak pressures. Clinical assessment of an ankle equinus may be a useful screening tool to identify adults at increased risk of diabetic foot complications.

Background Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world and is associated with a life-time risk of foot ulcer of 12¿25%. Diabetes related restriction in ankle joint range of dorsiflexion is proposed to contribute to elevated plantar pressures implicated in the development of foot ulcers. Methods A systematic search of EBSCO Megafile Premier (containing MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTSdiscus and Academic Search Complete) and The Cochrane Library was conducted to 23rd November 2016. Two authors independently reviewed and selected relevant studies. Meta-analysis of study data were conducted where possible. Findings Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Three studies were eligible to be included in the meta-analysis which found that equinus has a significant, but small, effect on increased plantar pressures (ES¿=¿0.26, CI 95% 0.11 to 0.41, p¿=¿0.001). Of the remaining studies, eight found evidence of an association between limited ankle dorsiflexion and increased plantar pressures while four studies found no relationship. Interpretation Limited ankle joint dorsiflexion may be an important factor in elevating plantar pressures, independent of neuropathy. Limited ankle dorsiflexion and increased plantar pressures were found in all the studies where the sample population had a history of neuropathic foot ulceration. In contrast, the same association was not found in those studies where the population had neuropathy and no history of foot ulcer. Routine screening for limited ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in the diabetic population would allow for early provision of conservative treatment options to reduce plantar pressures and lessen ulcer risk.

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the toe brachial index (TBI) and foot ulceration and amputation in older people. Two hundred and sixty-one participants meeting guidelines for lower limb vascular assessment had their toe and brachial blood pressure measured, medical records audited and signs and symptoms of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) recorded. Pearson's correlation and linear regression analyses were performed to determine the strength of relationships between variables. Significant correlations were found between the TBI and painful symptoms (r = -0·35, P < 0·05) and foot complications (r = -0·31, P < 0·05). After adjusting for traditional risk factors for foot complications, participants with a TBI <0·70 were 19 times more likely to have a history of foot wounds or amputation (odds ratio = 19·20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2·36¿155·96, P < 0·001) than those with higher TBI values (>0·70). This preliminary study supports a TBI threshold of 0·70 for PAD diagnosis and indicates that lower values are associated with painful symptoms, history of ulceration and amputation. Future longitudinal investigation of the predictive capacity is now warranted.

Background: Foot pain is a common problem affecting up to 1 in 5 adults and is known to adversely affect activities of daily living and health related quality of life. Orthopaedic footwear interventions are used as a conservative treatment for foot pain, although adherence is known to be low, in part due to the perception of poor comfort and unattractiveness of the footwear. The objective of this trial was to assess the efficacy of flip-flop style footwear (Foot Bio-Tec©) with a moulded foot-bed in reducing foot pain compared to participant's usual footwear. Methods: Two-arm parallel randomised controlled trial using computer generated random allocation schedule at an Australian university podiatry clinic. 108 volunteers with disabling foot pain were enrolled after responding to an advertisement and eligibility screening. Participants were randomly allocated to receive footwear education and moulded flip-flop footwear to wear as much as they were comfortable with for the next 12 weeks (n = 54) or footwear education and instructions to wear their normal footwear for the next 12 weeks (n = 54). Primary outcome was the pain domain of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). Secondary outcomes were the foot function and general foot health domains of the FHSQ, a visual analogue scale (VAS) for foot pain and perceived comfort of the intervention footwear. Results: Compared to the control group, the moulded flip-flop group showed a significant improvement in the primary outcome measure of the FHSQ pain domain (adjusted mean difference 8.36 points, 95 % CI 5.58 to 13.27, p < 0.01). Statistical and clinically significant differences were observed for the secondary measure of foot pain assessed by a VAS and the FSHQ domains of foot function and general foot health. None of the participants reported any pain or discomfort from the intervention footwear and six (footwear group = 4) were lost to follow up. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that flip-flop footwear with a moulded foot-bed can have a significant effect on foot pain, function and foot health and might be a valuable adjunct therapy for people with foot pain.

Aims Neuropathies are common complications of diabetes and are proposed to influence peripheral bone, principally via an altered vascular supply. This study aimed to determine the relationship between subtypes of neuropathy and vascular reactivity on foot bone density in people with diabetes. Methods A case¿control observational design was utilised with two groups: those with diabetic peripheral large fibre neuropathy (n¿=¿23) and a control group with diabetes but without neuropathy (n¿=¿23). Bone density in 12 foot bones was determined with computed tomography scanning. Additionally, post-occlusive reactive hyperemia, presence of small fibre neuropathy and heart rate variability were determined. T-tests and hierarchical regression were used to examine the relationships among the variables. Results No difference in foot bone density was found between those with and those without large fibre neuropathy. Furthermore, no association between heart rate variability or reactive hyperemia and bone density was found. Small fibre neuropathy was associated with increased cuboid trabecular bone density (p¿=¿0.006) with its presence predictive of 14% of the variance. Conclusions This study found no clear association between presence of diabetic neuropathies and foot bone density. Furthermore, vascular reactivity appears to have no impact on bone density.

The toe-brachial index (TBI) is used as an adjunct to the ankle-brachial index (ABI) for non-invasive lower limb vascular screening. With increasing evidence suggesting limitations of the ABI for diagnosis of vascular complications, particularly in specific populations including diabetes cohorts, the TBI is being used more widely. The aim of this review was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the TBI for detecting peripheral artery disease (PAD) in populations at risk of this disease. A database search was conducted to identify current work relating to the sensitivity and specificity of toe-brachial indices up to July 2015. Only studies using valid diagnostic imaging as a reference standard were included. The QUADAS-2 tool was used to critically appraise included articles. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Sensitivity of the TBI for PAD was reported in all seven studies and ranged from 45% to 100%; specificity was reported by five studies only and ranged from 16% to 100%. In conclusion, this review suggests that the TBI has variable diagnostic accuracy for the presence of PAD in specific populations at risk of developing the disease. There was a notable lack of large-scale diagnostic accuracy studies determining the diagnostic accuracy of the TBI in detecting PAD in different at-risk cohorts. However, standardised normal values need to be established for the TBI to conclusively determine the diagnostic accuracy of this test.

