title: Rigid versus soft foot orthoses. A single subject design.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of rigid and soft foot orthoses on forefoot and rearfoot forces in a 20-year-old female runner with a history of tibial and metatarsal stress fractures. The results of this study indicate that a soft orthosis significantly reduced vertical forces through the foot during both walking and running. The authors recommend that proper fabrication materials be considered for those patients with a history of foot or lower extremity problems caused by reduced shock attenuation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff 86011-5105.
authors.forename: T G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: McPoil
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Cornwall
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000502:physiology*; D015775:Fractures, Stress / Q000517:prevention & control; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008682:Metatarsal Bones / Q000293:injuries; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D012420:Running / Q000293:injuries; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000517:prevention & control; D016138:Walking