Category Archives: Special Section
June 2018
Gender Matters in Achieving Functional Performance
How many practice trials are needed to achieve functional performance in static and dynamic balance and hopping tests among those with chronic ankle instability (CAI)? That was the question Jordan Read, a student at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, and colleagues looked to answer in his poster, Recommended Number of Trials for Balance and Hopping Tests between Male and Female CAI.1 Continue reading
June 2018
The Effects of TT, FRT, and KT on Joint Angles and YBT Performance
Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a common issue in the athletic population. Although there are many prophylactic taping methods used to prevent repetitive ankle sprains, the effects of these taping methods in dynamic postural control are not clearly understood. Continue reading
June 2018
The Effect of CAI on Landing/Cutting Lower-Extremity Kinematics, EMG, and GRF
In the poster, Altered Movement Neuromechanics during Jump Landing and Cutting in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability,3 Hyunsoo Kim, assistant professor of the Department of Kinesiology, West Chester University, West Chester, PA, and colleagues looked at altered movement pattern in patients with CAI to examine biomechanical factors for CAI. Continue reading
June 2018
Influence of TT, FRT, and KT on Joint Angles of Lower Extremity
Even though there have been numerous studies regarding prophylactic ankle taping, the way to control the increased mechanical laxity associated with their condition during dynamic activity is not clear. To investigate the effects of traditional tape (TT), fibular repositioning tape (FRT), and kinesiology tape (KT) on joint angles of the lower extremity, Songah Chae, a student in the Department of Movement Sciences at the University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, led a research team on the study, Influence of Prophylactic Ankle Tapes on Lower Extremity Kinematics during Stop-jump in Chronic Ankle Instability.4 Continue reading
June 2018
Identifying CAI Through Specific Movement Patterns
Looking to identify specific movement strategies and describe lower extremity stiffness of the subgroups of patients with CAI compared to an uninjured control group, J. Ty Hopkins, PhD, professor of human performance research center at Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, examined 200 CAI participants (109 male) and 100 controls (54 male). Continue reading
A lower body approach to lumbar pain in pitchers
By Jill R. Dorson What do gators, windmills, and lawnmowers all have in common? All three are nicknames for exercises that incorporate strengthening or stretching of muscles in both the lower back and the lower extremities. And all three are … Continue reading
July 2017
Gaps remain in literature on insoles and back pain
When it comes to the evidence-based use of foot orthoses to manage low back pain, clinicians and researchers point to a need for more comparisons of therapeutic devices and sham devices. Conducting such studies, however, is sometimes easier said than done.
By Larry Hand Continue reading
July 2017
Scoliosis bracing: Potential effects on gait and balance
Idiopathic scoliosis, most common in adolescent girls, is marked by a single or double spinal curve, hip and shoulder asymmetry, and pelvic obliquity (or limb-length discrepancy). These structural issues can be associated with biomechanical issues that include postural instability…
By Barbara Boughton Continue reading
July 2017
A lower body approach to lumbar pain in pitchers
What do gators, windmills, and lawnmowers all have in common? All three are nicknames for exercises that incorporate strengthening or stretching of muscles in both the lower back and the lower extremities. And all three are examples of tools baseball pitchers can…
By Jill R. Dorson Continue reading
June 2017
ANKLE FOOT ORTHOSES: Efforts to optimize outcomes focus on stiffness, alignment
Given the heterogeneity of many patient populations for whom ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are indicated, it’s not surprising that AFO experts are at the forefront of the current trend favoring customization of devices to meet individual patient needs. Research presented in May at the 2017 International Society of Prosthetics & Orthotics (ISPO) World Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, illustrated some of the many ways AFO stiffness and alignment can be optimized in the interest of patient-centric care. Continue reading
June 2017
NONMECHANICAL EFFECTS: Sleeves showcase softer side of knee pain management
Less may be more when it comes to knee bracing in some patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and patellofemoral pain (PFP), according to studies of soft knee braces presented in May at the 2017 ISPO World Congress in Cape Town, South Africa. Continue reading
June 2017
