The risk of knee osteoarthritis in the intact limb of longtime unilateral amputees is much higher than in non­amputees, and the range of potential contri­buting factors is even more complex. Optimizing prosthetic fit and function, in addition to more conventional OA interventions, can help address gait issues that contri­bute to knee joint degeneration. By Emily Delzell

Researchers and clinicians who work with unilateral lower limb amputees are increasingly exploring the effects of prosthetic devices on gait asymmetries and joint loading. What’s less well known is that prostheses designed for use above the waist can also have positive effects on gait. By Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor

Footwear with rocker soles are best known for helping to redistribute plantar pressures during gait in patients with diabetes, but research suggests they also have clinically relevant effects on balance and gait that can be beneficial for some populations but potentially dangerous for others. By Greg Gargiulo

Using patient-reported outcome tools can give lower extremity clinicians insight into the disability experienced by patients with chronic ankle instability. A combination of instruments may be necessary, as different assessments may capture different aspects of the condition. By Adam B. Rosen PhD, ATC; and Cathleen N. Brown PhD, ATC

Prescription of foot orthoses for runners with patellofemoral pain (PFP) is often based on the premise that individuals with excessive pronation are among those most likely to have a positive response. However, preliminary analyses indicate this may not be the case. By Thomas Gus Almonroeder, DPT; and John Willson, PT, PhD

The growing popularity of prehabilitation contrasts with mixed findings in the lower extremity literature: Specifically, the approach seems to be more effective in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction than those undergoing hip or knee replacement. By Cary Groner

Clinicians don’t often have expensive biomechanical testing equipment to improve their assessment of injury risk in athletes, but a growing body of research—including several studies presented in February at the American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections meeting in San Antonio, TX—suggests standard clinical tests can help fill that void. By Jordana Bieze Foster

High school girls who specialize in one sport are more than twice as likely to suffer a moderate to severe injury as their multisport counterparts, according to research from San Diego State University in California. By Jordana Bieze Foster

Running gait modifications designed to reduce patellofemoral loading also have immediate symptomatic benefits in patients with patellofemoral pain, according to research from Laval University in Quebec City, Canada. By Jordana Bieze Foster

Although slip-resistant footwear can play a key role in preventing accidents related to wintry conditions, most styles don’t do the job, according to researchers from the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute in Canada who have set out to change the situation. By Catherine M. Koetters

Patients who undergo surgery for hindfoot fracture can safely start physical therapy two weeks later, which could provide an opportunity to improve outcomes, according to research from Utah presented at the American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting. By Jordana Bieze Foster

In patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, pedal bone health declines progressively in conjunction with worsening renal function, according to research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO. By Jordana Bieze Foster

Insoles with sensory-enhancing technology, previously demonstrated to help address balance and proprioceptive deficits, can also improve agility in athletes, according to research from Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. By Chris Klingenberg

MiniSun’s new IDEEA (Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and Activity) LifeGait system is a portable, wearable method of cost-effectively analyzing gait, function, and activities of daily living in a free-living environment on a 24-hour basis. The system uses technologies that include tiny 3D sensors, wireless data transfer…

OPTP has published the 36th edition of its semiannual professional catalog. The catalog has been updated with new products in 16 diverse categories: balance, core strength and stability, foam rolling, foot therapy, manual therapy, McKenzie method, movement therapy, neuroscience, Pilates and yoga, resistance exercise…

Medi-Dyne announces the new­est addition to its 2Toms line of blister-prevention, chafing, skin-guard, and odor-eliminator pro­ducts. FootShield is a moisture and odor-control product designed for daily use. It contains a blend of natural antifungal ingredients and moisturizers, including jojoba, grape seed, and tea tree oils.

Dalco International offers its new Premium Lace Up Ankle Brace, designed to provide the benefits of a soft ankle support and a traditional stirrup. The brace is constructed of breathable mesh for comfort, performance, and durability. The figure-eight nylon straps provide inversion and eversion control, while external plastic stays…

Tri-Stretch is a portable exercise device designed to lengthen muscles three dimensionally. The Tri-Stretch program allows the user to stretch and strength­en in three directions—forward/ backward, side-to-side, and rotational—with multiple joints work­ing simultaneously, replicating the demands of sport.

Swede-O Low Profile Performance Socks assist in preventing and treating plantar fasciitis, heel pain, heel spurs, and arch pain by focusing support and compression on specific areas of the foot and ankle. The Low Profile Performance Socks have targeted compression zones that provide firm support to help…

New from Birkenstock USA is the Birko Contact Sport, a full-length arch support for men and women that is anatomically shaped and cushioned to help reduce stress on the knees, hips, and spine. The new insole features a semirigid EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) shell that is flexible and waterproof, with…

RJL Systems, a pioneer of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) technology, announces its latest body composition analyzer, the Quantum V Segmental BIA. Whereas previous generations focused solely on whole body composition assessment, the newest model is a Class II medical device that…

Pro-Tech Athletics introduces the Orb Extreme deep tissue massage ball, designed to reduce muscle fatigue and tightness, promote flexibility, and enhance athletic performance. The new device is firmer and features more prominent massage bumps than the company’s standard Orb.

New from Sonostics is the HeartPartner, a noninvasive soleus muscle stimulation device designed to prevent or reverse lower limb edema and venous pooling, along with asso­­ciated symptoms including varicose veins and leg cramps. The HeartPartner provides a mechanical stimulation to the plantar surface, activating…