Reliability and Validity of Shore Hardness in Plantar Soft Tissue Biomechanics

TONNA, Redent, CHATZISTERGOS, Panagiotis, Wyatt, Otis and CHOCKALINGAM, Nachiappan (2024) Reliability and Validity of Shore Hardness in Plantar Soft Tissue Biomechanics. Sensors, 24 (2). p. 539. ISSN 1424-8220

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Abstract or description

Shore hardness (SH) is a cost-effective and easy-to-use method to assess soft tissue biomechanics. Its use for the plantar soft tissue could enhance the clinical management of conditions such as diabetic foot complications, but its validity and reliability remain unclear. Twenty healthy adults were recruited for this study. Validity and reliability were assessed across six different plantar sites. The validity was assessed against shear wave (SW) elastography (the gold standard). SH was measured by two examiners to assess inter-rater reliability. Testing was repeated following a test/retest study design to assess intra-rater reliability. SH was significantly correlated with SW speed measured in the skin or in the microchamber layer of the first metatarsal head (MetHead), third MetHead and rearfoot. Intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman plots of limits of agreement indicated satisfactory levels of reliability for these sites. No significant correlation between SH and SW elastography was found for the hallux, 5th MetHead or midfoot. Reliability for these sites was also compromised. SH is a valid and reliable measurement for plantar soft tissue biomechanics in the first MetHead, the third MetHead and the rearfoot. Our results do not support the use of SH for the hallux, 5th MetHead or midfoot.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	mechanical tests; hardness tests; elasticity imaging techniques; shear wave elastography; reliability and validity; soft tissue injuries; foot; diabetic foot
Faculty:	School of Life Sciences and Education > Sport and Exercise
Depositing User:	Nachiappan CHOCKALINGAM
Date Deposited:	06 Feb 2024 17:00
Last Modified:	07 Feb 2024 04:30
URI:	https://eprints.staffs.ac.uk/id/eprint/8081

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