Background
The ankle–foot complex plays a key role in maintaining balance because it collects proprioceptive data. Kinesio taping (KT) is a rehabilitative method performed by the cutaneous application of a special elastic tape. The mechanical correction technique of KT was suggested to reposition the joints and alter balance parameters. The aim was to reveal the pure effects of ankle KT on balance, range of motion (ROM), and muscle strength in healthy individuals.
Methods
Forty healthy students were recruited for this randomized, sham-controlled study at a local university. Participants were divided into two groups—experimental and sham application groups. The primary outcome measures were balance parameters. Athlete Single Leg (ASL), Limits of Stability (LoS), and Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (CTSIB) were used to measure single-leg dynamic balance, dynamic postural control, and sensory interaction of balance, respectively. Dorsiflexion ROM and dorsiflexor muscle strength were the secondary outcomes.
Results
The ASL score showed significant improvement only in the experimental KT group (P=0.02); however, the LoS score increased significantly in both groups (P<0.05). CTSIB scores, dorsiflexion ROM, and dorsiflexor muscle strength for both ankles did not change in any of the groups after intervention (P>0.05). Moreover, there was no superiority of one intervention over the other in improving any of the variables (P>0.05).
Conclusion
The mechanical correction technique of KT can be useful in providing immediate improvement in single-leg dynamic balance in healthy individuals. However, it may not be effective to significantly change the sensory interaction of balance, dorsiflexion ROM, and muscle strength.

Citations

• Effects of Ankle and Gluteus Medius Kinesio Taping on Dynamic Balance and Lower Extremity Biomechanics in Individuals with Ankle Sprain
  Kyoung-Yeol Jeong, Tae-Gyu Kim, Seong-Hwan Moon, Soo-Yong Kim, Il-Young Yu
  PNF and Movement.2026; 24(1): 85.     CrossRef
• Efficacy of ankle Kinesio taping on balance and functional performance in obese female collegiate students: a prospective randomized placebo-controlled trial
  Nesma M. Allam, Hadaya Mosaad Eladl, Dalia Mahmoud Abdelmonem Elsherbini, Moaz Abulfaraj, Moneer E. Almadani, Ateya Megahed Ibrahim, Mohamed El-Sherbiny, Mohamed A. Eladl, Nermine Nosseir, Reda Jamjoom
  Frontiers in Public Health.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Comparison of Kinesio Taping, Lumbar Belt and Joint Mobilization on Balance and Proprioception in Older Adults with Chronic Ankle Instability
  Heeyong Park, Daihee Kam, Sehun Park, Jaechan Lee, Hanbyul Park, Wonjae Choi
  Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science.2025; 14(4): 574.     CrossRef
• Effects of Virtual Reality on Analgesia in Wound Care and Physical Therapy for Burn Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
  Jiaqi Lou, JiLiang Li, Youfen Fan, Chun Zhang, Neng Huang
  Pain Management Nursing.2024; 25(4): 377.     CrossRef
• Acute effects of kinesiology taping on physical parameters and functional performance in handball players: a double-blinded, randomised placebo-controlled trial
  Eren Arabaci, Ertugrul Deniz Kose, Kubra Okuyucu
  Sport Sciences for Health.2024; 20(4): 1333.     CrossRef
• Functional ankle taping correction on plantar foot ulcer healing in diabetic patients: Randomized controlled trial
  Ahmed Elfahl, Sobhy Aly, Heba Elfeky
  Physiotherapy Practice and Research.2024; : 1.     CrossRef
• Immediate effects of elastic tape application on the foot sole: a randomized controlled trial
  Riyaka Ito, Tatsuya Igawa, Ryunosuke Urata, Shomaru Ito, Kosuke Suzuki, Marino Suzuki, Akira Kubo
  Journal of Physical Therapy Science.2023; 35(7): 497.     CrossRef

