Senem Guner

Background: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has emerged as an essential optical neuroimaging modality in human locomotion, yet a comprehensive computational mapping of its structural and thematic evolution remains absent. This study provides a systematic, data-driven scientometric evaluation of the global fNIRS-gait research landscape across a quarter-century (2002–April 2026). Methods: A refined corpus of 348 peer-reviewed documents from the Web of Science Core Collection was computationally analyzed using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix. Results: The literature exhibits a 12.53% compound annual growth rate, shifting from stationary motor imagery toward ecologically valid overground walking. The United States leads global outputs, supported by European collaborative corridors and Chinese national infrastructures. Healthy aging (27.30%), Parkinson’s disease (10.92%), and stroke (9.20%) represent the primary clinical subdomains, centering on prefrontal cortex hyper-activation during dual-task walking (20.11%). Frontiers have migrated toward multimodal Mobile Brain/Body Imaging (MoBI) integrating virtual reality, exoskeletons, and machine learning. However, technical integration is hindered by severe signal processing heterogeneity and unstandardized short-separation channel regressions. Conclusions: Establishing standardized preprocessing pipelines and short-separation regressions may prove pivotal for transitioning mobile neuroimaging into objective, closed-loop clinical neurorehabilitation.

Forward head posture (FHP) is common in young adults using technological devices and often accompanied by increased thoracic kyphosis. This study reports the design and custom manufacturing of a 3D-printed craniocervical orthosis and a pilot application evaluating its effects on the craniocervical angle (CVA), thoracic kyphosis angle (TKA), and user satisfaction. In this prospective, single-arm, within-subject pilot study, each participant underwent 3D scanning, and a custom orthosis was manufactured from their scan data using a common three-point CAD template via FDM 3D printing. Ten volunteers aged 18–25 years completed the study without a priori sample size calculation. The CVA and TKA were assessed photogrammetrically at baseline and weeks 2, 4, and 6, under orthosis-assisted and non-assisted conditions, with devices iteratively adjusted over six weeks. Satisfaction was evaluated at follow-up completion using the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0-TR), and data were analyzed using a linear mixed model. Of the 13 individuals screened, 10 completed the protocol (one discontinued owing to discomfort and two withdrew voluntarily); no serious adverse events occurred. The CVA was significantly higher, and the TKA significantly lower, under the orthosis condition at every time point (all p < 0.001), reflecting an acute, device-on effect rather than a demonstrated lasting, unassisted postural correction. Mean device satisfaction was 4.88 ± 0.12/5 and mean service satisfaction was 5.00 ± 0.00/5 among the 10 completers; these scores exclude the participant who discontinued owing to discomfort and two who withdrew for unrelated reasons, which likely inflates the apparent satisfaction level. The custom-manufactured orthosis was feasible to design and fabricate, tolerable after iterative adjustment, and associated with improved craniocervical and thoracic alignment when worn; these findings reflect an acute, device-on effect and do not yet establish lasting postural correction without the orthosis. Given the single-arm, non-blinded pilot design, findings are preliminary and hypothesis-generating, supporting further confirmatory trials.

Objective: Forward head posture (FHP) is a common postural abnormality where the external auditory canal is positioned ahead of the shoulder joint’s plumb line. This study aimed to evaluate FHP’s impact on thoracic kyphosis, hand grip strength, and pinch grip strength in healthy adults. Methods: Ninety-three healthy adults (18–25 years) participated, divided into two groups based on craniovertebral angle (CVA): the FHP group (CVA 45°, n=55). CVA was measured via photogrammetry. The thoracic kyphosis angle was assessed using the Goniometer Pro app. Hand grip strength was measured with a Jamar dynamometer, and pinch grip strength with a Baseline hydraulic pinch gauge. Results: No significant differences were found between groups in thoracic kyphosis angle, hand grip, or pinch grip strength (P>0.05). CVA showed no significant correlation with these parameters in either group (P>0.05). However, in the FHP group, the thoracic kyphosis angle was significantly correlated with non-dominant hand grip strength (r= -0.324, P=0.047), dominant pinch grip strength (r= -0.350, P=0.031), and non-dominant pinch grip strength (r= -0.394, P=0.014). Conclusion: Hand grip and pinch grip strength were not affected by FHP in asymptomatic young adults. No relationship was found between CVA and thoracic kyphosis. However, individuals with FHP and thoracic kyphosis angles above 40° may experience altered non-dominant hand function, potentially due to kyphotic changes.

Microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees (MPKs) improve the safety and functional capabilities of transfemoral amputees, but there is a lack of information on plantar pressure distribution and effects among individuals who have undergone transfemoral amputation of the sound limb. (1) Background: The aim of this study was to determine possible compensatory mechanisms in gait by evaluating intact extremity foot plantar pressure distribution in young MPK prosthesis users. Twenty-one patients with unilateral transfemoral amputation (TFA) and twenty-four healthy individuals were selected for the study. (2) Methods: The WalkinSense system was used to assess different foot plantar pressure distribution parameters as the participants walked at their chosen walking speed. Plantar pressure peaks and activation percentages in the eight foot regions were measured during the gait cycle. (3) Results: The pressure peaks and activation percentages in the sound limb with TFA patients and healthy subjects were measured, and statistically significant differences between the two groups were identified. The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 6-point sensor activation percentages significantly increased, whereas the 7- and 8-point sensor activation percentages decreased in the sound limb TFA participants compared with the healthy subjects. Peak plantar pressure sensor points 1, 3, 4, and 6 increased in the TFA sound limb foot in relation to healthy individuals, while they decreased in point 8. (4) Conclusion: In this study, with the use of a microprocessor knee joint TF prosthesis, in the evaluation of the underfoot pressure of intact legs, the maximum pressure point shifted to the forefoot, and it was observed that the forefoot and midfoot were more active during walking compared with the control group. This may indicate that gait compensation and plantar flexion in the sound limb are used more forcefully in the gait cycle.

People with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) often experience a decline in gait function and flexion. The children’s posture and hip strategy, which leads to knee flexion, predisposes these children to increased contact area in the medial foot region. This study investigated the use of DAFO (dynamic ankle-foot orthosis) prescribed to patients with cerebral palsy (CP) to determine the plantar pressure distribution with orthosis use. Eight children with spastic CP (age 4–12 years) were classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-II with a maximum spasticity level of 3 in their ankle muscles according to the Modified Ashworth Scale. We assessed the plantar distribution by using eight WalkinSense sensors in each trial and exported data from the proprietary software (WalkinSense version 0.96, Tomorrow Options Microelectronics, S.A.). The plantar pressure distribution was conducted under two conditions: only shoes and DAFO with shoes. The activation percentages for sensor number 1 under the 1st metatarsal and sensor number 4 under the lateral edge of the heel were significantly different under the DAFO condition. The 1-point sensor activation percentage significantly decreased, while the 4-point sensor activation percentage increased during DAFO walking. According to our study findings, there was an increase in pressure distribution in the lateral part of the foot during the stance phase in DAFO. DAFO improved the gait cycle and influenced the plantar foot pressure in children with mild cerebral palsy.

Introduction: Congenital longitudinal tibial deficiency is a rare condition. It is characterized by partial or complete absence of tibia with a relatively intact fibula. Its standard treatment is surgery and employing orthoprosthesis or prosthesis. However, the effects of gaits according to the types of prosthesis is barely known. Methods: Orthoprosthesis is offered to a 30-year-old man experiencing left-side congenital type 1 tibial hemimelia (classified as Jones type 1B) deficiency with thoracolumbar scoliosis and exhibiting a depressed shoulder as well as a stiff knee. He decided to have an amputation to wear a transfemoral (TF) prosthesis comprising a microprocessor-controlled knee. Results: Three-dimensional gait analyses and a 6-minute walk test were performed preoperatively and postoperatively with the orthoprosthesis and TF prosthesis. Furthermore, the kinematics of hip flexion/extension and pelvic anterior/posterior tilt range of the motion degree were increased using TF prosthesis. The result of the kinetics of the hip flexion/extension moment and hip power parameters were affected using the TF prosthesis. Conclusions: This case study suggests that the new prosthesis provides removable and adaptable component; further, it delivers a comfortable sitting experience because of its new socket design and knee joint flexion. Clinical Relevance: Patient satisfaction is better with TF prosthesis than with orthoprosthesis. TF prosthesis is more cosmetic than orthoprosthesis, provides a symmetrical gait pattern, decreases donning and doffing durations, and there is no uncomfortable protrusion when sitting (due to amputation of the foot and leg part).

