November 2014
Cover Story
Some evidence suggests that, if ankle braces limit athletes’ motion in the sagittal plane, the risk of knee injury could be increased, but other studies have found no association between ankle bracing and knee injury rates. The conflicting findings have made for a clinical conundrum.
By Cary Groner
Editor Message
If athletes knew that decreasing the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury would be accompanied by a slight decrease in athletic performance, how many of them would find that to be a reasonable tradeoff? The findings of a recent study may have lower extremity practitioners asking themselves this question.
By Jordana Bieze Foster, Editor
Special Educational Series: Pediatrics
Parents are people too
With so much of healthcare now automated, and so many demands on each practitioner’s time, it’s dangerously easy to lose sight of patients as individuals. Yet often it’s the personal details that can make the difference between a successful outcome and a less successful one.
Departments
Multiple descriptive studies have demonstrated the clinical benefits of eccentric exercise interventions in patients with Achilles tendinopathy, but researchers have not yet identified the cause-and-effect mechanisms leading to decreased pain or increased function.
By Matthew Crill, MS, MBA, PT
A pilot study has demonstrated the feasibility and potential success for employing the Internet to deliver targeted individualized exercise routines for patients with knee osteoarthritis, which may help…
By Alison Brooks, MD; Bryan Heiderscheit, PT, PhD; and John E. Beaulieu, PhD
The Y Balance Test (YBT) is a reliable tool and may be used to predict injury risk. However, clear cut-points have not been sufficiently defined, and more research investigating the mechanics and muscle activation strategies used during the YBT is needed.
By Craig A. Smith, DPT, and Meghan Warren, PT, MPH, PhD
Patients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy can benefit from participation in mild to moderate aerobic, resistance, and balance activities. But they must take precautions to ensure exercise is safe as well…
By Steven Morrison, PhD, and Sheri R. Colberg, PhD
Findings of an association between hip mobility and patellofemoral pain suggest practitioners may be putting the cart before the horse by implementing strength programs in individuals with PFP without first measuring and addressing deficits in hip extension.
By Sean Roach, PhD, DPT, ATC
Despite the ongoing development of new treatments, onychomycosis is still an extremely recalcitrant disease with high rates of relapse and reinfection, and the associated physical and cosmetic implications can negatively affect patients’ quality of life and self esteem.
By Greg Gargiulo
News
In the Moment: Sports Medicine
By Jordana Bieze Foster
Wearing a resistance band around the ankles during jump landings is associated with increased hip abduction moments and gluteus medius activation, and may be a more functional alternative to the therapeutic exercises typically used to train the same muscles, according…
Six weeks of training to increase running cadence is associated with significant changes in kinematics and vertical loading rate, but does not affect running efficiency, according to research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Both ankle sprain copers and patients with chronic ankle instability have thickened anterior talofibular ligaments (ATFL), suggesting that these structural changes are not the cause of chronic instability, according to research from the University of Evansville in Indiana.
Market Mechanics
By Emily Delzell
A custom ankle foot orthosis (AFO) made by Ronkonkoma, NY-based Langer Biomechanics produced immediate improvements in postural sway and lower extremity coordination in older adults without limiting functional performance, according to a study epublished October 29 by Clinical Biomechanics.
Huntington, WV-based Darco International has joined with Spanish research organizations to raise awareness of the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of pressure ulcers with the November 20 “Stop Pressure Ulcer Day.”
Pittsburgh, PA-based Dick’s Sporting Goods is now selling Ektio’s newest basketball shoe at its online store, dicks.com. The Alexio is New York City-based Ektio’s latest offering in its line of basketball shoes designed to prevent ankle sprains…
Boston, MA-based TekScan’s automated balance error scoring system (BESS) produces results in good agreement with trained human raters, according to a study epublished on October 7 by the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation.
Rockaway, NJ-based Allard USA in November introduced ESPY award winner Jamie Whitmore as one of the newest members of TeamUp, Allard’s national team for people with limited mobility due to foot drop.