Background Poor core stability is linked to a range of musculoskeletal pathologies and core-strengthening programmes are widely used as treatment. Treatment outcomes, however, are highly variable, which may be related to the method of delivery of core strengthening programmes. We investigated the effect of identical 8 week core strengthening programmes delivered as either supervised or home-based on measures of core stability. Methods Participants with poor core stability were randomised into three groups: supervised (n=26), home-based (n=26) or control (n=26). Primary outcomes were the Sahrmann test and the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) for dynamic core stability and three endurance tests (side-bridge, flexor and Sorensen) for static core stability. The exercise programme was devised and supervised by an exercise physiologist. Results Analysis of covariance on the change from baseline over the 8 weeks showed that the supervised group performed significantly better on all core stability measures than both the home-based and control group. The home-based group produced significant improvements compared to the control group in all static core stability tests, but not in most of the dynamic core stability tests (Sahrmann test and two out of three directions of the SEBT). Conclusions Our results support the use of a supervised core-strengthening programme over a home-based programme to maximise improvements in core stability, especially in its dynamic aspects. Based on our findings in healthy individuals with low core stability, further research is recommended on potential therapeutic benefits of supervised core-strengthening programmes for pathologies associated with low core stability.

Background & Aims Aerobic exercise reduces liver fat and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). However, there is limited data from randomized trials to inform exercise programming recommendations. This study examined the efficacy of commonly prescribed exercise doses for reducing liver fat and VAT using a randomized placebo-controlled design. Methods Inactive and overweight/obese adults received 8 weeks of either; i) low to moderate intensity, high volume aerobic exercise (LO:HI, 50% VO2peak, 60 min, 4 d/week); ii) high intensity, low volume aerobic exercise (HI:LO, 70% VO2peak, 45 min, 3 d/week); iii) low to moderate intensity, low volume aerobic exercise (LO:LO, 50% VO2peak, 45 min, 3 d/week); or iv) placebo (PLA). Liver fat (spectroscopy) and VAT (magnetic resonance imaging) were measured before and after intervention. Results Forty-seven of the 48 (n = 12 in each group) participants completed the trial. There were no serious adverse events. There was a significant change in group × time interaction in liver fat, which reduced in HI:LO by 2.38 ± 0.73%, in LO:HI by 2.62 ± 1.00%, and in LO:LO by 0.84 ± 0.47% but not in PLA (increase of 1.10 ± 0.62%) (p = 0.04). There was a significant reduction in VAT in HI:LO (-258.38 ± 87.78 cm3), in LO:HI (-386.80 ± 119.5 cm3), and in LO:LO (-212.96 ± 105.54 cm3), but not in PLA (92.64 ± 83.46 cm3) (p = 0.03). There were no significant differences between the dose or intensity of the exercise regimen and reductions in liver fat or VAT (p >0.05). Conclusion The study found no difference in efficacy of liver fat reduction by either aerobic exercise dose or intensity. All of the aerobic exercise regimens employed reduced liver fat and VAT by a small amount without clinically significant weight loss.

Objective: To determine, for adults with chronic low back pain, which exercise interventions are the most effective at reducing pain compared to other treatments. Data sources: A search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO and The Cochrane Library was conducted up to October 2014. Review methods: Databases were searched for published reports of randomised trials that investigated the treatment of chronic low back pain of non-specific origin with an exercise intervention. Two authors independently reviewed and selected relevant trials. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Downs and Black tool. Results: Forty-five trials met the inclusion criteria and thirty-nine were included in the meta-analysis. Combined meta-analysis revealed significantly lower chronic low back pain with intervention groups using exercise compared to a control group or other treatment group (Standard Mean Deviation (SMD) =-0.32, CI 95% -0.44 to -0.19, P<0.01). Separate exploratory subgroup analysis showed a significant effect for strength/resistance and coordination/stabilisation programs. Conclusions: Our results found a beneficial effect for strength/resistance and coordination/stabilisation exercise programs over other interventions in the treatment of chronic low back pain and that cardiorespiratory and combined exercise programs are ineffective.

OBJECTIVES: Cigarette smoking is associated with atherosclerosis and is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We evaluated the impact of cigarette smoking on coronary plaque composition using integrated backscatter intravascular ultrasound (IB-IVUS). METHODS: A total of 143 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled. A history of illness, as well as smoking habits, was obtained by interview. Participants were asked to report whether they were current smokers, had quit smoking, or had never smoked. According to interview results, patients were divided into the following three groups: current, former, and never smokers. Conventional and IB-IVUS tissue characterization analyses were carried out. Three-dimensional analyses were carried out to determine plaque volume and the volume of each plaque component (lipid, fibrous, and calcified). RESULTS: IB-IVUS analysis indicated that the patients in the current smoker group had significantly increased percent lipid volume and significantly decreased percent fibrous volume (P=0.01 and 0.03). Logistic regression analysis showed that the current smoking state (odds ratio 3.51, 95% confidence interval 1.02-12.10, P=0.04) was independently associated with the presence of lipid-rich plaques, which was defined as the upper 75th percentile of the study population. CONCLUSION: Smoking is independently associated with lipid-rich plaques, contributing to the increasing risk for plaque vulnerability.