Barefoot Shoes More Effective When Running Style Is Correct
Adopting the correct foot-to-ground strike style can help runners who suffer from chronic running injuries who are using barefoot-style shoes avoid additional risks. These are the findings of new research on Vibram FiveFingers, a sock-style shoe that simulates the effect of running barefoot while protecting the foot.
The American Council on Exercise (ACE), is the largest nonprofit fitness certification, education and training organization in the world and also America's leading authority on fitness. They announced the result of the research, by the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, Exercise and Health Program, and led by Dr John Porcari, and Caitlin McCarthy, in a statement at the end of September.
The research is not published in a peer-reviewed journal, but you can download a copy of the report from the ACE website.ACE's Chief Science Officer, Dr Cedric X. Bryant, said:"We've seen an increasing number of individuals using barefoot-style running shoes, and felt it critical to examine this trend.""The bottom line is that runners must first and foremost modify their running style for ultimate safety and benefit, and this should be done gradually through regular practice. Once that is achieved, Vibram FiveFingers can be a safe and effective shoe for those who want to experience the feel of barefoot running," he explained.
Promoters of barefoot running say it is safer because it reduces the risk of injury compared to running in traditional shoes. They say this is because running shoes encourage runners to strike with their heels first, which causes more pounding and stress.
Running barefoot, conversely, encourages the foot to land near the ball, resulting in less pounding and less risk of injury. Vibram say their product helps runners achieve the safer forefoot-strike of barefoot running while avoiding the abrasion on the soles.
ACE asked the researchers to look into what happens when runners switch from traditional running shoes to minimalist shoes like Vibram FiveFingers, which they describe on their website as "a quirky-looking sock-style shoe with separate compartments for each toe".For the study, the researchers recruited 16 healthy, injury-free, female "recreational joggers", aged from 19 to 25.Before the evaluation, each jogger was fitted with a pair of Vibram FiveFingers Bikila which are designed for running.For two weeks before the test, to get used to their new shoes, the volunteers wore them when they went out running, for 20 minutes at a time, three times a week.After this two-week acclimatization, the researchers carried out lab evaluations of the volunteers' running style as they were invited to run on a on a 20m runway under three different conditions: (1) wearing the Vibrams; (2) wearing a pair of traditional running shoes; and running truly barefoot.
The researchers evaluated a 3-D motion analysis and took measures of ground-reaction forces as the runners completed seven trials for each of the three conditions. The order of the trials for the Vibrams and the running shoes was random, but the barefoot trial was always measured last.The results showed that:
· All the runners were rear-foot strikers when they ran in traditional shoes.
· Half of them switched to fore-foot strike when they ran in Vibrams or barefoot.
· The other half kept to the same rear-foot strike style through all of the conditions.
· Those who switched to fore-foot style, showed greater "plantar flexion" (pointing the foot away from the leg, as when you step on the gas pedal), which seemed to allow
better absorption of the forces of impact.
· Those who continued with rear-strike style when running in Vibrams or barefoot, had a higher rate of loading, and their loads were higher, than when they ran in
traditional shoes.
· When they ran in Vibrams or barefoot, all runners showed reduced knee flexion, which is usually linked to lower rates of injury.
· But, when runners wore Vibrams, they showed more pronation, similar to when running in regular shoes, which could increase the risks of injury in the lower limbs that
can come from overuse.
Porcari said the bottom line is:"Just because you put the Vibrams on your feet doesn't mean you'll automatically adopt the correct running stride."Pete McCall, an ACE exercise physiologist, who has been exercising (but not running) in Vibrams since mid-2009 said:"If you want to run in the Vibrams, you should be prepared to change your gait pattern."You need to give yourself time adapt to them, he added.Porcari agreed: "Running in Vibrams could be good for some if they adopt the appropriate running style."He advised people to get "explicit" instruction and spend time practising how to land on the ball of the foot, as opposed to the heel. Otherwise people could do themselves more harm than good:"Simply switching to Vibrams doesn't guarantee that a person is not going to experience more injuries," he cautioned.
Written by Catharine Paddock PhD
Copyright: Medical News Today
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Joint Replacements and the Baby Boomer Generation: How Progressive Physical Therapy can help you!
Today in the U.S. our Baby Boomer generation is reaching an average age of 65. With this comes the changes in lifestyles due to pain or limited mobility which ultimately will affect the ability to live independently. Physical therapists are playing an ever important role in the lives of Baby Boomers as advocates as well as healthcare experts who hold the unique skill of helping to promote and maintain mobility and independence.
