Article

Currently there is a paucity of research providing recommendations on
the type of orthotic or material used in its construction for different patient
requirements. OBJECTIVES: To gain a greater understanding of the characteristics
of orthotic materials and how they affect gait so to enhance the clinical
decision-making process. METHODS: Plantar
pressures and kinematics were evaluated for 10 participants while walking on a
treadmill under various conditions which included, shoes only and shoes with four
different flat insoles and custom devices created in each of two densities of two
materials. RESULTS: For the flat insoles, medium density ethyl vinyl acetate was
found to produce greater peak pressures than at least one of the other material
conditions and low and medium density polyurethane were most effective at
increasing average contact area and at reducing pressure time integral. For the
custom devices, while no significant differences were evident, when compared to
the shoe only condition, medium density polyurethane increased average contact
area by a greater percentage than the other materials. CONCLUSIONS: Results for
medium density polyurethane suggest a possible difference in loading
characteristics, indicating a potential material suitability for patients with a
compromised ability to deal with pressure.

Langue : ANGLAIS