Boost Your Running Store's Success with Barefoot Science Insoles
Are you a running store owner looking to enhance your product offerings and help your customers achieve their peak performance while preventing injuries? Look no further! Barefoot Science foot strengthening insoles are the answer to your needs. In this blog, we'll explore why Barefoot Science is the perfect addition to your store's inventory, and how it can benefit your customers, from everyday runners to elite athletes.
Revolutionary Foot Strengthening
Barefoot Science insoles have been a game-changer in the world of foot health and injury prevention. With a remarkable track record of success, these insoles have been proven to eliminate common injuries such as plantar fasciitis and flat feet. In fact, a study conducted with the U.S. Military over ten years recorded a staggering 97.6% reduction in plantar fasciitis cases. Moreover, a published study three years prior to Nike's release of their Free Minimalistic shoes in 2001 by Biomechanical Magazine showcased the effectiveness of Barefoot Science in addressing flat feet.
The Root of the Problem
Our research has identified that many injuries and pains are rooted in the restrictive nature of the feet. Barefoot Science goes beyond just providing relief; it offers a seven-step program that strengthens the foot and the foot-to-shoulder dynamic movement/balance musculature. This program prepares runners, hikers, and walkers for a seamless transition to minimalistic shoes if they choose to make that switch.
Click here to learn about the Shumway-Cooke Balance Test.
Proven Success Across the Spectrum
Barefoot Science isn't limited to a specific group of individuals; it has been a game-changer for two million active people, from everyday enthusiasts to the world's most elite Olympic and professional athletes. The broad appeal and effectiveness of our insoles make them a valuable addition to your store's inventory.
Endorsed by Healthcare Authorities
In 2014, the NHS (National Healthcare System) Innovation Project in the U.K. recognized the superiority of Barefoot Science in comparison to standard orthotics. Their findings revealed that Barefoot Science resupinated (strengthened) the feet, allowing them to regain their self-supporting capabilities. This endorsement highlights the medical community's growing recognition of the benefits of our insoles.
The Perfect Complement to Minimalistic Shoes
We firmly support the advantages of minimalistic shoes, and we are confident that combining Barefoot Science with minimalistic footwear, Correct Toes alignment products, foot and movement musculature exercises, and stretches can significantly reduce injury rates. In fact, we believe it can lower the injury rate from 75% to a mere 15-20%.
Proactive Balance Enhancement
Don't wait for injuries to sideline you. Take our simple balance test, which is widely accepted in the medical industry. If you can't stand on one leg with your eyes closed for thirty seconds, you likely have a balance or proprioceptive deficit that needs addressing with Barefoot Science insoles. This deficit not only hampers your performance but also increases the risk of falls as you age. Our insoles can help you improve your balance and overall performance, and we even have a "two-minute club" for those who progress quickly!
Data-Backed Excellence
Barefoot Science stands out with its extensive clinical history of helping people move pain and injury-free. We have robust data in report format from thousands of peer studies to support our claims.
A Resounding Endorsement
Dr. Mark Cucuzzella, a sub-three-hour marathon runner for thirty consecutive years and owner of the first U.S. minimalistic-only running shoe store, has praised Barefoot Science. His endorsement is a testament to the effectiveness of our insoles.
Customer Satisfaction
Running store owners who carry our product often experience firsthand the gratitude of customers who have benefited from Barefoot Science insoles. Many store owners even use the insoles themselves and recommend them to everyone they meet.
Get Started Today
We invite running store owners to reach out to us for a free sample so you can start your own evaluation. By offering Barefoot Science insoles in your store, you'll not only enhance your product offerings but also contribute to your customers' well-being and performance. It's a win-win situation!
In conclusion, if you're looking to take your running store to the next level and truly care about your customers' foot health and performance, consider adding Barefoot Science insoles to your product lineup. With their proven effectiveness and broad appeal, they are an investment in your customers' success and satisfaction. Don't wait; get in touch with us today and join the Barefoot Science revolution!
]]>Are you tired of the lengthy transition period typically associated with minimalistic shoes? Look no further than Barefoot Science Proprioceptive insoles! We are here to revolutionize your journey towards minimalistic footwear, reducing the transition time from 18 to 24 months down to just four to six months. With over two decades of objective data supporting our claims, we have become the go-to solution for individuals seeking an efficient and effective transition. Let's delve into the science behind our innovative approach and discover how Barefoot Science + Minimalistic shoes equals a winning combination.
Enhancing Proprioception for Optimal Results
At the core of our philosophy lies the concept of proprioception, often referred to as the "Sixth Sense." Proprioception involves the activation of the foot's 400,000 proprioceptors, which provide the brain with vital sensory information. This information triggers a natural reflex, activating the foot and the dynamic movement foot-to-shoulder muscular system responsible for posture, balance, and dynamic movement.
The Power of Barefoot Science
To unlock the true potential of proprioception, we introduce Barefoot Science Proprioceptive insoles. Designed to support and strengthen the feet, these insoles have been proven to resupinate (strengthen) the feet, allowing them to become self-supportive once again. This crucial step is endorsed by the NHS (National Healthcare System), which recognized Barefoot Science as the first alternative to orthotics in 150 years. Through extensive research and improved outcomes witnessed in 1,000 NHS patients, Barefoot Science has gained recognition for its ability to transform foot health.
Minimalistic Shoes
The Perfect Companion: Pairing Barefoot Science Proprioceptive insoles with zero drop minimalistic shoes takes your journey to the next level. These shoes allow the foot to splay and function as nature intended, providing the freedom for natural movement. By embracing the principles of minimalistic footwear, you allow your feet to regain their strength, flexibility, and sensory awareness. As your feet adapt and strengthen, the benefits extend beyond balance and posture, leading to increased efficiency in your walking and running technique.
Real-Life Results
The success stories are abundant, with triathletes serving as shining examples of the effectiveness of Barefoot Science and minimalistic shoes. A seasoned triathlete, after two years of wearing minimalistic shoes and integrating Barefoot Science, experienced a remarkable 51% improvement in balance. This athlete also underwent a significant shift, transitioning from a heel stance to utilizing their big toe or forefoot grip, a more natural and efficient form of movement. These results, backed by years of objective data, serve as a testament to the transformative power of Barefoot Science and minimalistic shoes.
Conclusion
When it comes to transitioning to minimalistic shoes, the key lies in unlocking enhanced proprioception. Barefoot Science Proprioceptive insoles provide the missing link, nourishing the brain with vital sensory information and triggering a natural reflex that activates the foot's dynamic movement musculature. By pairing these insoles with zero drop minimalistic shoes, you embark on a journey towards optimal balance, efficient movement, and improved overall foot health. Say goodbye to lengthy transition periods and embrace the power of Barefoot Science Proprioceptive insoles to expedite your path to minimalistic footwear. Experience the scientific backing and real-life results that have positioned us as the key to a successful and timely transition. Visit our website today to explore the two-decade-long objective data supporting our innovative approach. Your feet will thank you!
This exclusive event is set to take place from December 11-13th at Holywell Park Conference Centre, Loughborough University. The BFS team joins industry leaders & top running brands like Adidas, Saucony, HOKA & more - as well as specialty run retailers, athletes, coaches & experts looking for solutions.
“The Running Conference #TRC22 features purposeful, educational and insightful panel discussions, outdoor activities, industry celebrations, and networking opportunities in addition to focused, instructive, and informative conference programmes. This much-anticipated event in the running industry calendar will become an annual gathering uniting the various sectors of the running industry (B2B / B2B2C), and nurturing the development of meaningful business relationships and collaborations” RIA Co-Leads Becs & Jonathan.