Thanks to many medical advances in joint replacement procedures there are numerous options available to people who may be living with chronic joint pain/stiffness. Physical therapists play a vital role in the overall outcome and success of joint replacement patients. The actual joint replacement procedure is only the first step. Physical therapy is ultimately what will determine the success of the procedure.
Boomers are expected to need rehab after hip and knee replacements in record numbers, according to a study in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. By 2015, the demand for total knee arthroplasties is expected to double over 2005 levels, according to the study. The demand for hip revision procedures is projected to double by the year 2026.
Those numbers are slated to rise further as baby boomers continue to age. By 2030, boomers are expected to have 3.48 million total knee replacements (up 673% over today’s levels) and 572,000 total hip replacements (up 174%).
In addition to larger health needs, this generation is known for its independence. “In general terms, this generation is highly educated, has a desire to be in control, and wants to maintain their activity level,” she said. “These characteristics are sometimes difficult to reconcile with the trends we are seeing in inactivity and chronic disease, however I do think we will be dealing with a generation that has great access to information, wants the best provider, will be demanding, and will expect to get the best quality for the best price.” (Alice Bell, PT, GCS, director of physical therapy clinical services at Genesis Rehabilitation Services in Kennett Square, Pa.)
Physical therapists play an important role to all patients requiring therapy for post-surgical procedures and it is imperitive they stay up-to-date on the ever changing world of insurance and Medicare.
You can rest assured that the physical therapists at Progressive Physical Therapy stay current on the rapidly changing healthcare environment to bring you the best outpatient physical therapy care possible. Our therapists are members of the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) and read the national publications and journals regularly.
Call today if you or someone you know is planning a joint replacement in the near future. We will give you a tour and explain what therapy will entail once you are cleared for therapy from your surgeon.
Please also read the article on the following link: (this article was referenced in this post)
http://news.todayinpt.com/article/20110606/TODAYINPT0105/110603005
Thanks to many medical advances in joint replacement procedures there are numerous options available to people who may be living with chronic joint pain/stiffness. Physical therapists play a vital role in the overall outcome and success of joint replacement patients. The actual joint replacement procedure is only the first step. Physical therapy is ultimately what will determine the success of the procedure.
Boomers are expected to need rehab after hip and knee replacements in record numbers, according to a study in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. By 2015, the demand for total knee arthroplasties is expected to double over 2005 levels, according to the study. The demand for hip revision procedures is projected to double by the year 2026.
Those numbers are slated to rise further as baby boomers continue to age. By 2030, boomers are expected to have 3.48 million total knee replacements (up 673% over today’s levels) and 572,000 total hip replacements (up 174%).
In addition to larger health needs, this generation is known for its independence. “In general terms, this generation is highly educated, has a desire to be in control, and wants to maintain their activity level,” she said. “These characteristics are sometimes difficult to reconcile with the trends we are seeing in inactivity and chronic disease, however I do think we will be dealing with a generation that has great access to information, wants the best provider, will be demanding, and will expect to get the best quality for the best price.” (Alice Bell, PT, GCS, director of physical therapy clinical services at Genesis Rehabilitation Services in Kennett Square, Pa.)
Physical therapists play an important role to all patients requiring therapy for post-surgical procedures and it is imperitive they stay up-to-date on the ever changing world of insurance and Medicare.
You can rest assured that the physical therapists at Progressive Physical Therapy stay current on the rapidly changing healthcare environment to bring you the best outpatient physical therapy care possible. Our therapists are members of the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) and read the national publications and journals regularly.
Call today if you or someone you know is planning a joint replacement in the near future. We will give you a tour and explain what therapy will entail once you are cleared for therapy from your surgeon.
Please also read the article on the following link: (this article was referenced in this post)
http://news.todayinpt.com/article/20110606/TODAYINPT0105/110603005
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Our New Shuttle Recovery Machine...the history and how it helps Physical Therapists treat a large variety of patients!!
We have a new machine at Progressive Physical Therapy that will help make a significant difference in how we treat our patients and how our patients progress through their therapy! Read on to learn more!......
In 1965, the US Air Force proposed the launching of a secret Space Station…
to be named the Manned Orbiting Lab (MOL). Of prime concern to Gary Graham and a team of other bioscientists was the effect on an astronaut’s cardiovascular system during the long exposure to the zero gravity environment of space.
