Gait training

New research sheds light on “Runner’s Knee”

The new study finds personalized rehabilitation may be needed to effectively address chronic knee pain. Photo by Andrew Tanglao on Unsplash Anna Zarra Aldrich, University of Connecticut September 19, 2023 Neal Glaviano, assistant … READ MORE

Making walking easier for children with cerebral palsy

Lightweight, wearable robotic device provides neuromuscular training while making walking easier for children with cerebral palsy. Zachary Lerner Lab, Northern Arizona University photo Heather Tate, Northern Arizona University January … READ MORE

Nike’s new Flyease Go shoes snap right onto your feet

The breakthrough hinged design is made to be more accessible to everyone. In 2008, then-Nike CEO Mark Parker learned that the company’s first employee had suffered a stroke and lost the use of one hand. So Parker put one of his top … READ MORE

Meet the man behind Nike’s Flyease shoes

Nike’s new, first truly-hands free shoe, The Nike Go FlyEase, is a reality because in 2012 a teen with cerebral palsy didn’t want his classmates tying his shoes. Matthew Walzer, 16 at the time, wrote a letter to Nike outlining his … READ MORE

Your shoes were made for walking. And that may be the problem

Upward curve at tip eases motion but may lead to weaker muscles, problems. Credit: Freddy Sichting By Juan Siliezar, Harvard Gazette September 17, 2020 The toes of most shoes, especially sneakers, bend ever so slightly upward. While … READ MORE

Parents modeling physical activity help kids with developmental disabilities improve motor skills

Parents can make a big difference by modeling and supporting physical activity in daily life, especially with younger children. A parent plays a game with her child. OSU Molly Rosbach, Oregon State University March 24, 2020 Corvallis, … READ MORE

Should I stop running if my knee hurts?

The most common site for pain in recreational runners is the knee. For some, especially older runners, the pain can be a symptom of osteoarthritis. But does running worsen knee pain and osteoarthritis? goodluz/Shutterstock Ewa M Roos, … READ MORE

Putting the spring-cam back into stroke patients steps

A research group has developed a new, lightweight and motor-less device that can be easily attached to an ankle support device – otherwise known as an ankle foot orthosis (AFO). The new device will aid stroke patients in their … READ MORE

First glimpse of body’s steering wheel joint sparks hope

For the first time, scientists have found a way to reveal the mechanics of the human body’s ‘steering wheel’ – the subtalar joint. Figure 1.5. Illustration of the inversion/eversion and plantar flexion/dorsiflexion movements. … READ MORE

Autism linked to between-limb asymmetries across the gait cycle

Recent findings from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), add to a growing body of evidence that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with significant gait asymmetry, suggesting movement quality should be part of the … READ MORE

New insights: Improving function, independence and quality of life of individuals with cerebral palsy

Experts from across the world share new research and highlight developments in caring for individuals with cerebral palsy in the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine. ‘I am happy as I am’: Little Daisy becomes the … READ MORE

Robotic walker may help young people be more social and physically fit

“Robotics holds great hope for individuals with CP where mobility options are limited. Physical and social advantages are evident,” the researchers wrote. By Iqra Mumal, Cerebral Palsy News Today April 29, 2019 A modified version … READ MORE

Nike signs runner with cerebral palsy

A junior at the University of Oregon, Justin Gallegos becomes the first athlete with cerebral palsy to sign a pro contract with Nike. A lifelong race: Justin Gallegos doesn’t let Cerebral Palsy keep him from running. Adam Eberhardt, … READ MORE

Patients with anterior knee pain helped by physiotherapy

Patellofemoral Update focuses on the causes, prevention and treatment of patellofemoral disorders. The blog is sponsored by The Patellofemoral Foundation whose mission is to improve the care of individuals with anterior knee pain … READ MORE

AFO designed for wounded soldiers now helping civilians regain mobility

A device developed to help U.S. soldiers with lower limb injuries regain their mobility is now helping civilians too — albeit with a hefty price tag. Jennie Jackson suffers from club feet and was facing amputation when she … READ MORE