Branded as an in-shoe strengthening system, the company’s insoles work to bring progressive exercise to the feet while wearing shoes, thus replicating the positive effects of walking barefoot on natural surfaces. Barefoot Science presents to the market “an intelligent solution to an age-old problem that has never been solved by traditional orthotics or device loaded shoes. Pain and dysfunction is caused by muscle weakness, so it follows that strengthening is the path to wellness.”
With over 20 years of case studies & objective data to back it's claims, Barefoot Science boasts a documented 97.6% successful in healing plantar fasciitis - making it the top choice for coaches, elite athletes & runners who want improved balance, symmetry, enhance performance & running efficiency.
Dave Johnson, owner of New Sole Running (USA), attests: “Our best-selling insert is Barefoot Science – people stop me in the community and thank me for putting them in a pair”
Through rehabilitation and strengthening work, the team at Barefoot hopes to help individuals around the world build a better foundation for pain free movement.
To celebrate the first annual Running Conference & their Foundation Membership, Barefoot Science is offering a 25% discount on any model when shoppers use code: TRCPRESHOW22 ]]>But, what a lot of runners don't realize is that they're not truly activating their glutes during a run. This can lead not only to inefficient running, but imbalance and potential injury. Today we're going to talk about ways YOU can activate your glutes and improve your running efficiency, overall performance and get stronger, with EVERY step. Let's get started!
The three gluteal muscles are the largest muscles in the body. The gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus work together to extend, rotate, and abduct the hips.
For runners, the glutes provide power and propulsion - stabilizing the pelvis & hips, and controlling our leg alignment while running. Activated glutes are especially important for runners with a history of knee injuries as they work to prevent the knees from collapsing inwards.
These muscles can improve running efficiency by helping to maintain an upright posture and by increasing stride length. In addition to all of these performance benefits, having strong glutes can also help to prevent injuries by absorbing impact and reducing stress on the knees, hips and lower back - but only if they're working properly.
The best way to strengthen & activate the glutes is to realign the body and practice exercises that target these muscles.
Since we know that the glutes are an essential part of the running equation - balance, power, propulsion, efficiency, what can you do if you find that your glutes are under-active? Or worse yet, what if you if these muscles aren't firing properly at all?
Non-active glutes lead to imbalance and injuries, BUT there are a few simple exercises that you can start with today to activate your glutes and improve your running form:
These exercises are important, but they aren't the entire solution.
So what's the number one thing you can do to strengthen & activate your glutes? Go barefoot!
One of the best things that you can do for your glutes (and your entire body) is to spend time walking barefoot on natural surfaces each day (grass, sand, dirt, etc.). Walking barefoot on natural surfaces is actually essential for healthy feet. Not only does time spent barefoot compel your muscles to work harder, but it aligns the body with its natural state AND it activates your innate proprioceptive capabilities (the body's built-in sensory awareness) through the arch of the foot.
As any architect will tell you, arches are incredibly strong. They're able to support a tremendous amount of weight without caving in. The human foot is actually quite similar, with a mid-foot arch that helps to absorb impact and distribute weight evenly across the joints. When this arch is strong, it can help to prevent pain in the heel and arch areas, as well as injury throughout the body. However, when the arch is weak, it can lead to tension on the plantar fascia and a host of other problems (like non-activated glutes).
However, anything that comes between the natural ground and your feet - even a thin sock - interferes with the natural proprioceptive capabilities of your body.
That's where Barefoot Science comes in - our insoles are designed to address all of these issues. By progressively reintroducing stimulation to the mid-arch, Barefoot Science helps to build strength in the foot muscles over time. Our foot strengthening system of inserts replicates the positive effects of being barefoot (while you're still wearing shoes) - re-training & rebalancing your body with each and every step you take. This not only helps to prevent pain, but can also improve posture and reduce stress on the knees, hips, and lower back.
So if you can't train or spend time barefoot each day - make sure that you have Barefoot Science under your feet!
There's no question that our understanding of how to run more efficiently has come a long way in recent years. As we continue to learn more about the biomechanics of running, one area that deserves special attention is the role of the glutes.
Glutes are the often-overlooked powerhouse muscles of the body - but, strong glutes are a key component to efficient running & balanced movement. In this post, we’ve shown you how to activate your glutes for better running performance and shared some exercises & tips to help strengthen them.
If you're ready to take your running performance to the next level, don't forget to build the Barefoot Science insoles into your daily routine – our unique design encourages proper foot alignment and helps engage all of the muscles in your feet and legs for a more powerful stride. What are you waiting for?
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The Born to Barefoot Podcast is LIVE! Hosted by Stuart Gordon & Katie Tsuyuki we'll have new episodes premiering every Wednesday. Join us & explore stories of athletic journeys, disruptive technologies, and adventure from every corner of the globe. Our guests range from cutting edge sports scientists, to top athletes, to every day out-of-the-box thinkers - and beyond.
With new episodes premiering every Wednesday, we'll be diving into stories of athletic journeys, disruptive technologies, and adventure from every corner of the globe! Our guests range from cutting edge sports scientists, to top athletes, to every day out-of-the-box thinkers - and beyond.
Tune in each week as we meet with courageous guests like Olympic snowboarders, extreme runners, cross-country backpackers & people who enjoy an active lifestyle!
You will hear stories of their most intense experiences from the wild. Learn industry secrets from field experts like medical pros and coaches to keep both you and your tribe safe and healthy; avoiding foot, body and gait-related pathologies along your journey.
Ready to dive in? Subscribe to our podcast today:
Available on Apple Podcasts
Available on Spotify
With over 35 years of experience in competing, studying and teaching in the world of elite athletics and sports specific conditioning, Jeff has created a (much needed) stir in the running industry at large.
" 'The so-called 'running establishment' do not particularly like me – as a matter of fact, they loath me, I take that as a compliment.' "
Today, Jeff explains why even the most popular barefoot or minimalist shoes simply aren't the answer for athletes or others looking to improve - and how Barefoot Science innovative insole technology fits into the conversation.
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Last updated June 2022
Your feet are more important than you think, and strong feet make for a better functioning body. (It ALL starts with the feet.)
BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ is the world’s first in-shoe non-orthotic insole system, which provides a progressive solution for common conditions and those suffering from things like general foot pain, flat feet, knee pain, plantar fasciitis, hip pain, lower back pain, lower body alignment problems, neuropathy, shoulder pain - the list goes on!
At Barefoot, we know that your feet were designed to be bare. Our insoles bring the positive effect of walking barefoot in the sand or in grass to you from inside your shoes.
People from all walks of life love BAREFOOTSCIENCE™. From pro and Olympic-athletes to ER Nurses to Special forces military personnel, to a million and a half ordinary people looking to enjoy pain-free mobility, BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ customers agree:
BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ insoles relieved pain and improved athletic performance!
Whether you’re an athlete or a weekend warrior, you can see a dramatic improvement in walking and running gait, stability, pain relief and performance.
Everything from balance, stability, movement and alignment begins with the feet. Pain in the body (foot pain, knee pain, hip pain and shoulder pain), injury, dysfunction, and atrophied muscles have all been linked to the feet in some way. If you have flat feet, overpronation, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, bunions, heel spurs, diabetes, gait imbalance, arthritis, neuropathy or diabetes; if you're a runner, an athlete, or an everyday person - it ALL starts with the feet.
Barefoot insoles activate and stimulate the mid-arch - and therefore the foot exercises - getting stronger with each and every step you take. Over time, our innovative insole technology naturally builds strength at the foundation of the body, improving balance, enhancing performance and eliminating pain caused by the conditions we mentioned above.
Barefoot insoles have a patented dome shape in which a small plug or insert is placed (there number of inserts depends on the insole model). This functional technology allows for a progressive activation of the muscles in the soles of the feet and up the calf and legs. With each Barefoot step you take, you'll be strengthening the foot and elevating the arch.
