Researchers from the Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center (NUPOC) have previously examined the ankle-foot relationship that occurs during the stance phase of gait in able-bodied ambulators. They found that the foot and ankle work together to create a smooth roll-over shape…
Day: March 15, 2012
Ability P&O: Not Your Ordinary O&P Company
Like many O&P business owners, Jeffrey Brandt, CPO, of Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics, didn’t originally intend to work in the field. When he entered college, he intended to become a meteorologist, but a chance opportunity to volunteer in a rehab…
Kentucky Pharmacist Joins Ranks of Certified Therapeutic Shoe Fitters
David Prater, CFts, wears many hats to ensure his customers wear shoes that fit.
Plié 2.0 Users Indicate Positive Outcomes on Survey
Kurt Collier, CP, vice president of business development for Freedom Innovations, shared the results from a comparative survey associated with the Plié Microprocessor Knee Joint — also known as the Plié 2.0 — at the 2011 American Orthotic and Prosthetic…
Validity of Clinical Outcomes Assessment System Tested
Objective measurement of a patient’s functional capability is becoming increasingly important for clinicians. With renewed focus on identifying inaccurate billing for lower extremity devices from the federal government, O&P practitioners need to have clear and objective measurements of patient functionality…
Nike and Össur Collaborate on High Performance Technology
Transfemoral amputee and Paralympian Sarah Reinertsen was the inspiration behind Össur’s Flex-Run with Nike sole.
Selective Laser Sintering Creates Subtle Changes to Lower Limb Prostheses
Selective laser sintering may potentially improve mobility on a variety of terrains and increase comfort for the user. Rick Neptune, PhD, professor, University of Texas at Austin Cockrell School of Engineering and his team of graduate students are working in…
Habitual High Heel Use Could Have Long-term Effects on Walking
Previous studies exploring the effects of wearing high heels have found that it causes shortening of the medial gastrocnemius muscles and increases Achilles tendon stiffness, resulting in chronic adaptations in the muscle-tendon units in the foot. However, few studies have…
The Art and Science of Observational Gait Analysis
To elevate the level of clinical practice, practitioners need to combine subjective assessment with skill proficiency and submit their best efforts to rigorous objective study. A few years ago I ordered a novel titled Blink from Amazon for my leisure reading.…
Physical Re-education
Multidisciplinary teams at military hospitals create individualized rehabilitation programs for their unique patient population. Statistics provided by the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center show that 240 instances of at least one arm or leg amputation were performed on deployed soldiers…