Foot orthotic mechanisms of action
A meta-analysis and systematic review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine shows just how little clear research there is on how foot work (Foot Orthoses and Gait: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Literature Pertaining to Potential Mechanisms. Br J Sports Med. 2009 Dec 8)
The authors looked at the evidence for the biomechanical, shock attenuation and neuromotor paradigms. They concluded that:
Based on our review, we conclude with rudimentary guidelines for the prescription of orthosis to individuals with a range of injury histories. We also highlight the need for further research focusing on the role of injury, particularly in neuromotor modification and long term adaptation to orthoses.
While we all now and the evidence shows that foot orthotics do work, much work remains to done to explain how.
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