A heightened arch more easily handles the stresses of body weight and movement, but yes, we do have an insole for high arches too! BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ builds strength, treating the root cause of foot, knee, hip and back pain, and prevents further injury. The foot and legs become self sufficient no longer needing to rely on thick rigid device loaded shoes and orthotics to function.
Forget everything you thought you knew about foot care. Traditional shoes and orthotics, weaken the foot with each and every step. With BAREFOOTSCIENCE™, you can build strength, just as if you were walking the way nature intended: barefoot!
Whether you’re an athlete or a weekend warrior, you can see a dramatic improvement in walking and running gait, stability, pain relief and performance.
The Science behind our innovative insole technology is not new, and it’s certainly not a secret.
BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ is a product with a proven track record of more than 20 years; from children, to elite athletes, podiatrists, military veterans and everyone in between - the Barefoot team aims to help everyone who walks.
“This product makes sense not only for minimalist runners, but for the entire shoe wearing population.” Dr. Mark Cucuzzella MD and natural running expert.
“These insoles help so many people with such a variety of complaints – not just because they align posture or provide cushioning and support for feet (like orthotics) – but because they activate the plantar musculature and foot bed proprioception which I believe it literally completes the upright posture circuit and brings about posture without effort!” David M. Lemke, NMT, sEMG.
“I recommend this product, and I am not just a practice of one, I work with Dr Karen Brooks, a Podiatrist, we tag team on every Veteran that enters our offices for Podiatric services, she too has over 25 years’ experience in Podiatry Practice and is also very happy with the results of this innovative design and the multiple uses of this barefoot Science rehabilitative and preventative shoe insert to help our Podiatric patients/Veterans.” Michael P. Olden, H.t; Ost; C-Ped; Pmac., American Board for Certifications in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics.
“Fascinating how quickly the accommodation process is if given the right information. Everyone needs your system.” Dr. Peter Gorman
Sport is NOT the Enemy – Dr. Peter Gorman and Dr. Anne Shadle
The Sole of the Matter – Dr. Peter Gorman and Dr. Anne Shadle]]>
Vonnie was training for the London Parks Half Marathon...
She had recently injured her calve out on a run and shared that she has had multiple knee surgeries; to say the least - her balance has suffered.
Dive into Vonnie's story, testing and immediate results from the BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ strengthening system:
With the use of BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ and the help of Stuart Gordon, of All About Balance, Vonnie's balance has massively improved and she is recovering well from her injuries!
The BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ strengthening system offers an intelligent solution to an age-old problem that has never been solved by traditional orthotics. Pain and dysfunction is caused by muscle weakness, so it follows that strengthening is the path to wellness.
Discovery the power of proprioception - discover BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ and start your healing journey TODAY.
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To do that, the winter training program has to realize that, like most sports, baseball is a true agility sport, which means that every movement on the field is decision-based. This requires not just great physical ability, but also great cognitive ability. Decision-based movement requires RADAR—it requires the athlete to (see Figure):
How many coaches or trainers know the actual SOP of their players? It is amazing that terms like “bat speed,” or “exit velocity,” or “60- yard time” are thrown around with oohs and aahs. If we do not know the athlete’s SOP, then the fastest bat speed or 60-yard time might just be a wasted statistic. Remember, SOP is the time between recognition and reaction. If SOP is slow, then reaction is slow. If reaction is slow, then the athlete plays slow, and slow is often too late. Fast bat speed, but slow in pulling the trigger...you are out. Fast 60-yard time, but the athlete is slow to react to the pitcher releasing the pitch...you are out.
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) states this very clearly: “First move well, then move often. Moving well speaks to quality of movement and speed of processing (cognitive function). While moving often is not simply quantity but rather the capacity and adaptation that allow brain and body to function cohesively and optimally for life and sport.” An efficient winter training program must understand the importance of cognition and must be able to evaluate and correct any physical imbalances. It is well understood that all position players must be able and agile in all directions. Speed of left leg must equal speed of right leg. Left-to-right acceleration must equal right-to-left acceleration. Anything less than this would create a favored side, and the need to compensate. How erroneous would it be to tell a player he has better range in a given direction, without giving him the reason and the way to fix it?
Just before the pandemic, I had the privilege of working with a baseball team of 9-year-olds from my hometown of Mahopac, NY. I say privilege because, in my 37 years of sport science, I have had many professionals, Olympians, and World Champions come through my doors. The dedication these 9-year-olds showed to learning and developing was second to none. My job was to oversee their training. At our first team meeting we discussed 3 important facts:
Physical evaluations would be aimed at correcting weaknesses and imbalances. An athlete is only as strong as the athlete’s weakest link. Fix weaknesses before developing strengths. This eliminates the need for the athlete to compensate. Train the true athlete, not the compensatory process.
A fastball can reach the plate in 400 milliseconds, and the time to swing is approximately 175 milliseconds. This leaves only 225 milliseconds to recognize, attend, and react to the pitch. It was decided to train every athlete’s SOP to faster than 200 milliseconds...quite a challenge for ballplayers of any age and ability.
Every athlete has a unique set of strengths and weaknesses. Help your teammate first, and create bonds that will last forever.
Once the rules were set, we agreed on a team statement: “Maybe no one on the team will make it to Major League Baseball, but one thing is for certain, every athlete one day will graduate from the minor leagues of childhood to the major leagues of adulthood. Let’s help each other be the best at this.” As a USA Baseball contributor, a BareFoot Science board member, a certified Microgate trainer, and a certified BrainHQ trainer, I made sure each child was evaluated and trained according to their standards. The incredible gold standard USA Baseball evaluation was performed for each athlete. This included:
We tested true agility by using Microgate WITTY Semiphores in a 4x4 box at 2 different levels of cognitive load. Total times were recorded and compared under each cognitive load. Any slowing of physical movement due to increased cognitive load was then baselined.
By employing validated published tests from BrainHQ.com, actual brain SOP was recorded for each athlete to show double decision, eye for detail, and single-decision ability. This is where we recorded the greatest changes in athletic ability. At the beginning of the program, average SOP was approximately 600 milliseconds for each athlete. At the end of 12 weeks of training, average SOP improved to a super-fast 86 milliseconds. During the last week, we recorded an almost unbelievable average sub-32 millisecond brain speed.
These kids are now “seeing” everything. Remember what we said before, you need at least 200 milliseconds to see and attend to the fastball. The hitting coaches noticed the difference on the field. They reported that the athletes were understanding and picking up the ball sooner, and their sense of game was becoming clearer, which is a big advantage when called on to bat.
Of great importance was the fact that BrainHQ allowed us to track each athlete’s cognitive ability. If, at any time, an athlete’s SOP slowed, questions were immediately raised about rest and fatigue. This same understanding of SOP could be applied to contact sports where words like “CTE” and “concussion return to play” still prevail at an alarmingly high rate. Monitoring SOP has to be standard procedure for all.
The BFS Science lab was used extensively, employing the 6 Absolutes at all training stations, both static and dynamic and the balance protocol was performed and monitored for each athlete. This ensured improved balance over time, and the avoidance of overtraining. The Absolutes were combined with FMS corrective movements through all arcs of motion and the emphasis was always on train the true athlete, not the compensatory process. We used a slant board to make determinations of strengths and weaknesses for each position of the foot strike. Proprioceptive ability was monitored to ensure improvements in Ground Contact Time (GCT). Eleven of the 12 athletes initially displayed proprioceptive or balance deficits. These players were fitted with non-orthotic proprioceptive based inserts from the Barefoot Science Foot Strengthening System. Through the integration of the proprioceptive insoles and the Shumway-Cook balance training program all athletes were able to stand on 1 leg with their eyes closed for 1 minute.
As strengths and weaknesses were identified, proper training interventions were employed for their correction. Knowing that you are only as strong as your weakest link, our athletes had a burning desire to understand their results and to improve upon them. They understood there was no sense in building strength on an unstable foundation; identifying and fixing weaknesses became the mantra of the program.
We started hearing from coaches, parents, and other observers that the players were “hitting the cover off the ball” or about how they were reacting faster and getting to position faster. But it wasn’t just on the field.
I was very proud of our team when parents started telling me: “It’s no longer a struggle to get homework done”; “he seems to understand and get it better”; “behavior and bed time are no longer a commotion”; or “he is setting a better example for his younger siblings.” One mother brought her son’s report card showing that her son’s all Cs had become all As. Two of the players were taken off Ritalin. These comments struck home to the idea that we are preparing the children for the game of life. Baseball is just the vehicle we are using to do so.
I think head coach Sacco summed it up the best when he said, “You know you’re doing something right when your boys would rather come to do their training than go to a birthday party or something else. They want to be here, they see the improvements they’ve made, and they compete against each other here so intensely, while always understanding it’s team first. I see the level of quickness when we go the batting cages and the tremendous agility when reacting to ground balls and other drills. I’ve talked to parents who tell me how much better their child is doing in the classroom and at home. With what I’ve seen in the short few months, I firmly believe every sports program at any level (boys and girls) should be doing this training. Just the brain training alone speaks volumes and is great for knowing when an athlete can or is able to return to play after an injury. I can’t say enough how great I think this program is.”
Our team, which had ended the prior season in last place, won the championship that year. Proper training—being able to evaluate and train at game speed—was very important for a successful program. The game should never be the trainer. Training at high demand must be closely monitored. Objectively understanding the movement ability of each athlete and correcting it, as needed, helps significantly in injury prevention and movement efficiency.
I would like to personally thank USA Baseball, Bigger Faster Stronger, Microgate, Barefoot Science, BrainHQ, FMS, and my great staff for their involvement in this great program. Thank you to Anne Shadle, PhD, whose understandings on the cognitive side of sport makes everything blend so seamlessly. Most importantly I would like to thank the coaches and especially the athletes, whose dedication and determination made this the most enlightening training program I have ever seen at any level. Much was learned and many will be helped because of it.
As we all learn and share ideas, the impossibilities of today will fade, and the achievements of tomorrow will be greater than ever.
Peter Gorman, DC, is a contributor to the USA Baseball Sport Development Blog, is widely referred to as the developer of heart rate monitor technology, and owns 7 major patents in the United States and Canada. He was named president of Microgate USA in 2010 and became an adjunct professor at the University of Bridgeport Chiropractic College in 2012. He later joined CourtSense, developing innovative and logical progression that helps athletes attain symmetry and better coordination. Dr. Gorman has previous experience working with the US military, as well as sports leagues and franchises around the world including those associated with Major League Baseball, FIFA, the National Football League, the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, and the US Olympic Committee.
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Original article by Stuart Gordon, Sports Therapist, All About Balance (UK) with contributions from the team at Barefoot Science
Last updated June 2022
One in ten people suffer from plantar fasciitis, a painful condition and a frustrating one for patients and therapists alike! In the UK alone, that statistic means plantar fasciitis could affect approx. 6 million people - particularly those who spend a lot of time on their feet.
Individuals who spend a large portion of time standing or walking as part of their work (waitstaff, chefs, nurses, construction workers, retail works, etc.) or even their hobby and leisure activities are particularly susceptible to plantar fasciitis.
Athletes of all ages and those with a very active lifestyle are no stranger to the pain of plantar fasciitis. We know that 100,000’s of runners, golfers and men, women and children worldwide are affected. Furthermore, significant numbers of serving and veteran soldiers suffer from foot related conditions and numerous lower limb injuries as well. In fact, one top US military podiatrist has shared with Barefoot that 60% of the cases he sees are plantar fasciitis!
Put simply, plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain, discomfort & inflammation on the sole of the foot, usually near the heel.
The general medical consensus is that plantar fasciitis is caused by;
Additional factors include:
There are many different suggested treatments for plantar fasciitis backed by numerous studies - all of which present varying and often, inconsistent results in healing or alleviating plantar fascia pain. Success is mixed and recurrences of plantar fasciitis can be frequent, leaving therapists and patients equally frustrated. Which begs the question ‘what are we missing’?
I was one of those frustrated therapists, having treated people from all walks of life for over 29 years. I love helping my patients recover from painful or debilitating conditions that prevent them doing the things they enjoy, but finding an actual solution to this tricky condition eluded me for many years. In fact, it’s fair to say that treating plantar fasciitis was a frustrating pain in the ar…area on the bottom of the foot!
That is at least until I discovered Barefoot Science insoles about 6 years ago.
I have since found Barefoot Science to be incredibly effective at eliminating pain and getting people back on their feet quickly and safely. Not just by treating the symptoms but by stimulating, strengthening and retraining the feet which means:
If you are reading this you’ve probably had a run in with plantar fasciitis, or perhaps you're currently suffering and wondering if there's anything you can do? The most well-intentioned professional advice, online research studies, folk-lore, late night Google diving, blind faith and sheer frustration have probably led you to try some or all the following methods:
Perfectly logical approaches to injury treatment!
You’ve probably been told to stretch your plantar fascia;
However, given that one of the suggested causes of plantar fasciitis is over-stretching, is more stretching really a logical approach?
A number of recent studies suggest that strengthening the intrinsic muscles (20 muscles in the sole of each foot that support the arch and create ‘toe off’) will help. For example;
Wearing Barefoot insoles is like having your own ‘in-shoe’ personal trainer constantly reminding you to do foot exercises to build up & strengthen your intrinsic muscles. With every Barefoot step you'll activate your proprioceptive nerves to improve balance… A 97.6% success rate says they work! Nearly 3 million people worldwide say they work!
Strengthening the intrinsic muscles in each foot seems to have become the widely accepted way to improve foot function and prevent plantar fasciitis, a view supported by a highly respected study by; Patrick O. McKeon, Jay Hertel, Dennis Bramble, Irene Davis titled “The foot core system: a new paradigm for understanding intrinsic foot muscle function“. Full details are available via this link;
In summary the study suggests;
Rolling has become a feature of pretty much every gym in the world, and as a Sports Therapist for 29 years I’ve recommended such methods on many occasions. However, I always stress the need to roll slowly, with clear intention and only 3-4 times on the affected area. In other words focus on keeping the pressure constant and bearable…be kind to yourself!
These methods have been known to offer benefit for some people, but equally not for others.
Now, here is a massive area of debate. There are many different types of shoe, and a plethora of sports shoes that offer;
But the question is; should we be prescribing a shoe type based on an individual’s need for support’? A study by Dr Joseph Knapik et al on thousands of military personnel concluded:
“Despite the common thinking that we should support based on foot arch height, there was in fact no difference in injury rate when a ‘supportive’ shoe was worn“
That study throws a wrench in the ‘support and cushioning’ solution offered by traditional orthotics and medical practitioners.
As does another study by Freddy Sichting, Nicholas B. Holowka, Oliver B. Hansen & Daniel E. Lieberman, featured in the Guardian newspaper. This particular study explored the effect of shoes with an upward curvature of the sole (at the front) which holds the toes in a constantly dorsiflexed (bent upward) position.
The study suggested that “habitually wearing shoes with toe springs could inhibit or de-condition the force generating capacity of intrinsic foot muscles. While the direct consequences of weak foot muscles are not fully known, it is likely that they could increase susceptibility to flat foot and associated problems such as plantar fasciitis“.
