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
Products
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.
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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.
The AFTR DC (Ankle & Foot Trauma Rehabilitation Dorsal Closure) from Bio Skin provides stabilization and adjustable compression for nonoperative and postoperative treatment.
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…