Background
In hemodialysis patients, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) levels are affected by particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm or less (PM₁₀). We conducted this study to determine whether there is an association between short- and long-term PM₁₀ exposure and baPWV in apparently healthy adults aged 40 years and older.
Methods
A total of 1,628 subjects who underwent health examinations between 2006 and 2009 were included in the study. On the basis of the day of medical screening, the 1–3-day and 365-day moving averages of PM₁₀ concentrations were used to evaluate the association between short- and long-term exposure to PM₁₀ and high baPWV (≥the third quartile of baPWV, 1,534 cm/s) using logistic regression models. Additional subgroup analyses were conducted according to age, sex, obesity (body mass index ≥25.0 kg/m²), and comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome.
Results
No statistically significant associations were identified between short-term and long-term exposure to PM₁₀ and baPWV in any of the subjects and subgroups. A 10-μg/m³ increase in the 2-day moving average of PM₁₀ exposure was marginally associated with high baPWV in non-obese subjects (odds ratio, 1.059; P=0.058). This association in non-obese subjects was significantly different from that in obese subjects (P=0.038).
Conclusion
This study did not show statistically significant associations between short-term and long-term exposure to PM₁₀ and baPWV in apparently healthy subjects. With short-term exposure to PM₁₀, non-obese subjects showed a marginally unfavorable association with baPWV. Further studies are necessary to validate and elucidate the mechanism underlying the effect of PM₁₀ on baPWV.

Citations

• Association between exposure to air pollution and arterial stiffness in participants with and without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
  Haoyu Zhang, Jinghao Sun, Yinghua Zhang, Keling Xiao, Yang Wang, Jin Si, Yan Li, Lijie Sun, Ting Zhao, Ming Yi, Xi Chu, Jing Li
  Clinical Research in Cardiology.2026; 115(8): 1306.     CrossRef
• Association between air pollutants and arterial stiffness in the general population: A systematic review and meta-analysis
  María José Rodríguez-Sánchez, Alicia Saz-Lara, Iván Cavero-Redondo, María José Díaz Valentín, María José Simón, Rosa María Fuentes Chacón
  Public Health.2025; 249: 106018.     CrossRef
• Long-term exposure to reduced specific-size ambient particulate matter and progression of arterial stiffness among Chinese adults
  Dankang Li, Shouling Wu, Linxi Tang, Shuohua Chen, Feipeng Cui, Yudiyang Ma, Run Liu, Jianing Wang, Yaohua Tian
  Journal of Hazardous Materials.2024; 466: 133482.     CrossRef
• Long-Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Constituents and Vascular Damage in a Population with Metabolic Abnormality in China
  Lijin Lin, Huxiang Huang, Fang Lei, Tao Sun, Ze Chen, Kun Qin, Manyao Li, Yingying Hu, Xuewei Huang, Xingyuan Zhang, Peng Zhang, Xiao-Jing Zhang, Zhi-Gang She, Jingjing Cai, Shujuan Yang, Peng Jia, Hongliang Li
  Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis.2023; 30(11): 1552.     CrossRef

Background
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can progress silently without any clinical symptoms. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is the recommended method used in primary care. We aimed to determine the prevalence of PAD and its related risk factors in primary care.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 250 participants aged ≥45 years were recruited randomly from the registered patients of family health center in a district of Izmir, Turkey. Patients’ demographic data, PAD symptoms, and PAD risk factors were obtained. The PAD group consisted of patients with ABI levels <0.9; the non-compressible artery (NCA) group consisted of patients with ABI levels >1.3.
Results
The prevalence of PAD was 17.6% (22.5% in women and 11.1% in men), while that of NCA was 15.2% (12.7% in women and 25.0% in men). About 27.3% and 54.5% of patients with PAD did not have claudication and problems with walking distance, respectively. Of the NCA patients, 15.8% had problems with walking distance and 39.5% had claudication. Regression analysis revealed two predictors of PAD (age ≥65 years: odds ratio [OR], 3.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65–7.47; claudication: OR, 3.41; 95% CI, 1.58–7.39) and three predictors of NCA (age <65 years: OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.01–6.45; male sex: OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.10–5.25; triglyceride [TG] >200 mg/dL: OR, 4.11; 95% CI, 1.58–10.67).
Conclusion
PAD had a prevalence of 17.6% and was associated with age ≥65 years and claudication. NCA had a prevalence of 15.2% and was associated with age <65 years, TG >200 mg/dL, and male sex.

