Prefabricated orthoses from Pittsville, MD-based Foot Management can help improve postural stability in patients with functional ankle instability, according to research from Indiana University.
Investigators analyzed 40 patients with FAI, 20 of whom wore over the counter Foot Management insoles for two weeks. Postural stability was assessed while patients stood on a force plate with hands on hips and eyes closed. Testing was done at baseline, immediately after patients received the insoles, and again after a two-week accommodation period during which orthosis wear was increased by one hour per day.
The researchers saw no significant difference in postural stability when the orthoses were first applied, but after the two week accommodation period they found a statistically significant improvement from baseline.
“This type of orthosis is both inexpensive and easy to use for any clinician,” said Chris Hamlyn, ATC, a graduate student in the department of kinesiology at Indiana University in Bloomington, who presented his group’s findings in July at the annual meeting of the National Athletic Trainers Association.
