| Context: Decreased balance has been identified as a risk factor for lower extremity injury in several populations. Previous literature has investigated the effects of using orthotics, textured insoles and textured surfaces on balance. However, no research exists on the effects of a foot-toe orthosis on dynamic balance. Objective: To determine the effects of a foot-toe orthosis on dynamic balance and hallux valgus angle. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Setting: Athletic Training research laboratory. Participants: Sixty-three healthy and recreationally active collegiate students. (age: 21.59+/-1.49yrs, height 172.48+/-8.99cm, mass 73.86kg+/-15.64kg) Interventions: Participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups that received either the foot-toe orthosis and control shoe (FTO), the control shoe only (SO), or a true control group (CO). Main Outcome Measures: The composite score for the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) was used to quantify dynamic balance at baseline and follow-up. The hallux valgus angle was assessed using a goniometer. Results: Hallux valgus angle did not change significantly (p=.380, p=.298) over the 4-week time period for either FTO or SO groups. Significant improvements in dynamic balance were found in the FTO group (p=.001) and SO group (p=.026) at the 4-week follow-up compared with the CON group. Conclusion: Four weeks of intervention with a foot-toe orthosis and the control shoe may significantly improve dynamic balance in a young and healthy collegiate population. |