Citations

• Peripheral Artery Disease Prevalence: Scoping Review with ☸️SAIMSARA
  
  SAIMSARA Journal.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory with Persons with Peripheral Artery Disease: A Mixed Method Study
  Nevra Kalkan, Mevlude Karadağ
  Nursing Science Quarterly.2025; 38(1): 55.     CrossRef
• Predictive Factors of Peripheral Arterial Disease in Home Care Patients
  Halis Yılmaz, Seda Arslan Özkul, Kübra Temel Aslan, Pemra Cöbek Ünalan, Çiğdem Apaydın Kaya
  Konuralp Tıp Dergisi.2024; 16(3): 225.     CrossRef
• Differences in Symptom Presentation in Women and Men with Confirmed Lower Limb Peripheral Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  Cindy P. Porras, Michiel L. Bots, Martin Teraa, Sander van Doorn, Robin W.M. Vernooij
  European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery.2022; 63(4): 602.     CrossRef
• The Frequency of Primary Healthcare Contacts Preceding the Diagnosis of Lower-Extremity Arterial Disease: Do Women Consult General Practice Differently?
  Cindy P. Porras, Martin Teraa, Michiel L. Bots, Annemarijn R. de Boer, Sanne A. E. Peters, Sander van Doorn, Robin W. M. Vernooij
  Journal of Clinical Medicine.2022; 11(13): 3666.     CrossRef
• Ankle-brachial Index and associated factors in individuals with coronary artery disease
  Saulo Henrique Salgueiro de Aquino, Isabelle Tenório Melo, Carlos Dornels Freire de Souza, Francisco de Assis Costa
  Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira.2020; 66(4): 407.     CrossRef

Background
Epidemiological studies suggest that serum calcium levels correlate with cardiovascular events. An ankle-brachial index (ABI) between 0.9 and 1.00 is a surrogate estimation of preclinical peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Prior studies have shown that an ABI of 0.9–1.0 is also associated with endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, we sought to investigate the relationship between serum calcium levels and preclinical PAD in apparently healthy Korean individuals.
Methods
We evaluated the association between serum calcium levels and preclinical PAD in 596 participants (334 males, 262 females) in a health examination program. Preclinical PAD was defined by an ABI of 0.9–1.0. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether the serum calcium level was an independent determinant of preclinical PAD.
Results
The overall prevalence of preclinical PAD was 14.3%. The mean age was 44.0±12.5 years in the non-PAD group and 48.3±11.4 years in the preclinical PAD group (P=0.001). After adjusting for age, gender, systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, g-glutamyltransferase, uric acid, hypertension medication, diabetes medication, and hyperlipidemia medication, the odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) for preclinical PAD was 2.28 (1.02–5.11) with a 1-mg/dL increase in the serum calcium.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that increased serum calcium is independently and positively associated with preclinical PAD regardless of the presence of classic cardiovascular risk factors.

Citations

• Mechanisms of environmental risk factors for autoimmune diseases
  Siddharth Maruvada, Frederick W. Miller
  Autoimmunity Reviews.2026; 25(4): 104012.     CrossRef
• Association of Klotho and FGF23 with cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic older adults with chronic limb-threatening ischemia: a prospective study
  Federico Biscetti, Silvia Giovannini, Roberto Iezzi, Claudia Loreti, Pietro Caliandro, Lorenzo Biscotti, Dario Pitocco, Andrea Flex
  GeroScience.2025; 47(3): 4921.     CrossRef

Citations

• Serum α-linolenic acid, not intake, associates with reduced arterial stiffness assessed by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity: an exploratory post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial
  Nanaka Ando, Naohisa Nosaka, Kazuhiko Kato
  Frontiers in Nutrition.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• The Effects of α-Linolenic Acid Intake on Skin and Blood Vessel Health and Subjective Fatigue in Middle-Aged Japanese Females: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Comparative Trial
  Nanaka Ando, Naohisa Nosaka, Chie Arai, Kazuhiko Kato
  The Journal of Nutrition.2025; 155(10): 3304.     CrossRef
• The Influence of Autonomic Nervous System during Resting State on the Peripheral Pulse Wave Velocity in Young Adult Males
  Zainab Nazar Al-Wahab, Ali Fouad Saleem, Bassam Talib Al-Gailani
  Mustansiriya Medical Journal.2024; 23(1): 34.     CrossRef
• Pulse Wave Velocity: Methodology, Clinical Applications, and Interplay with Heart Rate Variability
  Niklas Pilz, Viktor Heinz, Timon Ax, Leon Fesseler, Andreas Patzak, Tomas Lucca Bothe
  Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity increasing with heart rate accelerates
  Qian Wang, Xinxin Xu, Xue Geng, Haijuan Hu, Wei Cui
  Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Acute psychological stress, autonomic function, and arterial stiffness among women
  Jeongok G. Logan, Bethany A. Teachman, Xiaoyue Liu, Charles R. Farber, Zhenqi Liu, Brian H. Annex
  International Journal of Psychophysiology.2020; 155: 219.     CrossRef
• Pulse rate variability in cardiovascular health: a review on its applications and relationship with heart rate variability
  Elisa Mejía-Mejía, James M May, Robinson Torres, Panayiotis A Kyriacou
  Physiological Measurement.2020; 41(7): 07TR01.     CrossRef
• Fed and fasted states on heart rate variability, hemodynamic heart rate and blood pressure in adults submitted to moderate aerobic exercise
  J.A.L. Rodrigues, A.C. Yamane, T.C.P. Gonçalves, C. Kalva-Filho, M. Papoti, C.R.B. Júnior
  IJC Heart & Vasculature.2019; 23: 100378.     CrossRef
• Complex nonlinear autonomic nervous system modulation link cardiac autonomic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease
  Kinda Khalaf, Herbert F. Jelinek, Caroline Robinson, David J. Cornforth, Mika P. Tarvainen, Hayder Al-Aubaidy
  Frontiers in Physiology.2015;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Noninvasive Technique for the Diagnosis of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Premature Infants by Analyzing Pulse Wave Phases on Photoplethysmography Signals Measured in the Right Hand and the Left Foot
  Sabrina Goudjil, Fatiha Imestouren, Aurelie Armougon, Lucie Razafimanantsoa, Mahdi Mahmoudzadeh, Fabrice Wallois, André Leke, Guy Kongolo, Vincenzo Lionetti
  PLoS ONE.2014; 9(6): e98763.     CrossRef

Background
Elevated plasma homocysteine appears to be causally related to atherosclerosis by inducing both endothelial dysfunction and vascular structure alteration. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, a non invasive means of measuring atherosclerosis, reflects arterial stiffness. In this study, we investigated a association between the plasma homocysteine level and arterial stiffness on Korean adults. Methods: The study group comprised 405 subjects selected from examinees in the Health Promotion Center. Medical history, medication, and life style were recorded through a questionnaire and physical examination was performed on all subjects. We measured glucose tolerance index, lipid profile, inflammatory index, plasma homocysteine level. We studied brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) as a measure of arterial stiffness. Results: 379 subjects were examined all components. Mean ages of 172 of male are 54.5 ± 8.7 years and those of female are 57.2 ± 7.0 years. The baPWV was observed to be positively correlated with age, blood pressure, hs-CRP, and homocysteine in male. In contrast male, age, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose tolerance index, lipid profile except for HDL cholesterol, hs-CRP, and homocysteine were positively correlated with baPWV in female. The baPWV was increased according to the level of plasma homocysteine in male. After controlling for risk factors of cardiovascular disease ,homocysteine was associated with increased baPWV. Conclusion: The results indicate that elevated plasma homocysteine was associated with baPWV in middle-aged male after adjustment to risk factors of cardiovascular disease.