The Bioastronautics team proposed subjecting the astronauts to intermittent positive and negative acceleration forces parallel to the long axis of the body as a way of taxing their cardiovascular system and maintaining their orthostatic tolerance. The team developed a prototype they named the Cardiovascular Conditioner.
The government eventually scrapped the MOL Project. But, twenty years later, with additional research and development, Gary patented a Horizontal Rebounding exercise device. The CMC (CardioMuscular Conditioner) Shuttle 2000 used the basic principles derived from the Boeing cardiovascular conditioner.
And Shuttle Systems was born…
The Bioastronautics team proposed subjecting the astronauts to intermittent positive and negative acceleration forces parallel to the long axis of the body as a way of taxing their cardiovascular system and maintaining their orthostatic tolerance. The team developed a prototype they named the Cardiovascular Conditioner.
The government eventually scrapped the MOL Project. But, twenty years later, with additional research and development, Gary patented a Horizontal Rebounding exercise device. The CMC (CardioMuscular Conditioner) Shuttle 2000 used the basic principles derived from the Boeing cardiovascular conditioner.
And Shuttle Systems was born…
Gary Graham and the team of bioscientists at Boeing developed the Cardiovascular Conditioner as a potential exercise system for the Manned Orbiting Lab (MOL). Research studies on the prototype were very promising, but the government canceled the MOL project in favor of the NASA lunar mission. | |
1985 – CMC Shuttle 2000 Gary resurrects the MOL project exercise system concept for use as an earth-bound exercise machine. Additional research and development results in a patented Horizontal Rebounding exercise machine named the CMC (CardioMuscular Conditioner) Shuttle 2000. | |
Initially, the CMC Shuttle 2000 would be used primarily as a physical therapy tool. Further R & D generated a more advanced model, the Shuttle 2000-1. Today, the 2000-1 remains a flagship machine with its numerous accessories and expanded versatility designed to meet the specific needs identified by practicing therapists and trainers. Five models of the Shuttle 2000-1 are currently in production. | |
Shortly after the appearance of the 2000-1 Series, trainers and athletes began using the machine for conditioning and athletic training. However, professional and world-class athletes were seeking a Shuttle with more resistance. Thus was born the Shuttle MVP. With three models and resistance loads up to 650 pounds, the MVP has become the preferred tool for developing explosive power in the elite athlete. |
Bill Bollinger, a physical therapist, expressed the need for a small Shuttle that would be mobile and could be used in a patient’s bed, on a training table, on the playing field, or at home. The MiniClinic was introduced in 1997 and would later become the Shuttle MiniPress. Utilizing a variation of the Horizontal Rebounding Technology, the MiniPress weighs less than 15 lbs, provides resistance loads up to 100 pounds, and allows the therapist to “bring the press to the patient.” |
In response to a growing need for equipment focusing specifically on balance – and in conjunction with Robert Crouch of Precision Fitness in Adelaide and several physical therapists in Washington state – the Shuttle Balance was created. We also want to thank Mick Lynch, MD and his sister, Teresa Schuemann, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC, CSCS, for their pioneering work on balancing devices. The Balance has been demonstrated to be a very effective tool for fall prevention, balance training, rehabilitation and athletic development. |
2009 – Shuttle Recovery---Progressive's New Machine! With the shrinking square footage of the typical physical therapist/hospital treatment space and the challenging economic times the world is facing, we went back to the drawing board to develop a rehabilitation machine that provided a smaller footprint at a smaller price. The new Shuttle Recovery provides resistance as low as 12½ pounds all the way up to 200 pounds at full extension. PT's can treat kids to seniors, post-op patients to high school athletes. PT's can also change the elasticord load while the patient remains on the Recovery – we don’t have to get the patient off and on to progress their treatment. To learn more about this machine and how Shuttle's can help with your recovery, visit: http://www.shuttlesystems.com/about/company-history Call today to schedule an appointment! 898-0443 |
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Vertigo and Physical Therapy
Vestibular Rehabilitation
“Dizziness”, or Vertigo, is the 3rd most common reason for seeking medical care in individuals over the age of 65 and it is the number one reason for those over the age of 70.
Vertigo is not an inner ear infection as many people believe, and cannot be treated with medication. It comes on suddenly with changes in the position of the head--lying down, turning to the side or looking up to a cupboard shelf for example. The attacks can be brief but disrupting.
Half of the people over the age of 65 will develop a condition known as BPPV (medically known as Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo). This is a common and sometimes a disabling cause of dizziness that is readily diagnosed and treated. BPPV may be suspected by careful history and confirmed by appropriate physical examination. Pharmacologic therapy is of little benefit and exercise therapy is curative in over 90% of patients!
