In comparing two splints, paIn was the only significantly different parameter between tested parameters; with the custom-made splints demonstrating better results In paIn reduction.

Plantar fasciitis (PFS) is one of the most common causes of heel pain, estimated to affect 10% of the general population during their lifetime. Ultrasound (US) imaging technique is increasingly being used to assess plantar fascia (PF) thickness, monitor the effect of different interventions and guide therapeutic interventions in patients with PFS. The purpose of the present study was to systematically review previously published studies concerning the application of US in the assessment of PF in patients with PFS. A literature search was performed for the period 2000-2012 using the Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, Embase and Springer databases. The key words used were: ultrasound, sonography, imaging techniques, ultrasonography, interventional ultrasonography, plantar fascia and plantar fasciitis. The literature search yielded 34 relevant studies. Sixteen studies evaluated the effect of different interventions on PF thickness in patients with PFS using US; 12 studies compared PF thickness between patients with and without PFS using US; 6 studies investigated the application of US as a guide for therapeutic intervention in patients with PFS. There were variations among studies in terms of methodology used. The results indicated that US can be considered a reliable imaging technique for assessing PF thickness, monitoring the effect of different interventions and guiding therapeutic interventions in patients with PFS.

Both orthoses reduced knee pain. Maximum knee range of motion was increased by both interventions although it was 3 degrees less when wearing the knee orthosis. Clinical relevance Both orthoses reduce pain and improve gait anomalies in medial compartment knee OA. Our results suggest a laterally wedged insole can be an alternative conservative approach to unloader knee orthosis for treating symptoms of medial compartment knee OA.

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The results of this study demonstrated that a powered knee-ankle-foot orthosis could lock the knee during stance and provide active knee flexion during swing to potentially reduce the tripping during ambulation.

Background: The important purpose of a powered gait orthosis is to provide active joint movement for patients with spinal cord injury. Objectives: The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of a powered gait orthosis on the kinematics and temporalspatial parameters in paraplegics with spinal cord injury. Study Design: Quasi-experimental. Methods: Four spinal cord injury individuals experienced gait training with a powered gait orthosis for a minimum of 6 weeks prior to participating in the following walking trials: walking with an isocentric reciprocating gait orthosis and walking with both separate and synchronized movements with actuated orthotic hip and knee joints in a powered gait orthosis. Specific parameters were calculated and compared for each of the test conditions. Results: Using separate and synchronized actuated movement of the hip and knee joints in the powered gait orthosis increased gait speed and step length and reduced lateral and vertical compensatory motions when compared to the isocentric reciprocating gait orthosis, but there were no significant differences in these parameters. Using the new powered gait orthosis improved knee and hip joint kinematics. Conclusions: The powered gait orthosis increased speed and step length as well as hip and knee joint kinematics and reduced the vertical and lateral compensatory motions compared to an isocentric reciprocating gait orthosis in spinal cord injury patients. Clinical relevanceThis new powered gait orthosis has the potential to improve hip and knee joint kinematics, the temporal-spatial parameters of gait in spinal cord injury patients walking.

Background: Plantar fascia is a thick connective tissue on the plantar side of the foot, which provides the normal shape of the longitudinal arch. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation on the medial tuberosity of calcaneus on the inferior side that may cause heel pain. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis of heel pain. Ultrasonography has been recognized as an effective imaging tool for assessing plantar fascia thickness, monitoring the effect of different interventions and guiding therapeutic interventions in patients with plantar fasciitis. Operator dependency is a major limitation for the common use of ultrasound. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate intra and inter-rater reliability of ultrasound in measurements of the thickness of plantar fascia in different points of plantar fascia. Patients and Methods: Twelve healthy (without any lower extremity disorder) young (above 18) volunteers were recruited. Both heels were scanned in the sagittal plane by two raters. Subjects lied prone. Thickness of the plantar fascia was measured at the insertion point of the calcaneus, 5 and 10 mm from insertion of the calcaneus. For statistical analysis, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and linear mixed model ANOVA effects were run. Results: Our results showed that both intra and inter-rater reliability of plantar fascia thickness, measured by ultrasound, have high reproducibility (ICC > 0.821, ICC > 0.849). The linear mixed model suggested that neither rater nor time had a significant effect on the rater's measurements. Conclusion:The results of the present study indicate that both intra and inter-rater of measuring plantar fascia thickness at three points using ultrasound seemed to be high.

Although effective parameters of patellar tendon bearing brace have been separately addressed in previous studies, no study was found that investigated the combined effect of ankle status and heel clearance. This study investigates the combined effect of these parameters and provides detailed information on clinical application of the patellar tendon bearing brace.