The ability to achieve a 90° squat appears to have important functional implications for patients rehabilitating from total knee arthroplasty. However, detecting impairment may require more rigorous methods than conventional sit-to-stand testing. By Mark D. Rossi, PhD, PT, CSCS, and Denis Brunt, EdD, PT

Mark Cuban, the brash billionaire owner of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Dallas Mavericks, has pledged $100,000 to fund a study to determine if biomechanical analysis can distinguish legitimate falls during a basketball game from “flops.” The perfectionist in me really likes this idea. But the pragmatist in me wonders whether there might be better ...

Learned disuse of the affected limb can lead to weight-bearing asymmetries in patients with stroke-related hemiparesis. Compelled body-weight shift therapy, using shoe inserts to force loading of the affected limb, can help patients achieve a more symmetrical gait. By Alexander S. Aruin, PhD

Although the technique is still in its infancy, early research suggests gait retraining can be used to address medial collapse, primarily in runners with patello­femoral pain (PFP) syndrome, and to reduce impact loading in runners with PFP or tibial stress fracture. By Ashlin Miller, BS, and Richard W. Willy, PhD, PT, OCS

Practitioners and researchers are redefining rocking and rolling as key components of gait, and designing ankle foot orthoses and other orthotic and prosthetic devices to specifically address impairments in the way certain patients rock and roll. By Cary Groner

Documenting how shock propagates through the leg and is attenuated by the soft tissues appears to be a critical step toward advancing practitioners’ and researchers’ understanding of lower extremity injury mechanisms related to running and landing activities. By Timothy A. Burkhart, PhD, EIT, Alison Schinkel-Ivy, MHK, and David M. Andrews, PhD

Given the limitations of pharmacotherapy options for treating painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, practitioners are also considering the merits of cognitive therapy, orthotic management, and combination therapies to relieve patients’ pain. By Larry Hand

The biomechanical differences between barefoot running and running in minimalist shoes appear to amount to more than just a matter of time.

Changes in landing mechanics that are intended to decrease risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury may also inadvertently decrease jumping performance in athletes, according to research presented in late May at the annual ACSM meeting.

One to five years after partial medial meniscectomy, young adults demonstrate kinetic alterations associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA), according to research presented in late May at the annual ACSM meeting.

The Center for Orthotics Design (COD) offers the COD Self-aligning Ankle Joint, which allows for conversion of a rigid ankle foot orthosis (AFO) to an articulated AFO. The ankle joint allows four-way adjustments and continually variable range of motion in ...

Pro-Tech Orthopedics introduces the Dictus, an ultralight device for patients with foot drop. It can be used in standard shoes, with no need for special depths or widths to accommodate the device. A version for barefoot use is also available. ...

Nufoot indoor shoes are designed to meet a variety of needs. Uses include yoga, Pilates, at the gym, in the pool, and other indoor activities. Made with antimicrobial materials from a patented design, the new Nufoot indoor shoes are skid-resistant, ...

WillowWood announces the Omega Scanner 3D, its newest shape capture device. The Omega Scanner 3D uses structured light to create a 3D image. When the light hits an object the pattern deforms and is then measured by the scanner at ...

Powerstep’s new Signature Leather Orthotics are functionally correct orthoses for management of plantar fasciitis, overpronation, metatarsal pain, heel pain, arch discomfort, or sore, aching feet. Product features include natural, distressed leather that softens and conforms to the contours of the ...

DM Systems introduces Heelift Glide, the most recent addition to its family of heel offloading boots that redistribute pressure to promote healing and prevent the development of new heel pressure ulcers. A smooth exterior allows patients to move without catching ...

The Tetra Corporation announces Clean Sweep, a new antimicrobial shoe spray designed to conveniently eliminate 99.9% of odor causing bacteria and fungi on contact. Clean Sweep is hypoallergenic and nontoxic, and it contains no artificial color or fragrance. It targets ...

KidZerts has released a new product, the KidZerts Heel Cup, to relieve children’s heel pain and discomfort associated with Sever disease. Each heel cup is made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) semifirm foam rubber, and is contoured to comfortably hold ...

Therawheel is a self-use roller with more than 150 different applications. It rolls, glides, and compresses soft tissue (ligaments, tendons, muscles, and fascia) in any direction. Thera­wheel provides targeted pressure for detecting and reducing soft tissue restrictions. The thinner part ...

The Kickstart orthosis from Cadence Biomedical is a wearable device that helps stroke survivors and others with weakened muscles or disabilities regain mobility and independence. The new, diagnostic version of Kickstart allows practitioners to try the device and see its ...