I’m not by any means the first person to point out that in 50 years of ‘advanced technology’ in shoe design the percentage of runners getting injured has continued to increase year over year, currently standing at nearly 80%.
It seems pretty clear that something is being missed! But that’s a subject for another blog.
As many of you will know, Orthotics been around for many years and have helped and will continue to help certain conditions.
If you are experiencing pain associated with plantar fasciitis it is often suggested that Orthotic insoles will help by supporting the medial foot arch and stopping the foot from over-pronating. It’s also true to say that a high arch (over supinated foot) could cause plantar fasciitis, so how does your treatment in that instance differ and will orthotics help with that? In either instance do Orthotics retrain the feet to function better or simply prop them up?
My personal opinion based on 1000’s of assessments looking at the whole bio-mechanical chain rather than just the foot, is that orthotics don’t provide any consistent or lasting benefit to Plantar fasciitis, whereas I’ve found that because Barefoot Science insoles work to retrain the intrinsic muscles of the feet and reorganise neuromuscular patterns of engagement through the body, they create better movement and successfully reduce the risk of plantar fasciitis recurring.
Current clinical guidelines include the use of foot orthotic devices for heel pain and plantar fasciitis, but lack any reference to strengthening of the foot. Temporary support may be needed during the acute phase of an injury but it should be replaced as soon as possible with a strengthening programme just like with any other part of the body.
In fact many people I’ve treated arrive with a carrier bag full of orthotics that haven’t helped or are simply uncomfortable.
https://allaboutbalance.co.uk/first-the-orthotic/ describes that scenario.
If you’ve visited a Physiotherapist or Podiatrist with plantar fasciitis they will almost certainly recommend you try some of the techniques above. Additionally, they may use treatment protocols including;
Here again the success of such treatments is variable and recurrence is not uncommon so what is being missed?
Barefoot Science insoles are specially constructed insoles with a patented dome shape in front of the heel in an area of the foot called the mid-arch. On the underside of the dome there is a socket in to which you insert 6 or 7 progressively large plugs which provide a gradually increasing amount of nerve stimulation to ‘switch on’ your proprioceptive system and to retrain and strengthen the intrinsic muscles of the feet with every step. Barefoot Science insoles will improve your balance and help control pronation and encourage re-supination of your feet which means your feet and legs can function as nature intended. Giving you;
Any article about plantar fasciitis or in fact pretty much any injury wouldn’t be complete without an explanation of Proprioception…the Body’s Built-In Injury Avoidance System.
There are 200,000 proprioceptors (nerve endings) in the sole of each foot. On every step they transmit information about movement, balance and spatial awareness, nourishing the brain with sensory information that;
Proprioceptive nerves also trigger the ‘stretch reflex’ without us consciously thinking;
Barefoot Science insoles were developed by a Chiropractor some 22 years ago specifically to stimulate proprioception from the feet up, and in 2019 became an approved product by the British Chiropractic Association.
Mr Olden stated that 60% of the cases he has treated during his 30 year career are Plantar fasciitis.
His report continues as follows;
“I’ve been using Barefoot Science insoles on my patients for the past 7 years with a 97.6% success rate on plantar fasciitis“.
“I have constructed and tried many orthotics but found most of them were more accommodating to ‘functional foot conditions’ keeping the foot aligned and rigid, yet never strengthening the foot, although there is a myriad of devices that claim they do so. In my experience none of them worked for the purpose of strengthening the intrinsic muscles. I started working with Barefoot Science a few years ago, and it has really turned our practice into a healing clinic”.
He goes on to say; “Strengthening the arch and feet and their respective intrinsic muscles effectively allows the patients feet to become self-supportive over time and eliminates revisits for the same issues”.
“We’ve moved away from bracing the feet with orthotics which tended to provide short term benefits but caused additional weakness and instability, to progressively strengthening the feet with every step my patients take“.
Respectfully,
Mike Olden H.t; Ost; C-Ped; Pmac. American Board for Certifications in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics. *Board Certified Pedorthist cert no: Cped0724.
By wearing thick shoes and walking on hard, flat surfaces, our foot muscles go limp, or dormant, which results in atrophy! When this happens, there is no activity to pump blood to and from our feet. Our feet need to exercise just like the rest of our body!
That is why Barefoot Science exists.
Our feet are naturally designed to be barefoot, reacting to the ground beneath us. Because this is not always possible (especially in urban areas and in winter months - or in the workplace) we have replicated this same effect/benefit. Barefoot Science insoles are NOT like any ordinary insole. They are not like any other insole at all. They actually exercise your feet while they are in your shoes. Not only does it feel incredible, but it is the easiest form of exercise you will ever do. It is not a gimmick like those electric belts that were supposed to give you abs in the early 2000's. This is actually a 7-level exercise program. It is impossible that you will go through the levels and still have weak, atrophied or flat feet. Furthermore, YOUR muscles will become a pump, increasing your own circulation.
Diabetes, Neuropathy & Cold Feet
If you (or someone you know & love) has diabetes, then we have good news for you (keep reading!). If you do, you're surely aware of the scary stats about diabetic neuropathy, foot amputation and mortality. You may also have heard that the only measure you can take is to use compression, thick diabetic shoes and even orthotics. Did you know that customers have reported that orthotics actually WORSEN the neuropathy or numbness over time? What if we told you that adding cushioning or supporting devices can actually do the OPPOSITE of fixing the problem? However, there IS a real solution! Strengthening your feet, increasing circulation in your foot naturally, rehabilitating your foot and restoring its muscles to their natural function is what you need to do; and that is precisely what Barefoot Science was designed to do. Read some of our customer's testimonials below.
Which insoles are the best for diabetics or people with cold feet?
Meet our Therapeutic PLUS model:
This BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ insole is clothed in Celliant™ – a revolutionary product proven to increase blood circulation. Therapeutic Plus meets the requirements for safe and gentle foot care, making it ideal for people with circulation problems like diabetics.
We are happy to offer a 100% money-back guarantee. We have offered this for years, and we rarely get requests to use it. But we mean it!! There are no catches here. We just want to help, and know that we will!
Here are a few testimonials from customers:
As a 39 year old mother of two boys and with a busy career, I have often wondered and worried about my foot health. The custom orthotics seemed to be a kind of answer when it came to straightening my ankle and reducing some of the pain caused by this misalignment, but the side effects of positioning my feet in the hard orthotics actually increased the numbness, lack of circulation and muscle atrophy that the neuropathy was already causing. (Not to mention the need to purchase expensive, wide-fitting and not necessarily attractive shoes that could accommodate the orthotic.)
The experience of wearing the Barefoot insoles has been not only eye-opening, but foot changing. Within the first hour of having the insoles in my shoes – at level one of course – I began having more feeling in my feet than I’ve had for a very long time. My feet felt good – in fact they were beginning to feel warm.
It really was amazing. The other things that have surprised me now that I’ve worn them for two years, are the fact that they are extremely comfortable – providing cushioning to my feet which can be tender, they have not – as I was afraid they might – caused my ankle to turn or be painful. In fact, my ankles, legs, knees and hips feel great – not unsupported.
I wear my Barefoot Science insoles in my shoes every day, but I can now also spend time barefoot and in shoes – such as summer sandals – without them and not have the painful, swollen ankles and sore feet that I used to get when not wearing shoes with my orthotics. Obviously the “foot strengthening” promise is true.
Lastly, I have gained some mobility back. I could not, for example, curl the toes on my left foot without causing a massive cramp in my foot or calf – and sometimes I couldn’t really move them at all. I can curl my toes any time I want to now.
