Article

Excessive pronation has been implicated in the development of numerous overuse
injuries of the lower limb and is suggested to cause more proximal biomechanical
dysfunction. Functional foot orthoses (FFO) are frequently prescribed for lower
limb injury associated with excessive foot pronation and have been demonstrated
to have efficacy with specific conditions. However, the mechanism of action of
FFO is largely unknown. Research investigating the kinematic and kinetic changes
associated with FFO use is inconclusive. Furthermore there is a growing body of
evidence suggesting that changes to muscle activity patterns in response to FFO
may be responsible for their therapeutic effect. Additionally, current research
suggests dysfunction of musculature of the lumbopelvic-hip complex is involved in
lower extremity functional changes and is related to the development some
pathologies traditionally attributed to excessive foot pronation. Evidence of
temporal coupling between the hip and the foot and changes in hip muscle activity
associated with FFO use further suggest a relationship between proximal and
distal lower limb function. The aim of this review is to discuss the association
between foot and lumbopelvic-hip complex dysfunction and injury, assess the
evidence for functional changes to lower limb and lumbopelvic-hip function with
FFO use and finally to discuss the potential for changes to hip musculature
activation with FFO use to influence distal mechanics and produce a therapeutic
benefit.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS