Despite published evidence that bracing and targeted exercises can prevent ankle injuries in high school basketball players, surprisingly few teams have adopted these practices. Barriers to implementation include a lack of awareness and expertise as well as time and money. By P.K. Daniel

Those responsible for high school athletes—coaches, athletic directors, district superintendents—would like us to believe the safety of those athletes is a priority. Unfortunately, the facts suggest otherwise. Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor

To sustain is to endure. Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a considerable worldwide health concern, as it greatly impacts an individual’s quality of life, general health, and societal role participation. By John Nyland, DPT, SCS, EdD, ATC, CSCS, FACSM, David N.M. Caborn, MD, and Roland Jakob, MD

Adding four functional tests to the preparticipation physical evaluations performed in student athletes may allow clinicians to identify individuals at risk for lower extremity musculoskeletal injury and implement preventive interventions to maximize safe­ty in sports participation. By Alexis Meister, BS, ATC; Dustin Grooms, MEd, ATC, CSCS; Cambrie Starkel, MS; and James Onate, PhD, ATC, FNATA

Existing data suggest bariatric surgery-induced weight loss can lead to rapid improvements in gait and physical function. The surgery may also help to address factors associated with knee osteoarthritis, which itself can affect mobility and function in obese patients. By Andrew W. Froehle, PhD, Neal Dollin, MS, Richard T. Laughlin, MD, Donovan D. Teel II, MD, ...

Because power in baseball pitchers is generated from the feet through the core to the throwing arm, the study of stride length and its impact on pitching performance may help define an optimum technique that better protects pitchers from upper extremity injuries. By Ryan L. Crotin, PhD, and Dan K. Ramsey, PhD

The body of research that has evaluated running shoe prescription and injury suggests the most important factors to consider when selecting a running shoe are that it fits the foot perfectly and that the midsole is comfortable and appropriate for the individual athlete’s running style. By Thomas C. Michaud, DC

Chronic stroke patients who can walk independently but retain gait deficits experience greater gains in both walking speed and quality with an overground walking intervention than with body-weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT), according to results of a pilot study epublished by Clinical Rehabilitation in February.

Orthotists report time and a lack of access to 3D motion analysis as barriers to tuning ankle foot orthosis–footwear combinations (AFO-FC), findings that demonstrate a need for better instruction and simplification of the practice, according to investigators who conducted a survey of UK clinicians.

A home exercise program produced modest improvements in physical function in patients who had already completed standard rehabilitation after hip fracture, according to a study published on February 19 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The best time to address fear of reinjury in athletes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction may be between three and six months after surgery, according to research from the University of Florida presented in February at the annual Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association in Las Vegas.

Postural sway complexity can differentiate healthy young athletes from those who are still experiencing symptoms more than six weeks after suffering a concussion, while the standard sideline test for postconcussion postural stability cannot, according to research from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital presented in February at the annual Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Shortening step length and switching foot strike pattern both effectively decrease patello­femoral joint loading during running, according to research from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC, presented in February at the annual Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Tactile Medical (formerly Tactile Systems Technology) has launched ACTitouch Adaptive Compression Therapy, which combines intermittent and sustained compression in one device to heal chronic venous leg ulcers.

Ottobock announces the Harmony E2 electronic vacuum pump option for the Harmony Volume Management System. Connected to the prosthesis by a four-hole adapter plate, the E2 can be easily removed for charging, weight reduction…

Sigvaris introduces its most luxurious line of graduated compression socks made from natural fibers. The Zurich Collection features two exclusive socks crafted from some of the world’s finest materials and designed to relieve tired…

ComfortFit Orthotic Labs has added custom shoes to its growing line of foot care products. The company now offers four styles of custom shoes for men: the Hiker chukka boot, the Work Force high-top boot, the Casual Dress low-top oxford…

Apex Foot Health & Wellness, a division of Aetrex Worldwide, announces the launch of the Apex T2000. This new addition to the Stretchables Collection is designed to limit stress in the areas of the foot that are most susceptible to pain.

The PediFix Footcare Company introduces FungaFiles for treating warts and fungal nails. FungaFiles are the first disposable debridement files for patient use between office visits. Disposing of the files after use helps prevent reinfection…

Powerstep’s ComfortLast Cushioning Insoles combine shock-absorbing gel technology and slow-recovery foam for maximum comfort. Full-length, total contact ComfortLast insoles are intended for patients with plantar fasciitis, heel pain…

Becker Orthopedic introduces the Compact Double Action Ankle Joint (Model 725) for orthotic devices. The low-profile, lightweight ankle joint comes fully assembled and is designed specifically for use with thermoplastics.