Good Morning Everyone
With the advent of newer FO materials there is limited information on the effects of proprioception with different combinations of materials and thickness. However, the role of somatosensation from the plantar surface of the foot on postural sway has been investigated but limited to small clinical trials. Of particular interest is the degree to which alteration inputs from cutaneous, pressure and proprioceptive sensation alters postural sway (Wu, 1997; Kavoundias, 2001). Previous studies have suggested fluctuation is due to loading of the vibro-tactile receptors, which may confound muscular sensory inputs (Inglis, 2002; Roll, 2002).
Maki (1999) suggested that interventions may be use to improve functional stability in older adults by augmenting sensation from the plantar foot surface. A simple approach is to facilitate sensation mechanically, by means of raised ‘indentors’ within the footwear insole. Early studies reported an increase in afferent nerve innervation and a reduction in postural sway in subjects standing on grid-like array of ball bearings. Maki et al (1999) investigated special footwear insoles, which they designed to reduce instability and risk of falling in these patients. They found stabilising reactions to be facilitated from a segment of flexible polyethylene tubing taped to the boundary of the plantar surface of the foot.
The key is to this area is the possibility of mapping proprioception output with different insole materials and different types of foot orthoses.
Keith Rome
Reader Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
Teesside Centre for Rehabilitation Sciences
University of Teesside
The James Cook University Hospital
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-----Original Message-----
From: A group for the academic discussion of current issues in podiatry
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Craig Payne
Sent: Monday, December 06, 2004 11:47 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Changes in base of gait related to orthoses
> Research from Steve Robbins, Gerard Gouw, and Benno Nigg's group at the University
>of Calgary on theories of proprioception of the plantar foot comes to mind as a good
>starting point for your research on the subject.
There is no doubt that sensory input on plantar surface of foot is important for gait and balance, but the real question is - do you have to feel an orthotic to get a kinematic or kinetic response (ie sensory input) ... my answer now is a big NO. We done several nerve block and ice to numb plantar surface of foot studies with and without orthotics - also tried orthotics covered wiht 40 grit sand paper to increase sensory input ---- we can find no differences in the response to foot orthoses in all those diffrent conditions.
CP
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