Lower Extremity Review
So now we know more about Oscar Pistorius’ body than any of us does about our own. Courtesy of the Journal of Applied Physiology and a dream team of scientists, we know his metabolic cost of running, his sprinting endurance, his swing times, his stance-average vertical ground reaction forces. We know how each of those variables stacks up against those of elite non-amputee runners.
By Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor
Obese and overweight patients have a lot to lose: their cartilage, their muscle tone, their quality of life, their limbs. Few patient populations have more to gain from orthotic and prosthetic therapy. But no other group of patients poses a bigger clinical challenge.
By Cary Groner
Research suggests that plantar pressure measurement can help practitioners pinpoint problematic areas, compare different orthotic devices, and improve consistency in fabrication.
By Georgeanne Botek, DPM, and Tammy M. Owings, DEng.
The medical literature doesn’t yet have all the answers regarding orthotic management of stroke, but don’t discount the existing body of evidence. It could—and should—change the way you practice.
By Stefania Fatone, PhD, BPO(Hons)
A stress fracture in even the smallest metatarsal bone can be a big problem, particularly for an athlete. Research suggests that male gender, athletic task, foot type, and shoe design may all contribute to loading on the lateral aspect of the forefoot, increasing injury risk.
By Robin M. Queen, PhD, and James A. Nunley II, MD
Balance intervention programs improve postural stability, which reduces ankle sprain risk. By reducing injury recurrence, balance training reduces the risk of chronic ankle instability, and in turn the risk of ankle osteoarthritis.
By Erik A. Wikstrom, PhD, ATC, and Mitchell L. Cordova, PhD, ATC
The optimal arch height for a patient with functional flat foot may depend on the goals of orthotic management. Studies suggest that arch height directly affects excessive motion, but that controlling dynamic balance may require a more tailored approach.
By Stephen D. Perry, PhD, E. Anne Cunningham, Msc, CPed, and Kelly M. Goodwin, BSc
Amputee runners hit the lab
Plus: Gait, work and AFOs • Morton’s extension
Seeking a fatigue-injury link
Plus: Baseball sliding strategies • Detraining and ankle injury
Kids’ loads shift underfoot
Plus: High heels and knee OA • Children and flip-flops
Horseshoe shape is luckiest for hips In a study comparing hip protector products, Hipsaver's 16 mm thick continuous pad provided the greatest reduction in peak force to the hip, but the SafeHip 16 mm horseshoe-shaped pad most effectively deflected force away from the...
Obesity is a big problem, one that seems to just keep getting bigger.
by Jordana Bieze Foster
From weight loss to exercise to lever arms, effective early interventions can stave off surgery.
By Monica R. Maly, PT, PhD
The optimal immobilization angle for Achilles tendon healing may be smaller than previously thought.
By Walter H. Wray III, MD, Conor Regan, MD, Sagar Patel, BS, Ryan May, BS, and Selene G. Parekh, MD, MBA
How a Nashville intervention program decreased amputation rates by 40% over a five year period.
By Mark Hinkes, DPM
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