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Effect of Heel Lifts on Ground Reaction Force Patterns in Subjects with Structural Leg-Length Discrepancies

Authors :
Peter E. Pidcoe
Marlene Adrian
Dale Schuit
Source :
Physical Therapy. 69:663-670
Publication Year :
1989
Publisher :
Oxford University Press (OUP), 1989.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of heel lifts on ground reaction force patterns in subjects with structural leg-length discrepancies (LLDs). Eighteen subjects with LLDs ranging from 4.8 to 22.2 mm participated in this study. Subject age range was from 20 to 63 years. A force platform was used to obtain ground reaction force data for four conditions. Data were collected prior to fitting of the heel lift and after a three-week break-in period. Data were analyzed by use of a two-factor within-subject analysis of variance for repeated measures. Before heel-lift fitting, maximum lateral force was greater in the short leg than in the long leg. After heel-lift fitting, maximum vertical force was greater within both legs, and maximum medical force was greater in the long leg than in the short leg. The results suggest that although heel lifts are used to achieve pelvic levelness, the use of heel lifts also resulted in increased ground reaction forces, which may cause increased joint stresses within the lower extremities.

Details

ISSN :
15386724 and 00319023
Volume :
69
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Physical Therapy
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....eed4c29cac705fc7897db407e4c63cbb
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/69.8.663