FHS Monthly Newsletter: January 2012 REARCH, PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS. Two publications by Mr Alfred Gatt, Assistant Lecturer, Podiatry Department

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1 Tel: Fax: ; Website: FHS Monthly Newsletter: January 2012 REARCH, PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS Two publications by Mr Alfred Gatt, Assistant Lecturer, Podiatry Department (a) Gatt A, Chockalingam N and Chevalier TL. Sagittal plane kinematics of the foot during passive ankle dorsiflexion. Prosthet Orthot Int Dec; 35(4): Background: Measurement of ankle joint dorsiflexion is an essential examination technique that needs to be performed prior to prescription of foot orthoses since the presence or absence of ankle equinus will affect the design of such devices. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of foot posture on sagittal plane kinematics of various foot segments during passive dorsiflexion. Study Design: Comparative repeated measures design. Objectives: To determine the effect of foot posture on inter segmental kinematics during passive dorsiflexion. Methods: An optoelectronic movement analysis system was employed to collect kinematic data. A validated marker set (Oxford Foot Model) was applied to 16 subjects (12 males, 4 females) with a mean age of 35.5 years (range years), who provided informed consent. An upward force was applied to the forefoot until maximum resistance. Sagittal movement of the hindfoot and forefoot segments along with the 1 P a g e

whole foot movement were analyzed in the pronated, neutral and supinated foot postures. Results: While maximum foot dorsiflexion angle showed a significant difference between the three postures (p=0.

2 whole foot movement were analyzed in the pronated, neutral and supinated foot postures. Results: While maximum foot dorsiflexion angle showed a significant difference between the three postures (p=0.000) the actual recorded difference between the neutral and supinated postures was only For the hindfoot and forefoot segments, mean angle range of movement for the pronated foot posture was significantly higher than the other foot postures. The forefoot to hindfoot angle demonstrated a significant (p=0.005) increase during dorsiflexion between the pronated and supinated postures. These results indicate that during passive dorsiflexion, the forefoot travels through a greater degree of movement than the hindfoot. Conclusions: While the maximum foot dorsiflexion angle differs significantly between the pronated and supinated foot postures, hindfoot movement also varies significantly between foot postures. Furthermore, the forefoot to tibia angle travels through a greater range than the hindfoot to tibia angle, in all three foot postures. The hindfoot to forefoot angle does not remain constant during passive dorsiflexion, but increases upon application of a dorsiflexing force, indicating that the forefoot movement cannot be eliminated completely by placing the foot in any particular posture. (b) Gatt, A and Chockalingam N. Assessment of Ankle Joint Dorsiflexion: An Overview. Revista Internacional de Ciencias Podológicas. 2012, Vol. 6, Núm. 1, Abstract: The ankle joint is an important part of the musculoskeletal system necessary for normal ambulation. Reduced range of movement at this joint has been termed as gastrocnemius contracture, limited ankle dorsiflexion and ankle equinus. This condition has been related to various functional lower extremity musculoskeletal conditions. This paper explores and provides an overview of ankle equinus, its effect on the lower extremities and some of the issues involved in the clinical measurement of ankle dorsiflexion. Novel Technologies in Food Science: Their Impact on Products, Consumer Trends and the Environment, by Dr Anna McElhatton, Food studies and Environmental Health Department ISBN: This book (the 7 th volume of the ISEKI-Food book series) discusses how novel food technologies are connected to the production of foods and how they impinge on our daily lives through consumers` selection and continued loyalty to product types. Topics include waste and waste management, safety issues in the use of nutraceuticals and functional foods, and green technologies to produce novel products. Like the other books in the series, this volume has chapters written by scientists specializing in the field. This book is intended for graduate students and senior level undergraduates students as well as professionals and researchers interested in both food and environmental issues applicable to sustainable food production. 2 P a g e

3 Faculty Christmas Drinks (20 th Dec 2011) PAST EVENTS During the party, the sum of 250 was raised and presented to id-dar tal-providenza. FORTHCOMING EVENTS Forthcoming Research Seminars 2012 Time table Date Presenter Study Department 8 th Feb 2012 Dr Michael Galea PhD Mental Health Nursing 22 nd Feb 2012 Mr Alfred Gatt PhD Podiatry 7 th Mar 2012 Mr Tonio Agius PhD Physiotherapy 21 st Mar 2012 Ms Josephine Attard PhD Midwifery 28 th March 2012 Dr Carmel Caruana Radiography 18 th Apr 2012 Dr Sandra Buttigieg Health Services Management 2 nd May 2012 Ms Claire Sillato Copperstone PhD Food Studies and Environmental Health 16 th May 2012 Mr Martin Ward PhD Mental Health 30 th May 2012 Mr John Xerri de Caro PhD Venue: Faculty Staff Room 1.00 p.m p.m. Nursing Physiotherapy We wish to thank Dr Donia Baldacchino and Dr Helen Grech for their excellent presentations during January P a g e

ANNOUNCEMENTS Promotions by the University Academic Promotions Board Council Meeting 15 Dec 2011 Promotion to Senior Lecturer Dr Carmel Caruana, Department of Radiography Promotion to Visiting

Nursing Mr Neville Debattista, Department of Applied Biomedical Science Ms Sharon Falzon, Department of Applied Biomedical Science Mr Vincent Saliba, Department of Nursing Congratulations to all

4 ANNOUNCEMENTS Promotions by the University Academic Promotions Board Council Meeting 15 Dec 2011 Promotion to Senior Lecturer Dr Carmel Caruana, Department of Radiography Promotion to Visiting Lecturer Mr Stephen Decelis, Department of Applied Biomedical Science Promotion to Visiting Senior Lecturer Mr Ian Brincat, Department of Applied Biomedical Science Mr Anthony Bugeja, Department of Nursing Mr Neville Debattista, Department of Applied Biomedical Science Ms Sharon Falzon, Department of Applied Biomedical Science Mr Vincent Saliba, Department of Nursing Congratulations to all promoted! Appointments with Foreign Universities Dr Roberta Sammut, Department of Nursing Dr Roberta Sammut has been appointed Visiting Lecturer at the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, King s College London, for a period of three years. Dr Josianne Scerri, Nursing Department Dr Josianne Scerri, a staff member in the Department of Nursing has been appointed Honorary Senior lecturer within the Faculty of Health and Social Care Sciences. This Faculty is a partnership between Kingston University and St George's, University of London. 4 P a g e

Dr Donia Baldacchino, Nursing Department Dr Donia Baldacchino has been appointed Adjunct Faculty Member with Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore,

5 Dr Donia Baldacchino, Nursing Department Dr Donia Baldacchino has been appointed Adjunct Faculty Member with Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA. This appointment will enable collaboration in research and teaching at the School of Nursing. Well done Roberta, Josianne and Donia! 5 P a g e

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS 2 NAVYANNEX WASHINGTON DC

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF NAVAL RECORDS 2 NAVYANNEX WASHINGTON DC 20370-5100 JRE Docket No: 9388-97 26 April 1999 From: To: Subj Chairman, Board for Correction of Naval Records Secretary