Update: Orthotic care and physical therapy for DMD

Lower extremity interventions can help boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) stay ambulatory for years—and improve outcomes in the condition’s non-ambulatory phase. Devices can address contractures and other issues, while … READ MORE

This marathoner with cerebral palsy just got the Nike hookup

On Sunday, Justin Gallegos, who has Cerebral Palsy, completed a half marathon. Nike helped him create his dream shoe. Justin Gallegos. Jordan Beckett Photo courtesy of Nike By Elizabeth Segran, Fast Company May 1, 2018 As a high … READ MORE

Calgary doctor, entrepreneur scores finalist spot in international innovation competition

Dr. Breanne Everett makes smart shoes that can prevent injuries to diabetics’ feet. Dr. Breanne Everett shares her pitch for Orpyx at the Pitch@Palace boot camp at Facebook London on Friday. Pitch@Palace Facebook Sarah … READ MORE

Rhythmic auditory cueing improves gait in CP patients

Rhythmic auditory entrainment — a process that provides a timing cue for a biological rhythm — improves gait performance in patients with cerebral palsy (CP), research from Germany suggests. The study was published in the journal … READ MORE

What to know about supination of the foot

Supination and pronation are parts of a stride. Supination occurs when weight is placed on the outside of the foot while walking or running. When the opposite happens, and a person shifts their weight from the heel to the forefoot, it … READ MORE

Out on a limb: Low tech, high value

The use of advanced technologies to provide feedback to patients during rehabilitation is all the rage in lower extremity healthcare. But, as exciting as these new modalities can be, it’s important to remember that low-tech feedback … READ MORE

Seeking one giant leap for a child’s mobility

With public programs stretched, some parents are turning to private therapies to help kids overcome mobility problems – but the jury is still out on their effectiveness. Therapist Sandi Marshall (left) and mother Nancy Grant (right) … READ MORE

Runners’ knees get a lift: Elevating heel cuts patellofemoral load

Wearing heel lifts in conventional running shoes can help reduce patellofemoral joint loading and may offer an alternative to gait retraining in runners with patellofemoral pain (PFP), according to research conducted at the … READ MORE

What is overpronation?

When the arch of the foot collapses excessively downward or inward, this is known as overpronation. Sometimes, people call this condition flat feet. Overpronation is when the arches of the foot roll inward or downward when walking, … READ MORE

Stroke patients improve their gait with new shoe attachment, early study shows

A therapeutic shoe engineered to improve stroke recovery is proving successful and expected to hit the market by the end of the year. Clinical trials have been completed on the U.S. patented and licensed iStride Device, formerly the … READ MORE

Video game improves balance in youth with autism

Playing a video game that rewards participants for holding various “ninja” poses could help children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) improve their balance, according to a recent study in the Journal of Autism and … READ MORE

Auckland vibration therapy trial offers hope to sufferers

A vibration-based therapy trial in Auckland could help young people with cerebral palsy. Aucklander Luke Torrens Kelly, 14, was one of 40 people with cerebral palsy, aged 11 to 20, in a new trial that showed vibration therapy … READ MORE

Early knee arthritis symptoms first felt when using stairs

People who suffer from knee pain when using the stairs may be experiencing the early symptoms of osteoarthritis, according to a new study by University of Leeds experts. Stair Climbing vs. Running in Run Society University of Leeds … READ MORE

Robotic gait training for kids with CP: Is it really effective?

UAlberta study recruiting children to evaluate Lokomat gait training program. Researchers at Canada’s University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine are investigating the effectiveness of a gait training program on a … READ MORE

Benefits of bracing: Studies find improvement in pain, gait

“It’s hard to get people to wear a brace, but if they feel that it’s having an effect, they’re more likely to wear it,” said Anil Bhave PT, director of the gait laboratory at Sinai Hospital, who presented the findings in … READ MORE

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