Recipient #1:
“Effects of three foot orthoses on plantar pressure of the first MTP joint of pes planus foot during standing and slow running.” Van Lunen B, Onate J, Haines K, Cortes N. Old Dominion University
Summary of investigation: The investigators seek to determine the effects of metatarsal domes, U-shaped orthoses, and donut-shaped orthoses on plantar pressure under symptomatic and asymptomatic first MTP joint of pes planus foot types during standing and slow running. Their hypotheses are four fold:
- Plantar pressure will increase significantly from standing to slow running under all treatment conditions.
- All orthoses conditions will produce a statistically significant decrease in plantar pressure under the first MTP joint during slow running when compared to the control group.
- The donut-shaped orthosis condition will produce less plantar pressure for all conditions.
- There will be no difference in plantar pressure between symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects.
Recipient #2:
“Effects of textured insoles on single leg balance of subjects with functional ankle instability.” Ross SE. Virginia Commonwealth University
Summary of investigation: The current investigation design was based on pilot data demonstrating that stochastic resonance electrical stimulation applied to ankle muscles and ligaments of subjects with functional ankle instability improved postural stability compared to postural stability tests without stochastic resonance stimulation. Stochastic resonance can be achieved with electrical or mechanical stimulation. Textured insoles apply a mechanical stimulus to the foot instead of an electrical stimulus. As a result of insoles potential for improving signal detection via stochastic resonance, the author’s hypothesis is that textured insoles might improve balance and decrease ankle sprains in physically active individuals with functional ankle instability.
Recipient #3:
“Effects of ankle support on single leg balance of stable and instable ankles.” Ross SE. Virginia Commonwealth University.
Summary of investigation: Reducing recurrent ankle sprains in physically active individuals with functional ankle instability continues to provide a challenge to sports medicine professionals. Single leg postural stability impairments have been associated with ankle sprains, therefore, ankle support that might improve postural stability may also reduce ankle sprain injury in a physically active population. As a result of potentially improving ankle stability with prophylactic appliances, a combination treatment of ankle tape and brace might be more effective at improving postural stability that either alone. Thus, the study was designed to compare single leg balance scores under four treatment conditions: 1) ankle brace, 2) ankle tape, 3) a combination of ankle tape and brace, and 4) no ankle tape or brace.
Recipient #4:
“An analysis of lower extremity mechanics in adolescents and adults during anticipated and unanticipated dynamic tasks.” Jackson K. University of Virginia.
Summary of investigation: A component of the athletic trainers role in prevention is recognizing populations that are at risk for injury and correcting the problem. The design for this investigation centers on this premise. By comparing male and female athletes in dynamic tasks that mimic maneuvers commonly found in jumping and cutting sports. Additionally, an attempt will be made to gain a more in depth understanding of the role of physical development within maturing athletes and how it may alter their ability to demonstrate controlled dynamic movement patterns. Finally, this investigation looks to further the knowledge base associated with unanticipated versus planned dynamic tasks.