BPPV is caused by crystals that are normally found in one part of the inner ear migrating to another part. Moving the head activates the displaced crystals and they send a message to the brain that brings dizziness. The inner ear is not only for hearing; it's also for balance. The crystals can be brought back to their original site through a series of movements called the Epley repositioning maneuvers.
Other common causes of Vertigo also include Meneire’s, Perilymphatic Fistula, and Migraine Headaches among others.
Most patients experience similar symptoms regardless of the cause of their Vertigo. These can include: imbalance, unsteady gait, head movement sensitivity, visual motion sensitivity, disequilibrium in the dark or on uneven surfaces just to name a few.
Physical Therapy can greatly improve (and in over 90% of patients actually cure!) Vertigo symptoms through the use of “Vestibular Rehabilitation”. Techniques that Physical Therapists use in this form of rehab include exercises such as ankle sways and focus head turns. Physical Therapists also use different maneuvers to treat Vertigo such as: the Epley Maneuver (as mentioned above), the Brandt-Daroff Treatment, and the Semont Liberatory Maneuver.
The type of treatment the Physical Therapist chooses depends upon the underlying cause of the Vertigo, which is determined after careful examination of the patient by the Therapist. A treatment plan is then devised and acted upon in the same visit. Our Therapists have found great success with the use of the Epley Maneuver and are well trained in it’s technique.
If you or someone you know is suffering from Vertigo, give us a call today! You will be very surprised how effective Physical Therapy can be with this problem!
For more information on Vertigo and the Epley Maneuver, click the links below:
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Ultrasound as a Modality used in Spine Rehabilitation
Physical Therapists have many different treatment modalities to choose from when treating back pain or as part of a Spine Rehab program. One such modality is the use of Ultrasound. Ultrasound is a modality with many treatment uses. Today we will discuss how Ultrasound works and why it is such a useful tool in Spine Rehabilitation.
Ultrasound machines are a treatment modality used by physical therapists that utilize high or low frequency sound waves (those that are out of the range in which we hear). These sound waves are transmitted to the surrounding tissue and vasculature. They penetrate the muscles to cause deep tissue/muscle warming and this warming effect causes vessel vasodilatation and increased circulation to the area that assists in healing. This promotes tissue relaxation and therefore is useful in treating muscle tightness and spasms and is used to minimize muscle pain and movement dysfunction.
The physical therapist can also adjust the frequency on the machine to use waves that will decrease inflammation. The treatments help reduce stiffness, swelling, and pain and also increase circulation, and promote pain-free movement.
With back pain and injuries inflammation sets in and causes stiffness, pain and restriction of movement which further worsens the pain and stiffness. The heat that ultrasound waves produce cause the vessels in that region to dilate and increase blood flow to the area, which helps to decrease inflammation and promote healing of the injured tissues.
Ultrasound therapy is a painless procedure, and many people find it relaxing.
Our staff is very experienced in the use of Ultrasound as a treatment modality to treat Spinal injuries. Call us today to schedule an appointment if you or someone you know is suffering from back/spine pain and needs an expert who specializes in Spine Rehab! 386-898-0443
Ultrasound machines are a treatment modality used by physical therapists that utilize high or low frequency sound waves (those that are out of the range in which we hear). These sound waves are transmitted to the surrounding tissue and vasculature. They penetrate the muscles to cause deep tissue/muscle warming and this warming effect causes vessel vasodilatation and increased circulation to the area that assists in healing. This promotes tissue relaxation and therefore is useful in treating muscle tightness and spasms and is used to minimize muscle pain and movement dysfunction.
The physical therapist can also adjust the frequency on the machine to use waves that will decrease inflammation. The treatments help reduce stiffness, swelling, and pain and also increase circulation, and promote pain-free movement.
With back pain and injuries inflammation sets in and causes stiffness, pain and restriction of movement which further worsens the pain and stiffness. The heat that ultrasound waves produce cause the vessels in that region to dilate and increase blood flow to the area, which helps to decrease inflammation and promote healing of the injured tissues.
Ultrasound therapy is a painless procedure, and many people find it relaxing.
Our staff is very experienced in the use of Ultrasound as a treatment modality to treat Spinal injuries. Call us today to schedule an appointment if you or someone you know is suffering from back/spine pain and needs an expert who specializes in Spine Rehab! 386-898-0443
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