The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of two types of in-shoe custom made orthotics in altering the motion of the foot and muscle activity of select muscles of the lower leg in individuals experiencing lower extremity symptoms of a non traumatic origin. We hypothesized that orthotics would decrease the extent of motion of the during walking and running when compared to a barefoot condition. The investigators further hypothesized that orthotics would decrease the amount of muscle activity seen during walking and running when compared to barefoot walking.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
80
Custom made semi-rigid thermoplastic heel cup extending to the base of the metatarsals with a full foot length 3.0mm thick EVA and ultra-suede top cover
The Full Contact orthosis is constructed from a 5/32" blue polypropylene with posting material comprised of white polypropylene.
Motion Analysis Laboratory, Quinnipiac Unviersity
Hamden, Connecticut, United States
Maximum Rearfoot Eversion Motion During Stance
The rearfoot eversion motion during the stance phase of walking with the subject wearing a sandal and their assigned orthotic (Full Contact or Maximal Arch Subtalar Stabilization) was recorded 5 weeks post receiving their assigned orthotic. The stance phase of walking was divided into 4 subphases (Phase 1: 0 to 17%, Phase 2: 18 to 50%, Phase 3: 51 to 83%, and Phase 3: 84 to 100% of stance) and the maximum rearfoot eversion during each subphase determined.
Time frame: Absolute values measured at 5 weeks
Maximum Electromyographic Activity of Lower Leg Muscles
The maximum electromyographic activity of the lower leg muscles is with respect to the barefoot condition. The electromyographic activity of the lower extremity muscles were recorded during the stance phase of walking while barefoot and while wearing their assigned orthotic (Full Contact or Maximal Arch Subtalar Stabilization). All electromyographic measurements were taken at the 5 week time point. The peak electromyographic activity during the stance phase of barefoot walking was determined. The electromyographic activity during the orthotic condition was amplitude normalized to the barefoot condition by dividing the electromyographic activity of the orthotic condition by the peak barefoot electromyographic activity and multiplying by 100. The stance phase of walking was then divided into 4 subphases (Phase 1: 0 to 17%, Phase 2: 18 to 50%, Phase 3: 51 to 83%, and Phase 3: 84 to 100% of stance) and the peak amplitude normalized electromyographic activity of each subphase det
Time frame: Absolute values measured at 5 weeks
Maximum Forefoot Inversion During Stance
The forefoot inversion motion during the stance phase of walking with the subject wearing a sandal and their assigned orthotic (Full Contact or Maximal Arch Subtalar Stabilization) was recorded 5 weeks post receiving their assigned orthotic. The stance phase of walking was divided into 4 subphases (Phase 1: 0 to 17%, Phase 2: 18 to 50%, Phase 3: 51 to 83%, and Phase 3: 84 to 100% of stance) and the maximum forefoot inversion during each subphase determined.
Time frame: Absolute values measured at 5 weeks
Maximum First Ray Complex Plantarflexion During Stance
The first ray complex plantarflexion during the stance phase of walking with the subject wearing a sandal and their assigned orthotic (Full Contact or Maximal Arch Subtalar Stabilization) was recorded 5 weeks post receiving their assigned orthotic. The stance phase of walking was divided into 4 subphases (Phase 1: 0 to 17%, Phase 2: 18 to 50%, Phase 3: 51 to 83%, and Phase 3: 84 to 100% of stance) and the maximum first ray complex plantarflexion during each subphase determined.
Time frame: Absolute values measured at 5 weeks
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