It’s amazing what you will learn to live with because you’ve been told that it’s the best solution – or only solution. In hindsight, I’m somewhat incredulous that I could accept the side effects of my custom orthotics as okay. As a diabetic you are constantly told not to wear things that are too tight, that cut off circulation or that don’t allow freedom of movement. So why is it acceptable to put our feet into hard, molded orthotics that do all of the things we’re not supposed to?
My feet are integral to carrying me through life and I don’t want to lose them to amputation. Particularly if you are a diabetic – and even if you’re not – I urge you to see the amazing difference the Barefoot Science inserts will make to your mobility.” – Sarah Wilkins, July 2012
“I am a 68 year old male, diagnosed with Type II diabetes 14 years ago. Throughout my life I have had foot issues, first because of having flat feet, then later because of diabetes. I bought numerous off-the-shelf insoles in an attempt to ease the foot pain Iʼve experienced much of my life due to persistent issues with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar muscle in the foot. Finally, I tried podiatrist-prescribed shoe inserts that I wore for approximately two years; however, my foot issues continued. The doctor-prescribed inserts were hard and provided no cushioning, no stability, no pain relief. It felt like I was wearing thick braces for my feet. I continued to have plantar muscle issues. I also found it difficult to buy shoes that would work well with the thick inserts. I was at my witʼs end. Then I heard about Barefoot Science.
When I first learned of Barefoot Science insoles, I was skeptical, having tried the many off-the-shelf insoles and the very expensive doctor-prescribed inserts. But, I thought, what can I lose? Upon purchasing my first pair of Barefoot Science insoles, I hurried home to try the product. I followed the instructions provided with the insoles and I put them in my cross-training shoes, starting with Level 1, as recommended. The moment my feet touched the ground, I knew I had something different. The insoles werenʼt hard. They felt natural. For the first time in many years, my feet felt planted, stable, even strengthened. What a great feeling! I no longer had to walk gingerly to ease the pain.
I have been wearing the Barefoot Science insoles for over a year. I am now at Barefoot Science Level 5, which works best for me, and my feet feel great. They feel strengthened. I no longer have issues with plantar fasciitis. I have increased stability. Even my posture has improved because I feel more stable, with less sway. I now manage my Type II diabetes through regular visits to an endocrinologist, by counting carbohydrates, by eating well-balanced low carb meals, and by regularly exercising. This resulted in a significant decrease in amounts of medication required, and I have no diagnosed neuropathy. Medical tests on my feet show strong circulation throughout my feet.
Barefoot Science has made a world of difference to my feet, to my overall stability, to my posture, and to my ability to withstand strenuous workouts. I now wear Barefoot Science insoles in all my shoes. They work as well in my dress shoes as they do in my workout shoes. Now, at the gym and elsewhere, I happily recommend the Barefoot Science System to my fellow workout partners and to my friends. This is a product that works.” – Roger McBee, Wimberley, Texas
Barefoot Science is the only product in the world that is patented and proven to enhance proprioception and addresses the main cause of neuropathy by strengthening the foot muscles.
For more information, click here.
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The whole concept of minimal shoes is to give the runner an experience similar to what they would get if they were actually barefoot. a primary goal is to get the athletes in the least amount of shoe that is safe for them today and gradually reduce the shoe as the foot strengthens.
One of the main benefits about being truly barefoot is maximizing proprioception, the valuable sensorimotor information we receive from the foot/ground interface. The foot's dense proprioceptive system plays a critical role in the activation and efficiency of muscles controlling gait, posture and alignment. When we introduce a layer between the sole of the foot and the ground we add a layer of sensory insulation. So let’s look at the role of a critically important aspect of the shoe – the insole layer, the layer that is in contact with the foot.
Insoles have traditionally been broken down into 3 main categories; cushioning, support and custom orthotics. Recently a 4th category, foot strengthening or proprioceptive feedback insoles, has been introduced.
2. The second category of insoles support the foot, and most commonly the foot’s medial arch. Variations of these insoles exists which feature wedging effects to alter pronation. These insoles mimic the custom orthotic concept. Variations of these insoles also exist where you can heat form the insole to match your foot, making it more like a custom orthotic products. In the support category are Sole, A-Line and Superfeet. In many cases the brands offer devices that both support and cushion.
3. Another device is the prescription orthotic. The Websters' Dictionary defines an Orthotic as ": a device (as a brace or splint) for supporting, immobilizing or treating muscles, joints or skeletal parts which are weak, ineffective, deformed or injured.” Although typically not sold at retail, virtually every retailer has a percentage of consumers who come in and must ensure that their orthotic will fit into their new shoes. Although I believe there are several structural flaws that benefit from orthotics; we often take a structurally normal foot which has atrophied through years of bracing and support, make a cast of the weakened foot, and make a support to brace the weak foot. We allow the foot to continue to weaken and make another pair in a year.
Taking the foot and making it reliant on a brace or support is counter intuitive to those wanting to strengthen and rehabilitate so the foot can become a self-supporting structure.
Once a joint is braced it will often require bracing indefinitely until an active rehab is prescribed.
Athletes embracing healthy foot movement desire the following:
a) We don’t want sensory insulation
b) We want full foot Range of Motion
c) We do not want excessive bracing, cushioning or support
4. A unique category of insoles is a Proprioceptive Based insole by Barefoot Science. This is not a new concept - Barefoot Science insoles have been around for almost a decade and the underlying science it is based upon is 2 decades old. The patented insole focuses on the use of the body’s own sensory perception and proprioception to introduce a mild stimulus to a region corresponding with the foot’s center of mass. The body’s natural response to the stimulus is to move away and thus a series of continuous and minute muscle contractions are begun. The insole works with a progressive series of inserts, much like a progressive resistance training program, to gradually introduce this muscle strengthening component to the foot. So as opposed to the concept of brace or support or the concept of cushion and insulate, here the concept is strengthen / rehabilitate. For those of us that have begun questioning the benefits of the brace- support and cushion footwear products this makes perfect sense.
Another interesting aspect of the insole is how it interfaces with the foot. The typical science of insoles focuses on primarily supporting the foot’s medial arch and possibly, depending on product, the transverse and lateral arches. The shape and concept behind Barefoot Science is in interfacing with the foot’s center of mass. This key region is also aligned with the body’s line of action through the foot and thus it creates a dome like effect that the foot can rotate about. From an anatomical point of the view the hip is like a ball-socket, the knee is like a simple hinge and therefore the foot, to interact multi-directionally with the ground, it needs to have a ball-socket multi-directional capacity also. This aspect is especially beneficial for those running or doing any sports on uneven surfaces.
Apart from the sock, the insole is the layer in most immediate contact with the foot. The features and benefits of this insole comes as close as can be found to bringing the benefits of actual foot/ground interface inside the shoe to the foot/insole interface. It is also transferable into daily footwear effectively providing progressive barefoot like stimulation for every step taken which in theory should reduce the injury rate and shorten the transition time that some have associated with the minimalist/barefoot transition.
Overall the advantages of improved foot strength translate into more efficient and a less injury prone movement. The natural mechanics of the musculoskeletal system are capable of providing the shock absorption and support our body requires for most activity.
Insoles focusing on the strengthening and rehabilitation of the foot make the most sense. These insoles are ultra-light weight, flexible and come in full and ¾ length. This product makes sense for not only minimalist runners but for the entire shoe wearing population.
