What is the frequency of patients who get benefitted from orthotic devices with gait abnormalities?4 answersThe frequency of patients benefiting from orthotic devices due to gait abnormalities varies. In a study on cerebral palsy (CP) patients, foot deformities were found in 84.3% of cases, with a lower frequency observed in orthosis users, suggesting a potential benefit from orthotic use in preventing foot deformities. Another study focused on children with unilateral spastic CP found that daily functional electrical stimulation (FES) applied to ankle dorsiflexors significantly improved lower limb mechanics during gait and reduced spasticity, enhancing community mobility and balance skills. These findings highlight the positive impact of orthotic interventions, such as orthosis and FES, in improving gait abnormalities and related issues in patients with neuromuscular conditions like CP.
What arethe upperextremity muscles that are important to be activated during normal gait ?5 answersDuring normal gait, several upper extremity muscles play crucial roles in providing stability, balance, and propulsion. These muscles include the trapezius, anterior and posterior deltoid, biceps, triceps, latissimus dorsi, and lumbar erector spinae. Additionally, muscles like the quadratus lumborum, pectoralis major, and lower trapezius contribute to trunk extension, leg unload, foot clearance, and propulsion force generation during different phases of the gait cycle in individuals with spinal cord injuries. Furthermore, the extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) muscle, along with the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius lateralis, are essential for ankle joint control and coordination during walking in healthy children. Understanding the activation patterns of these upper extremity muscles is vital for designing effective assistive devices, improving muscle strengthening programs, and enhancing overall gait performance in various populations.
Does increased foot contact time change muscle activation patterns of the lower limb?5 answersIncreased foot contact time can indeed alter muscle activation patterns in the lower limb. Research has shown that maintaining continuous foot contact with the ground during activities like race walking can lead to specific demands on muscle activation patterns. Additionally, the way runners strike their foot on the ground, whether with a forefoot or rearfoot pattern, can significantly affect muscle activation timing. Moreover, the application of foot pressure has been found to enhance lower limb neuromuscular activation, indicating the importance of foot sensory input in modulating muscle activity. Therefore, variations in foot contact time and patterns can influence the activation levels and timing of muscles in the lower limb, highlighting the intricate relationship between foot mechanics and muscle activation during different activities.
Are functional insoles effective in the treatment of ankle injuries in athletes?5 answersFunctional insoles have been shown to be effective in the treatment of ankle injuries in athletes. These insoles provide support to the foot arch and metatarsal bones, reducing pressure and risk of stress fractures. They also help to decrease ankle movement variability during walking, which is beneficial for athletes with functional ankle instability (FAI). Additionally, functional insoles with arch support have been found to increase contact area and decrease peak pressure in the metatarsal regions, reducing the risk of stress injuries. Furthermore, 3D-printed insoles have been shown to increase navicular height and ankle dorsiflexion angle, improving comfort and biomechanical effects on the lower extremities in athletes with flat foot. Therefore, functional insoles can be considered as an effective treatment option for ankle injuries in athletes, providing support, reducing variability, and improving biomechanical alignment.
Are functional insoles more effective than kinesiotape in improving performance and preventing ankle injuries in athletes?5 answersFunctional insoles and kinesiotape have been studied for their effectiveness in improving performance and preventing ankle injuries in athletes. One study found that kinesiotape was highly effective in improving ankle instability in athletes. Another systematic review with meta-analysis showed that kinesiotape had a significant effect on gait functions, range of motion, muscle activation, and postural sway in athletes with chronic ankle instability. However, there is a study that suggests kinesiotape may not be superior to other taping methods in improving ankle functional performance. There is no specific mention of functional insoles in the abstracts provided, so it is unclear how they compare to kinesiotape in terms of effectiveness. Further research is needed to directly compare the effectiveness of functional insoles and kinesiotape in improving performance and preventing ankle injuries in athletes.
What are the effects of functional insoles on performance and ankle injuries in athletes?5 answersFunctional insoles, such as carbon fiber insoles (CFI) and arch-support insoles, have been studied for their effects on performance and ankle injuries in athletes. Research has shown that CFI can improve sports performance by reducing energy loss and increasing energy return, potentially providing a propulsive force for better performance. However, CFI may also increase muscle activation and fatigue, which could be a concern. Textured insoles, including textured lateral wedges, have been found to decrease ankle movement variability in athletes with functional ankle instability (FAI). These textured insoles may have the potential to improve ankle stability and reduce the risk of ankle injuries. On the other hand, a study found that arch-support insoles increased ground reaction forces and knee loading, indicating a higher risk of anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Therefore, the effects of functional insoles on performance and ankle injuries in athletes may vary depending on the specific type of insole used.