Duderstadt, Germany-based Ottobock and Ekso Bionics, headquartered in Richmond, CA, formalized an intellectual property licensing agreement in November that will allow Ottobock to make use of Ekso’s wearable bionics technology in its next-generation prosthetic devices.
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and the Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA) announced in November that next year the PFA will hold its Annual Symposium in conjunction with APMA’s Annual Scientific Meeting.
Eastern Michigan University (EMU) in Ypsilanti in October named Wendy Fischl Beattie, CPO, FAAOP, new program director and clinical coordinator of its graduate program in orthotics and prosthetics.
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) reported on October 7 that it has joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “One & Only Campaign.”
A pilot study epublished on October 9 found Minnetonka, MN-based Neurotech North America’s neuromuscular electro-stimulation device is feasible for home use and, when added to progressive resistance training (PRT), improves fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis…
Gaithersburg, MD-based Cytomedix announced on October 14 that it has relaunched its AutoloGel chronic wound care system under the Aurix brand.
South African Judge Thokozile Masipa on October 21 sentenced double-amputee Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius to five years in prison for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Ferndale, WA-based Cascade Dafo announced in November the release of six free online continuing education courses designed for pediatric O&P practitioners and approved for up to 6.25 continuing education credits by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics.
PBS in October began airing an educational video segment on chronic venous disorders and benefits of graduated compression made in collaboration with Peachtree City, GA-based Sigvaris and Ariel Soffer, MD, of the Vein Experts Training Academy in Hallandale Beach, FL.
Birmingham, UK-based Delcam Crispin in September launched a new version of its Engineer Pro software for orthopedic footwear manufacturing, which the company said allows creation of bespoke footwear designs in the shortest possible time.
Products
Medi USA introduces two new igli Junior carbon insoles in the igli carbon insole series: the Junior Orange and Junior Blue C+ for children. The customizable igli insoles feature a carbon clip on the underside of the insole and…
Tekscan introduces FootMat software, which allows clinicians to analyze static or dynamic pressure data and generate objective, evidence-based reports for patient education and to document treatment effects.
SOLO Laboratories has announced the release of Performance RX, a new material now available as an option for the company’s orthotic products. Performance RX is an engineered nylon plate material that does not fatigue…
DJO Global introduces its new MiniTrax pediatric walking boot, designed for small patients with mild to severe foot and ankle injuries. MiniTrax features kid-friendly design elements that make wearing the boot less…
Ambra Le Roy announces the addition of PolySoft stockinette and Gentle Padding to its Lymphedema Care line. The Polysoft stockinette is made from soft, comfortable synthetic fibers with no elastic yarns.
Knee Caps from Rocktape are designed to help protect the knees during complex fitness movements, such as dead lifts, pistols, and squats. Knee Caps are designed to offer compression, warmth, and lateral stability…
Silipos introduces a new option for patients suffering from bunion pain. The Deluxe Gel Bunion Sleeve is a comfortable, elastic sleeve with a soft gel pad that sits easily around the painful and sensitive bony…
Nora Systems introduces Lunatur 18 Walnut, an eco-friendly and sustainable material that is soft and highly elastic, with good bedding and resilience characteristics. Nora Lunatur 18 Walnut contains more than 20% finely…
Designed for maximum comfort, efficiency, durability, and safety, the Krutch Kaddy provides individuals on crutches with a safe, secure, and convenient hands-free solution to carrying essential personal items.
The AFTR DC (Ankle & Foot Trauma Rehabilitation Dorsal Closure) from Bio Skin provides stabilization and adjustable compression for nonoperative and postoperative treatment.
Kinematix has introduced the Orthomonitor, a wearable sensing device that can be embedded in orthotic and prosthetic devices to measure wear-time compliance and provide evidence of clinical efficacy.
Sigvaris announces that Sea Island Cotton socks for women are joining the Zurich Collection. The Sea Island Cotton socks are constructed from cotton that is lightweight, strong, and durable and has a cashmere-like softness.
