Rebecca Avrin Zifchock, Irene Davis

Although the use of custom orthotics and insoles can be extremely successful in treating certain lower limb injuries in individuals with either a high or low arch, the expense of such items can limit their use. Orthotic manufacturers have begun to offer a less expensive, semi-custom alternative such as heat moldable models. This study aimed to compare the rearfoot control and comfort in their semi-custom models, to their more costly, custom made counterparts.Altogether 37 participants took part, all being assessed for rearfoot kinematics and comfort in the custom orthotics, semi-custom orthotics and barefoot.

Compared to the barefoot condition, both orthotics were effective at reducing eversion velocity, although the custom device significantly decreased eversion velocity (P = 0.03), whereas the semi-custom device showed only a trend toward decreased eversion velocity (P = 0.09).

Eversion excursion was significantly reduced with both orthotics (P < 0.01). Individuals with high arches were more comfortable in the semi custom orthotics, although the differences were small.This research has shown that the semi-custom orthotics are a feasible alternative to the custom orthotics in terms of comfort and controlling rear foot motion.

Clinical Biomechanics, Volume 23, Issue 10, Pages 1209-1304 (December 2008)

Richard A. Ekstrom, Roy W. Osbourn, Patrick L. Hauer

The aim of this study was to analyze the longissimus thoracis and lumbar multifidi muscle activity during exercises used in back rehabilitation programs. EMG analysis of exercises was used to measure muscle activation to give a clearer idea of the effect the exercises have on these muscles for stabilisation, endurance, or strength training.

Bilateral surface EMG analysis of the longissimus thoracis and lumbar multifidi was carried out on 3 different groups whilst they performed a range of exercises commonly used in low back rehabilitation programs. In total there were 89 subjects. All EMG data during exercises was normalised to a percent of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC).

Prone lumbar extension to end range against resistance produced the most activity in these two muscle groups (mean SD 92%± 12%). Prone lumbar extension to neutral, resisted lumbar extension while sitting, and prone extension with the upper and lower extremities lifted (Superman exercise) produced lower EMG amplitudes (77% ± 13% to 82% ± 12% MVIC). Bridging exercises, the side-bridge exercise, and upper and lower extremity raises (superman exercise) in either the prone or quadruped positions produced much lower activity (less than 50% MVIC).

These findings may be helpful in assisting physical therapists in selecting exercises to progress a patient from low-intensity to those that require more muscle activity.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2008;38(12):736-745.

Ramiz Arabaci

This study aimed to look at the immediate effect of sports massage for the lower limb (following warm-up) on flexibility and explosive and high-speed motor capacities. 24 subjects were used who were all male students on a physical education course in a Turkish University.

Each of the participants used stretching, rest and massage as an intervention in a random order. Massage consisted of 5 minutes anterior and 10 minutes posterior leg swedish massage. The measures of the 10 meter acceleration (AS), flying start 20 meter sprint (FS), 30 meter sprint from standing position (TS), leg reaction time (LR), vertical jump (VJ) and sit & reach (SR) tests were performed before and after intervention.

Results showed that performing lower limb massage has an adverse effect on vertical jump, speed, and reaction time, and a positive effect on sit and reach test results.

Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2008) 7, 549 - 555