Citations

• Borderline-High Mean Corpuscular Volume Levels Are Associated with Arterial Stiffness among the Apparently Healthy Korean Individuals
  Haneul Kwon, Byoungjin Park
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2020; 41(6): 387.     CrossRef
• Relationship of Serum Homocysteine with Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity in Middle Aged Women
  Byoung-Jin Park, Hye-Yun Chun, Ah-Reum Han, Ji-Ae Lim, Duk-Chul Lee, Jae-Yong Shim, Hye-Ree Lee
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2009; 30(6): 457.     CrossRef

Background
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by a core set of disorders, including abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance and hypertension. Many studies have shown that MetS is associated with increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and related mortality. However, the relationship of MetS with early stage of cardiovascular diseases, which is even more important from a prevention prespective, has not been examined extensively. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is known to predict future cardiovascular events. Thus, we examined the relationship of MetS, defined using the NCEP-ATP III criteria, with baPWV. Methods: We examined a total of 400 participants who did not have a past history of either coronary heart disease or peripheral vascular disease. All subjects underwent physical examination, blood chemistry, and baPWV. Results: Compared with subjects without MetS, subjects with MetS had increased age, body mass index (BMI), and ALT. Mean value of baPWV (adjusted for age, BMI, and blood pressure) was significantly higher in subjects with MetS (P=0.002). The baPWV was positively correlated with age, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in subjects with MetS. In group without MetS, the baPWV was associated with age, waist circumference, blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood sugar, AST, ALT, homocysteine, CRP, and ferritin. The mean values of baPWV with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 components of MetS were 1,362.3⁑182.2 cm/s, 1,531.3⁑267.0 cm/s, 1,694.1⁑315.8 cm/s, 1,777.0⁑334.0 cm/s, 2,087.7⁑192.3 cm/s, respectively. Conclusion: In this study, the MetS was associated with the risk for increased baPWV. (J Korean Acad Fam Med 2007;28:271-277)

Background
: Increased abdominal obesity is clearly associated with metabolic diseases and associated with increased risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. But the mechanisms underlying these associations are not completely understood. The aim of this study was to correlate the regional body composition with pulse wave velocity in the overweight and obese women.

Methods : We investigated 104 overweight and obese participants. Regional body composition was distinguished by anthropometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and computed tomography (CT). For estimates of arterial stiffness, we measured brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Fasting blood glucose, lipid parameters, CRP, and free fatty acid were measured. Pearson's correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were conducted to identify the relationship between baPWV and regional body composition.

Results : Average age, fasting blood sugar, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, HOMA-IR, abdominal visceral fat area measured by CT, visceral fat area/ subcutaneous fat area (VSR), and visceral fat area/midthigh muscle area (VMR) were all significantly higher in the visceral obesity group than the subcutaneous obesity group. BaPWV was positively correlated with age, blood pressure, triglyceride, waist circumference, waist hip ratio, abdominal visceral fat area measured by CT, and VSR and inversely correlated with thigh subcutaneous fat area. In multiple regression models, after adjustment for confounding factors, baPWV was independently correlated with abdominal visceral fat area measured by CT (R²=0.560, P=0.006).

Conclusion : Abdominal visceral fat area measured by CT was the only measurement positively associated with baPWV which explains the relationship of regional body composition and arterial stiffness.