Lower Extremity Review
In this original investigation, researchers analyzed the biomechanical effects of a foot orthosis in patients with flexible flat foot during walking and the extent to which those functional effects are consistent with proposed theories about the device’s mechanism of action.
By Bruce Elliott, PT, DPT, COMT, and Juan Garbalosa, PhD, PT
Studies presented at the Patellofemoral Pain Research Retreat in Manchester, UK, illustrate the progress researchers are making toward the ultimate goal of being able to tailor exercise protocols and other interventions to best address the needs of specific patient subgroups.
By Jordana Bieze Foster
High degrees of rotational traction associated with athletic footwear can increase the risk of noncontact lower extremity injury following an unexpected neuromuscular perturbation, possibly by increasing biomechanical joint loading at the ankle and knee.
By John W. Wannop, PhD; Ryan Madden, MSc; and Darren J. Stefanyshyn, PhD, PEng
Although the medical literature has not yet provided definitive evidence of effectiveness, a number of existing studies suggest that yoga interventions are associated with improved physical and mental health outcomes among adults with knee osteoarthritis.
By Monica R. Maly, PT, PhD
Hemostatic activation following a marathon is lower in athletes who run with compression socks than those who run with typical athletic socks, suggesting the garments may help reduce the risk of postexercise clot formation in athletes who travel to events.
By Amanda Zaleski, MS; and Beth Taylor, PhD
Researchers at the University of Delaware in Newark are using a new ultrasound-based technique to better understand the effects of rehabilitation on the Achilles tendon, which could help optimize rehab protocols to improve long-term function.
By Cary Groner
A meniscal injury gave one practitioner new insight into the patient experience and renewed his belief that healing isn’t just about what happens physically.
By Cary Groner
Although milder than the spasticity-induced cases of equinus, limited ankle dorsiflexion in the non-neurological population is increasingly recognized as a source of excessive strain throughout the foot and a factor in the pathogenesis of many foot conditions.
By Nicholas V. DiMassa and Jeffrey M. Whitaker DPM, FACFAS
Recent analyses cautiously recommend the short-term adjunctive use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for diabetic foot ulcer healing under certain conditions, but in the absence of high-quality clinical trials, experts continue to debate the controversial therapy’s benefits.
By Hank Black
Using muscle function symmetry as an indicator of patient progress after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction can provide insight about potential targets for intervention to improve movement quality, functional performance, and patient outcomes.
By Christopher Kuenze, PhD, ATC; and Adam Kelly, MS, ATC
Given that existing therapies for intermittent claudication are not appropriate for all patients, researchers are working to develop new therapies focused on improving patients’ ability to compensate for a vascular occlusion by expanding collateral artery pathways.
By Steven J. Miller, PhD; A. George Akingba, MD, PhD; and Joseph L. Unthank, PhD
A number of amputees, many inspired by the expert care they received after losing a limb, have been motivated to pursue careers in prosthetics, where they can provide patients with a unique and personal perspective. Four of these practitioners shared their stories with.
By P.K. Daniel
Multiple studies indicate that poor movement, as assessed using the Functional Movement Screen, and past history of injury are risk factors for future injury, and a recent investigation suggests that risk is…
By MAJ Michael Garrison, PT, DSc, OCS, SCS; and MAJ Richard Westrick, PT, DSc, OCS, SCS
Kinematic and kinetic alterations in the lower extremities that researchers have observed during the course of a prolonged run may provide clinically relevant insights into patellofemoral pain and other conditions associated with a gradual onset of symptoms during exercise.
By Lauren Benson, MS; and Kristian O’Connor, PhD
Along with technical issues related to muscle weakness, fatigue, and pain, the challenges of managing this heterogeneous population include patients’ emotional response to the idea of needing an orthotic device for a disability they thought they had overcome.
By Larry Hand
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