Development and evaluation of prefabricated antipronation foot orthosis.

Our aim was to develop and evaluate a new antipronation foot orthosis that addressed problems perceived by clinicians and users with existing foot orthoses. Clinicians and users were engaged to develop a user specification for the orthosis, and orthotic geometry and materials were developed using clinical reasoning. The orthotic material properties were tested and the ability of the orthosis to reduce foot pronation evaluated on 27 individuals.

Physical evaluation of insole materials used to treat the diabetic foot.

Background: The selection of materials for the production of multilayer insoles for diabetic feet is a difficult task owing to the lack of technical information about these materials. Therefore, objective criteria were established for the selection of these materials.

Methods: Mechanical- and comfort-related tests for the mechanical characterization of different materials and their combinations were considered.