Background: Information on the foot structures of Central Anatolian children is limited. Foot structures of children aged 6–10 years were shown to be different according to sex and increasing age. Objective: This study aimed to compare the foot anthropometric values by age and sex and collect the foot anthropometric data to reveal the relationship between pes planus and pes cavus in the arches of children according to age. Methods: Footprints of 335 children (180 boys and 155 girls) aged 6–10 years were taken by the pedigraph method and evaluated using 18 different parameters. The TFL (Truncated foot length), FL (foot length), Arch Index, Chippaux Smirak Index, Staheli Arc Index, and foot rotation values of the children were examined. To examine the relationship between the parameters, normality values were examined. Independent samples t-test was used to analyze sex differences in terms of foot size and shape. Results: Correlations between other parameters were determined using the correlations analysis method. TFL, metatarsal circumference, and FL were strongly correlated with age in the children. Foot rotation increased with body mass index in the girls compared to that in the boys. According to the evaluation results with the classification made with the Staheli arch index, 63.3% pes planus, 9.8% pes cavus and 27.7% of the normal arch structure were identified. Conclusions: Planning shoe production accordingly will contribute to the development of healthy feet in children. This article focused on foot structures of in Central Anatolia and to identify early foot deformities in children. This study found that the length of the TFL was smaller in boys than in girls.

Background: Information on the foot structures of Central Anatolian children is limited. Foot structures of children aged 6−10 years were shown to be different according to sex and increasing age.Objective: This study aimed to compare the foot anthropometric values by age and sex and collect the foot anthropometric data to reveal the relationship between pes planus and pes cavus in the arches of children according to age.Methods: Footprints of 335 children (180 boys and 155 girls) aged 6−10 years were taken by the foot-print method and evaluated using 18 different parameters. To examine the relationship between the parameters, normality values were examined. Independent samples t-test was used to analyze sex differences in terms of foot size and shape.Results: Correlations between other parameters were determined using the correlations analysis method. TFL (Truncated foot length), metatarsal circumference, and foot length were strongly correlated with age in the children. Foot rotation increased with body mass index in the girls compared to that in the boys.Conclusions: Planning shoe production accordingly will contribute to the development of healthy feet in children. This article focused on foot structures of in Central Anatolia and to identify early foot deformities in children. This study found that the length of the TFL was smaller in boys than in girls.

This study aimed to assess the effect of kinesio tape (KT) application on foot pronation using the laser postural alignment system. Twenty participants (10 females and 10 males, mean age 19.7 ± 1.2 years) with foot pronation were included in the study. The laser line projected on the participant by the laser postural alignment system showed the joint load carrying line. The location of the joint load carrying line was assessed during barefoot static standing with one foot on the force plate before KT application, immediately after application, then 24 and 48 hours later. Displacement of the load-carrying line was measured using a ruler placed tangentially to the patella and ankle joint at the level of the joint line. Weight bearing on the barefoot was assessed before KT application, immediately after, then 24 and 48 hours later. Weight bearing was not significantly changed after KT application. The load-carrying line measured using KT did not notably move with KT versus without KT in the ankle joint. Immediately after KT application, significant lateral knee joint movement was measured, but this change was not importantly 24 and 48 hours later. KT was not altered in changing weight bearing or moving the lower extremity load-carrying line in people with foot pronation. KT of the foot can amplify sensory input and improve perceived comfort; therefore, it can be used with an orthotic insole in footwear.