DIABETIC FOOTWEAR: Scientific approach to insole design helps reduce pressure
A scientific approach to insole design can help reduce plantar pressures associated with diabetic footwear, in turn reducing the risk of plantar ulcerations, according to research presented in May at the 2017 ISPO World Congress in Cape Town, South Africa. Continue reading
June 2017
OSTEOARTHRITIS: Studies explore mechanisms for distal knee OA therapies
Studies presented in May at the 2017 ISPO World Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, added to knee experts’ understanding of the mechanisms underlying distal interventions to reduce pain and joint loading in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis (OA). Continue reading
June 2017
INSOLE MODELING: Computer analysis facilitates foot orthosis development
Computer modeling is facilitating advances in insole development for patients with diabetic neuropathy and rheumatoid arthritis, according to data presented in May at the 2017 ISPO World Congress in Cape Town, South Africa. Continue reading
April 2017
Sports injury prevention experts revisit risk factors and advocate for adherence
Despite strides, gaps between lab and practice remain
It’s an exciting time for clinicians involved in preventing sports injuries. Increasing numbers of studies are identifying risk factors associated with specific injuries and documenting the effectiveness of preventive interventions for reducing injury rates. Continue reading
April 2017
Online counseling helps reduce injuries in highly specialized youth athletes
Early single-sport specialization in youth athletes is associated with increased risk of reinjury in addition to primary injury, but online counseling can help to reduce those risks, according to two studies from Atlanta presented at the IOC World Conference on Prevention of Injury and Illness in Sport, held in Monaco in March. Continue reading
April 2017
Proximal and distal factors may affect 5th met fracture risk in soccer players
Clinicians looking to prevent fifth metatarsal fractures (Jones fractures) in soccer players may want to consider proximal as well as distal factors, according to studies from two separate Japanese research groups presented at the IOC World Conference on Prevention of Injury and Illness in Sport, held in Monaco in March. Continue reading
April 2017
By itself, zero drop in a running shoe does not translate to barefoot-like gait
A zero drop is not enough to notably alter the biomechanics of running in a cushioned shoe but may affect injury risk in some runners, according to research from Luxembourg presented at the IOC World Conference on Prevention of Injury and Illness in Sport, held in Monaco in March. Continue reading
April 2017
Landing biomechanics may contribute to ankle sprain in basketball, volleyball
Two studies presented at the IOC World Conference on Prevention of Injury and Illness in Sport, held in Monaco in March, shed light on the complex ways in which aspects of landing contribute to risk of ankle sprain in volleyball and basketball—both sports in which ankle sprains often occur when one player lands on another’s foot. Continue reading
June 2016
Region-specific foot pain doesn’t always match pressures, forces
Gait compensation may play role – The location of foot pain doesn’t always correspond with elevated plantar pressures and abnormal forces, which suggests the availability of region-specific compensatory gait mechanisms may play a role, according to recent research using Framingham Foot Study data.
By Emily Delzell Continue reading
June 2016
Samuel Hubbard Free
With the Un-Sneaker collection, Samuel Hubbard set out to make an “everyday shoe” for people with an active lifestyle. With soft upper materials, full glove-leather linings, a one-piece vamp, hidden padded collar, removable memory-foam… Continue reading
June 2016
Revere Santa Monica
The Santa Monica for women from revere Comfort Shoes features a stylish V front, a back strap, metal trim detail, and forefoot and rearfoot adjustability to provide a personalized fit. The sandal’s design also features a removable comfort insert, with enough… Continue reading
June 2016
Mephisto Jissy
The Jissy from Mephisto is a casual sandal with a stylish profile. Like all Mobils by Mephisto comfort footwear, it features all-over cushioning between the lining and the upper to pillow the feet, along with soft-air technology in the midsole to minimize shock. Continue reading
June 2016
Gem Caballo from Vionic
Vionic introduces a new silhouette. The Gem Caballo flat for women features a pointed toe with an envelope vamp detail, along with a removable footbed and stylish uppers made of suede, snake-printed leather, or haircalf. Continue reading
June 2016
Drew Tuscany
The Tuscany athleisure shoe for women offers a new, sparkling look from Drew. Tuscany shoes are walking shoes with added depth that can accommodate prescribed foot orthoses. Continue reading