Dr. Mark Cucuzzella
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White Paper by
Richard C. Schnirring, PhD
Executive Summary:
February 23, 2014 (Washington)
“Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel plans to shrink the United States Army to its smallest force since before the WWII buildup ….” The Air Force, Navy, Marines and National Guard Units will also see drawdown in force. This makes in vitally important for our War Fighters to be ready for rapid deployment. And to be field ready our service men and women need to be physically fit to endure more time in the field, carry heavier loads, be quicker and stronger. However, studies show that members of the armed forces are predisposed to musculoskeletal injuries as a result of all the physical training and field duty preparation needed to achieve maximum force readiness. Musculoskeletal injuries include: ankle, foot, knee, hip, lower back and shoulders. Studies have concluded that the militaries current proactive use of OTC & custom orthotics effectively increases injury rates in basic training by 9%. 2007 DOD statistics show that these types of injuries were the second cause of hospitalizations and the leading cause of OP clinical visits. And the Bottom Line according to Economic Analysis of Information Management Requirements, Injury Cause Coding, March 2006: The total annual cost burden of these injuries is: $1,500,000,000 – yes $1.5 Trillion Dollars. According to Medical Surveillance Monthly Report, April Issue 2007, there are 900,000 injuries per year, affecting 675,000 service members which in effect is 50% of the military force annually. Musculoskeletal injuries accounted for 68% of all days of limited duty (DLD) which equates to approximately 25 million limited duty days per year. These injuries result in lost training time, increasing attrition rates and decrease in time in field and all are important in terms of force readiness. Inflammation and pain because of overuse/stress result in foot, knee, ankle, back and shoulder injuries. It is imperative to understand that the degradation of foot functionality and weakness leads to a predisposition to injury and reduced performance in the musculoskeletal system. Muscloskeletal alignment and balance begins with the feet or foundation. The loss of foot functionality and the resulting asymmetries and loss of balance are the main cause of a warriors’ loss of strength, stamina, speed, response time, injury and removal from field of duty; thereby reducing the effective range and readiness of the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. Patented science and technology exists that can help our war fighters achieve optimal physical fitness / readiness levels and prevent lower extremity injuries. This scientifically proven and patented technology provides the basis for a biomechanical product that actively stimulates , strengthens and restores the foot , balance and gait related musculature. All movement is related to balance. It has been determined since 1986 ( Shumway-Cook balance test) that the brain relies on sensory input from three areas to effectively manage its job of balance, posture and dynamic movement. The eyes, the inner ear and the feet. Without Barefoot Science or walking barefoot in the sand the soldier is left to compensate for a balance or proprioceptive deficit. Barefoot Science provides the soldier with the third leg of the balance tripod. Dr. Gorman (who invented the Microgate gait and balance system that the U.S. Military has standardized on in 300 locations) refers to this as being D.R.U.N.K. ( Dramatically Reduced Utilization of Norman Kinematics) Barefoot Science non orthotic inserts are designed to provide effects that are remedial, therapeutic and preventative – resulting in optimized foot health and foot functionality resulting in expanding the effective range and readiness of the men and women of our armed forces.
Proprioception The Body’s Built-In Injury Avoidance System
Proprioceptors are sensory receptors or nerve endings that relay information about motion , balance or position making us aware of our body position and movement in space. There are 400,000 proprioceptors in the feet that nourish the brain with sensory information. In addition to providing information about movement and balance they trigger certain protective reflexes without thinking.
The “Stretch Reflex” is activated when the proprioceptors sense too much stretch or force on a muscle or tendon that could lead to muscle or tendon injury. The reflex causes the stretched muscle or tendon to contract or shorten in a fraction of a second to automatically protect the structure. Olympic Coaches have commented that BFS has reduced their athlete’s ankle and tendon sprains by 50% due to this natural injury prevention gift.
Introduction and Problem Definition:
“A progressive, silent, seemingly unimportant foe has emerged as the number one health threat to U.S. Armed Forces. This threat is caused neither by virus or germ, but by a military tradition to perform, excel and exceed. Its name is INJURY – and it represents the greatest threat to U.S. Military READINESS”
Major Vancil McNulty, Physical Therapy Staff Officer
U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine
Army Medicine: August 2009
According to (USARIEM) – MIL MED, 2011 reported that the rates of ankle and foot injuries in active duty U.S. Army Soldiers (ADA) studied between 2000-2006 are a major cause of active duty time lost from training and combat operations. 16% of all soldiers were clinically seen at least once for an Ankle / Foot Injury (AFI) and 60%-70% of ADA soldiers with AFI had ankle sprain / strain. An AFI history in the previous 2 years increased the AFI rates by 93% to 160%. It was recommended by the authors that “these groups should be targeted for preventive medicine”.
According to Medical Surveillance Monthly Report, April Issue 2007, there are 900,000 injuries per year, affecting 675,000 service members which in effect is 50% of the military force annually. Musculoskeletal injuries accounted for 68% of all days of limited duty which equates to approximately 25 million limited duty days per year.
COST BURDEN OF MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES: U.S. Army Lt. Col. Deydre Teyhen from Fort Detrick: (Army Only 2013) reported that musculoskeletal injuries resulted in about 2.4 million medical visits to military treatment facilities and $548 Million in direct patient care costs. Lt. Col. Teyhen went on to say that 73% of VA disability claims include a musculoskeletal component.
The bottom line is that the total average cost per injury is over $3000.00, THE TOTAL ANNUAL MILITARY COST OF INJURIES IS: $1,500,000,000 ($1.5 TRILLION). (Source: Economic Analysis of Information Management Requirements, Injury Cause Coding, March 2006) – An important question would be: What percentage of these injuries is preventable?
Members of our U.S. Armed Forces should be considered and treated as world class athletes. Dr. James Onate, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science and Director of Old Dominion University Sports Medicine Research Lab was quoted in Military Sports Medicine: Quest Summer 2004 as saying: “We expect highly paid athletes to be in outstanding physical shape and to have the best sports medical care possible when they step on to their field of battle, but; what about our country’s true soldier? How are we helping our military athletes achieve optimal physical fitness levels and prevent injuries while keeping them in the most important game of all – protecting our Country?” Dr. Onate is addressing optimal force readiness.
2007 DOD statistics show there were 2.1 million injury related medical visits, affecting 900,000 service members. Injuries were the second cause of hospitalizations, accounting for almost 110,000 days as in patients. Injuries were, and are, the leading cause of outpatient visits. Musculoskeletal injures accounted for 68% of all days of limited duty and medical profiles: they add up to an estimated 25 million days of limited duty per year! The medical cost alone for 900,000 injuries is estimated at $700 Million. What % can be prevented? (Does not include cost of: DLD, LDD, LTD)
Military Sports Medicine: Quest Summer 2004 also reported that in 1999 the DOD listed military training related injuries as the leading causes of disability, decreased military readiness and lost productivity. In Operation Desert Shield & Operation Desert Storm, musculoskeletal injuries sustained OFF DUTY while participating in sports and recreational activities, as well as during physical fitness programs, were the leading cause of medical evacuations and hospitalizations. This article also points out that the Department of Veterans Affairs spends approximately $13 Billion and the Armed Forces pay $1.5 Billion annually to treat soldiers with disabilities caused by unintentional injury. Musculoskeletal and Orthopedic related injures account for 63% of all disabilities.
Navy Example – Musculoskeletal Injury Impact: In the Hampton roads area in Norfolk alone, 2000 Sailors were med boarded due to musculoskeletal injury. These medical boards were for the fleet only and did not include any shore based sailors. The loss of 2000 sailors is equivalent to losing 6 LHA’s OR LHD’s (amphibious assault ships). Or: 2000 sailors out of action = 6 destroyers unmanned!!
According to the Journal of Athletic Training: Jan-Feb 2010: ankle sprains have been reported as one of the most common injuries sustained by members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The incidence of ankle sprains among service members was 5 times greater than reported in civilian population studies.
