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Cover Story
As slacklining’s popularity grows, researchers have begun to uncover physiological and neurological evidence for how and why the activity may be beneficial to people with balance, strength, and mobility issues.
By Brigid Elsken Galloway
Editor Message
A person’s testimony doesn’t always agree with objective evidence—that’s why some defense attorneys won’t allow their clients to take the stand during a trial, even in their own defense. Similarly, as most clinicians know, patient-reported outcomes aren’t always consistent with objective measures of function.
By Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor
CONFERENCE COVERAGE:
2017 ISPO World Conference
Next Level Thinking in O&P:Cape Town, South Africa, isn’t easy to get to from most first-world countries. But the experts who gathered there in May for the biennial International Society for Prosthetics & Orthotics World Congress aren’t known for taking the easiest path to effective patient care. Research presented at this year’s congress, and the related discussions among attendees that followed, illustrate the many ways specialists from around the world are reexamining traditional interventions to give O&P device users even greater mobility, functionality, and satisfaction.
All articles by Jordana Bieze Foster
Departments
The latest paper to challenge biomechanics-based foot orthotic management concepts developed decades ago has revitalized a long-running discussion among foot specialists about how to define normal structure and function and which assessments should be used in prescribing foot orthoses.
By Cary Groner
Although there may be benefits to a change in running footwear, there are also risks associated with a switch to minimalist running shoes. Alterations in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics associated with transitioning to minimalist footwear are likely to be unique to each runner.
By J. Todd Walker, MD; Donna Moxley Scarborough, PT, MS; Eric M. Berkson, ...
Aging and a number of medical conditions can lead to atrophy of the fat pads under the heel and forefoot, which often causes considerable pain. Cushioned footwear and orthoses are mainstays of treatment, but research also supports the use of fat grafting in recalcitrant cases.
By Barbara Boughton
News
In the Moment: Sports Medicine
By Jordana Bieze Foster
Several studies presented in early June at the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) annual meeting in Denver add to the growing body of research suggesting some biomechanical deficits linger for a year after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), even in athletes who have been cleared to return to sports.
Sensory feedback research from Colorado appears to challenge the popular belief that barefoot runners tend to adopt a forefoot-strike pattern to avoid the discomfort of landing on an unprotected heel.
A study of National Hockey League (NHL) injuries adds to the evidence suggesting concussion significantly increases the risk of lower body injury in athletes, and vice-versa.
In the Moment: Geriatrics
By Jordana Bieze Foster
The multiple factors that contribute to the risk of falls in older adults present a complicated clinical puzzle, but researchers are making progress on putting some of those pieces together, as evidenced by several studies presented in late May and early June at the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) annual meeting in Denver.
Ankle proprioception peaks in young adulthood, and in elderly individuals—even the healthiest—declines to levels similar to those of adolescents, according to research presented in early June at the American College of Sports Medicine annual meeting in Denver.
Use of carbon-fiber ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) assists with propulsion in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) without compromising calf muscle integrity, according to research from the University of Montana in Missoula.
Market Mechanics
By Emily Delzell
Products
Tekscan presents Strideway, a next-generation walkway for human gait analysis. This new modular pressure measurement platform provides kinetic, temporal, and spatial gait parameters, as well as pressure and force measurements for a comprehensive gait analysis.
Swede-O Thermal Vent ROM Open Wrap Hinged Knee Brace combines range of motion (ROM) control, medial and lateral stability, and compressive support for mild to moderate knee instabilities. Easy to use ROM hinges help provide medial and lateral knee stability, and have flexion and…
The BRD Sport Plantar Fasciitis Brace, which provides compression and stability for those suffering from plantar fasciitis, is now easier for patients to put on. The sock-like design allows the brace to slip easily onto the foot, and the 3D knit structure now is looser in certain areas to…
Sigvaris Performance Sleeves are now available in the US market in three dynamic new shades: steel blue, blood orange, and limeade. Featuring 20-30 mm Hg of medical-grade graduated compression, the calf sleeves are designed to help improve circulation and reduce muscle…
Footbeat is an insole-based wearable technology featuring a small embedded engine that promotes circulation by applying precise, cyclic pressure to the arch. This system acts as a “heart,” reproducing the circulatory benefits of walking even when the user is at rest, which can help revitalize…
Designer Protein’s Organic Pro 30 plant-based performance protein powder is formulated to aid postworkout recovery and soothe sore legs. Organic Pro 30 is packed with 30 g of organic, vegan protein per serving, including non-GMO pea protein and organic sprouted rice protein.
Vim & Vigr offers a line of stylish, high-quality compression socks for men and women. Developed in partnership with vascular surgeons and vein clinics, the compression socks are engineered to help energize the legs, prevent swelling, alleviate fatigue, speed muscle…
Insite Insoles offers the Fusion Elite Insole, with a semiflex shell. Its composite shell material is strong but more flexible than the carbon fiber shell of the company’s Carbon Pro insole. It features two layers of foam materials—one to decelerate force and another to transfer energy…
Amerx Health Care has unveiled the Extremit-Ease Compression Garment for reducing lower leg edema. Extremit-Ease easy-to-use, adjustable wrap that provides 30-50 mm Hg of compression. A zipper and bungee cords with large tabs make application and adjustment of the…
Inspired by the success of its Biofreeze cold therapy product for topical pain relief, Performance Health introduces Biofreeze Professional, which optimizes key ingredients in the original Biofreeze formula for a longer-lasting experience that is only available through healthcare professionals.
