Lower Extremity Review
A new technology, the load cell, can be used to assess rollover characteristics of prosthetic feet in a variety of walking environments. Load cell analysis can help identify premature foot-flat and dead spots and determine the effects of energy storage and return designs on amputee gait.
By Edward S. Neumann, PhD, PE, CP, FAAOP; Justin Brink, MSE, EI; Kartheek Yalamanchili, MSE, EI; and Joon S. Lee, PhD
As researchers explore the possibility that idiopathic toe walking has an underlying neurologic cause, clinicians continue to refine treatment strategies to keep ITW patients off their toes. Orthotic devices play a key role, with lower-profile devices growing in popularity.
By Emily Delzell
Inconsistent findings from laboratory studies have made it difficult to determine which gait alterations are specific to diabetic peripheral neuropathy and which also affect diabetic patients without neuropathy. Body-worn sensor technology may help clarify the distinctions.
By Tahir Khan, DPM, and Ron Guberman, DPM, DABPS
Experts still disagree about whether stretching prior to athletic activity can prevent injury and, if so, whether those benefits offset any negative performance effects. But they do tend to agree that some form of stretching is probably a good idea for most athletes.
By Cary Groner
Dose-response research refutes the common perception that increasing brace wear time leads to muscle atrophy in patients with knee osteoarthritis. In fact, longer bracing duration appears to improve hamstring strength as well as increasing patients’ physical activity levels.
By Cheryl L. Hubley-Kozey, PhD, and Gillian Hatfield Murdock, PT, MSc
Orthopedic Physical Therapy Products has released the updated second edition of Foam Roller Techniques. The edition offers full-color images, new anatomical diagrams, 47 pages of descriptive instructions, and clear photo demonstrations of self-massage techniques for...
The REL-K (Rizzoli Electronic Knee), distributed by Fillauer, is the latest generation of microprocessor knees, giving patients who have undergone amputation the ability to easily navigate their environment. With six modes of control, patients can walk, run, negotiate...
TheraFlix.com’s exercise prescription software provides patients and providers with an online library of physical therapy exercise videos. Each exercise is featured in a high-definition video, still image, and full-text description with verbal cueing. Exercises can be...
Arcopédico’s Portuguese-made women’s shoes are designed for frequent travelers. The anatomically designed shoes have arch-supporting soles and nonbinding uppers and are engineered for comfort. The lightweight, packable shoes have moisture-wicking and antimicrobial...
Therapy Motions’ second-generation eVO System is a stationary, motorized dual-motion therapy cycle with reciprocating handlebars and foot pedals that are interlinked to provide coordinated movement. Its motion provides simultaneous physical and rehabilitative therapy...
Spenco Medical introduces the PolySorb ProForm, an insole that provides cushion and support for tight-fitting shoes. The ProForm, an ultra-thin insert, is designed to provide comfort in shoe styles that typically do not have room for an insole. Its four-way stretch...
MedEfficiency has released an improved TCC-EZ Boot for diabetic foot ulcer healing. The updated TCC-EZ Boot, designed for use with the TCC-EZ Total Contact Cast System, features a Velcro closure, side paddles that grip the TCC-EZ cast, and a new sole tread design that...
Insightful Products’ new Step-Smart brace for foot drop pushes the foot into gentle dorsiflexion during swing phase and then decelerates the foot during heel strike. The brace is designed to provide correct timing of shock absorption and the appropriate level of...
Össur’s Re-Flex Rotate with energy vector optimization is a durable high performance foot that provides both vertical and rotational shock absorption as well as smoother rollover for increased stability in stance. The combination is appropriate for very active or...
Euro International introduces a new therapeutic shoe line, and now offers an assortment of surgical and foot-relief shoes, including the Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, Merkur, Uranus, and Neptune models. The new line features high-quality craftsmanship and material...
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