subject: Of The 128 Hikers Christian Louboutin [print this page] To determine the prevalence and predictors of injury and illness among long-distance hikers. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of long-distance hikers (> 500 miles [805 km]) along the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trails between August and October of 2006. An 8-page survey instrument was made available to hikers at a designated station near the northern terminus of the respective trails. christian louboutin The survey questions were yes/no or multiple choice. Independent variables included packweight, footwear, and type and frequency of water purification. chi(2) tests to compare categorical data and the Cochran-Armitage test for trend were used (P < .05 significant). Christian Louboutin Pumps> We used logistic regression to compare the variables concurrently, and significance was determined using likelihood ratio tests. Profile likelihood confidence intervals for the odds ratios are reported. RESULTS: Of the 128 hikers completing surveys that met inclusion criteria, the mean age was 33 years (range = 18-65 years), 94% walked >1500 miles (2400 km), and 70% were male. Using univariate analysis, trends were noted in the proportion of hikers reporting paresthesias and increasing packweight (35% with 10-20 pound [4.5-9 kg] packs, 50% with 21-30 pound [9.5-13.5 kg] packs, and 69% with >31 pound [14 kg] packs [P < .002]), as well as in the proportion of hikers reporting paresthesias and increasing footwear rigidity (29% sandals, 36% running shoes, 42% hiking shoes, and 68% hiking boots [P < .001]). Christian Shoes sale In multivariate analysis compared to sandals, the odds ratio of suffering from paresthesias with running shoes was 1.57 (95% CI 0.3, 12.2), hiking shoes 1.73 (95% CI 0.3, 13.9), louboutin shoes and hiking boots 3.9 (95% CI 0.7, 32.1) (P = .16). Compared to 10 to 20 pound (4.5-9 kg) packs, the odds ratios of suffering from paresthesias with 21 to 30 pound (9.5-13.5 kg) packs was 1.5 (95% CI 0.6, 3.9), and for > 31 pounds (14 kg) was 2.2 (CI 0.7, 7.1) (P = .03).
