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August 1, 2014 — Foot Levelers, a provider of individually designed stabilizing orthotics, has long been a supporter of clinical research aimed at discovering the biomechanical and functional impact stabilizing orthotics have on the kinetic chain. Since originally funding the Greenawalt Research Chair at Northwestern Chiropractic College in 1988, Foot Levelers has supported 37 clinical studies to help the healthcare community better understand the benefits of functional foot orthotics and is currently backing two studies with the same goal.
In 2012, Foot Levelers partnered with New York Chiropractic College (NYCC) to conduct a long-term study with the New York Veteran Affairs system to research the Effects of Custom Shoe Orthotics vs. Sham Orthotics in Patients with Low Back Pain in 220 patients.
In addition to the NYCC study, Foot Levelers is also supporting a study at National University of Health Sciences entitled Shoe Orthotics for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Control Trial. Commissioned in October of 2013, this study is following 225 participants to measure low back pain levels in an allotted time frame in orthotic vs. non-orthotic users.
Included in the 37 research studies showing the effectiveness of Stabilizing Orthotics are:
- Radiographic Evaluation of Weight Bearing Orthotics and Their Effects on Flexible Pes Planus (Kuhn, Shibley, Austin, and Yochum)
- Orthotics, a Correlation to Spinal Biomechanics (Kuhn, Tremba, and Nosco)
- Leg Length Inequality Case Study – Three Dimensional Movement Analysis of the Effects of Foot Orthotics and Heel Lift (Woodward and Ball).
Along with the others, all of the mentioned studies have had a tremendous impact on the chiropractic community and how it integrates stabilizing orthotics as functional orthotics for patient care.
With 37 clinical studies as support, evidence shows Foot Levelers’ stabilizing orthotics functionally address conditions of the foot, ankle, and legs, thereby providing a positive impact on the kinetic chain, including the lower spine. These studies indicate stabilizing orthotics as an effective treatment and prevention device when foot problems are identified by a healthcare provider.
“We are committed to support the chiropractic profession as a leader in research, advancing the body of knowledge to improve overall patient health,” Mark Zeigler, Foot Levelers vice president of education, said.
Source: Foot Levelers