Absolute and Relative Morbidity Burdens Attributable to Various Illnesses and Injuries, U.S. Armed Forces: MSMR, VOL 19, #4, April, 2012 reported that In 2011 taking ALL MEDICAL ENCOUNTERS and ALL SERVICES into consideration:
Knee encounters ranked 5th and bed days ranked 31st
Foot and ankle encounters ranked 10th and bed days ranked 16th
Leg encounters ranked 18th and bed days ranked 10th
According to a military report in April 2011: “Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders & injuries accounted for almost 65% of all limited duty dispositions.
The American Journal of Preventive Medicine reported the following military injury results for Army, Air Force, Marines and Navy:
“There were 743,547 injury-related musculoskeletal conditions in 2006 (outpatient and inpatient, combined), including primary and non-primary diagnoses. In the report, 82% of injury related musculoskeletal conditions were classified as inflammation/pain (overuse), followed by joint derangements (15%) and stress fractures (2%). The knee/lower leg (22%), lumbar spine (20%), and ankle/foot (13%) were leading body region categories.”
The chart matrix above shows that lower extremity injuries account for 190,351 injuries or 39% of all injury related musculoskeletal conditions for all service branches.
The chart below breaks down the lower extremity injuries listed above into three areas. The knee, lower leg, ankle and foot injuries account for the majority of the lower extremity injuries. Lower extremity overuse injuries associated with running, marching and other lower extremity load bearing activities accounted for up to 75% of injuries among men and 78% of injuries among women during Army basic training.
The injury data available may differ slightly from source to source but the data undeniably shows that lower extremity injuries have a significant negative impact on force readiness. What is not being addressed is the need for lower extremity injury preventive measures and the cost burden caused by these injuries. Our service members are all predisposed to lower extremity injuries that start in basic training. They are issued “standard” footwear and are required to meet physical standards (marching, running, obstacle courses, climbing, exercising, jumping, fighting, carrying heavy loads and negotiate rough terrain). It is imperative that we understand that the degradation of foot functionality and weakness leads to a predisposition to injury and reduced performance in the foot, ankle, knees, hips, lower back and upper back and shoulders. This loss of foot functionality and degradation in neuromuscular feedback will lead to the warriors’ loss of strength, stamina, speed, response time, injury and removal from field of duty and training
One of the most compelling and definitely the most current report and featured article from the Journal of Special Operations Medicine – February 28, 2014 – issue 22: The summary of this article states that the number of musculoskeletal injuries increases in association with stress factors and that field commanders may conduct simple field tests is assess physical limitations but continues and (see full article below) specifically states in no uncertain terms that: “countermeasures for these KNOWN decrements are lacking in the scientific literature …”. And to bring these matters to their most intense and important level: “These countermeasures could prevent mission mishaps and may save the lives of Operators during severe operational stress.”
In 1996, Sherman, et al wrote: Prevention of Lower Limb Pain in Soldiers Using Shock Absorbing Orthotic Inserts. Sherman and his team read two studies that determined that lower extremity injuries were common during basic training and wanted to see if preventive measures could be taken. The article hypothesized that the use of “shock absorbing inserts” placed in the boots and sneakers of selected army basic trainees would result in less foot related problems than the trainees that were not issued the inserts. So, every other training unit was issued inserts prior to the start of training when boots and sneakers were fitted. 517 trainees were issued inserts, 397 were followed but not issued inserts and 218 were not issued inserts but purchased them on their own. According to post training questionnaires and the trainees’ medical records, the inserts did not have any preventive effect on occurrence of lower limb problems during training. Their results showed that 38% of those issued inserts had lower limb pain problems compared with 29% of those not issued inserts and 38% of those who bought their own. In summary: there was no statistical or practical difference between these rates of occurrence. The use of shock absorbing inserts did not have any preventive effect on occurrence of lower limb problems and physical fitness test scores and graduation rates were not affected. However, when the results of two different preventive studies of two types of inserts were compared there was a significant difference – so it was demonstrated that insert designs do work differently.
Science and Technology:
Professionals at all levels: drill instructors, special op members, athletes, coaches, trainers and therapists refer to the body as a complex machine. Barefoot Science (BFS) has developed a patented disruptive technology in the life sciences sector. This technology provides the basis for a range of innovative biomechanics products that actively stimulate, strengthen and restore the feet and gait related musculature to provide effects that are remedial, therapeutic and preventative.
BFS is a progressive approach that is in line with athletic training programs in that muscles are constantly and gradually challenged producing an improvement in the strengthening of the muscles. The patented BFS dome technology is strategically shaped and located to interact with the key region of the foot. This region corresponds with the foots center of mass, the location of the body’s line of action through the foot, the apex of the foot radiating arches and the nerve engorged plantar aspect of the foot.
Clinical evidence has shown that:
The globally patented Barefoot Science Arch Strengthening System enables the wearer to strengthen the muscles and tendons of the entire foot and ankle complex. Who is using Barefoot Science? Olympic Gold medal Athletes, Gold Medal Firefighter Combat champions, FIFA coaches and athletes, the world’s most recognized Triathlete, Ultramarathon, U.S. Air Forces runners , cyclists and coaches, NFL players, Special Ops members, VA hospital, Walter Reed Hospital and men and women of all branches of the military are wearing the BFS foot strengthening system.
Testimonials and Clinical Evidence:
“(BFS is) Comfortable and ideal for balanced strength development … superior to anything out there.”
“I started working with Barefoot Science a few years ago and it has really turned our practice into a healing clinic”
Michael Olden, CPED, Triple Board Certified Pedorthist
This season “We didn’t have a single case of plantar fasciitis. We also didn’t have complaints for Achilles tendon pain. We saw a two inch improvement in vertical jump with Smart Jump (Fusin Sport) after our athletes train wearing Barefoot for only one day.”
Kostas Chatzichristo Med, CSCS
Trainer to the Greek National Basketball Team
Barefoot Science technologies clearly offer the most effective preventative and rehabilitative treatment option available today to address poor structural integrity of the foots arch system. I recommend it for cases of foot fractures and treatment above the ankle including knee, hip and lower back.”
Thomas D. McClain MD, ABOS, AAOS
American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons
“Barefoot Science has put together a very thoroughly researched Medical Overview. It has solid scientific evidence that supports the strengthening and functional adaption process. This direction follows closely to the chiropractic philosophy of restoring normal function. You will realize change throughout the entire Lower Kinetic chain.”
Dr. Lawrence Bell DC, FCCSSI © FICC ART
Professor
Once one understands and accepts the premise of foot dysfunction as the cause of non-traumatic pain patterns of the weight bearing structure, the logic behind Barefoot Science,as a therapeutic agent becomes crystal clear.”
Bruce Comstock DC
Author, Weight Training Safely
“I really like this product. I’ve been using it in my practice and it is a significant improvement over existing methods.” Tiffany Bourquet – Physiotherapist
“As an athletic development coach who works with professional athletes on a daily basis, the BFS system has become the greatest tool to have at my disposal for strengthening the lower extremity musculature. It’s been especially helpful in correcting muscle imbalances that might negatively affect foot strike patterns in gait as well as strengthening and stretching the ankle and foot following an injury.” Gray Cook – One of North America’s top fitness trainer.
“BFS is as easy to use as simply putting on your shoes. It has produced noticeable improvements in my overall speed, vertical jump as well as first step explosiveness.” Gerry Rush – Soccer Player, Canada
“Foot and ankle injuries are a huge problem in professional and amateur sports. BFS is the only product out there that allows for complete foot and ankle strengthening.” Scott Forehan – Worldwide recognized Muscle strengthening specialist.
In an independent third party study conducted in a clinical environment over 96% of the ER doctors and nurses reported pain reduction in at least one of 8 body parts studied. Overall pain reduction score for all 8 body parts was 83.3%. Overall reduction in fatigue was -22.7%. (See chart below for all data)
What does this mean to a runner?
Conclusion
David M. Lemke, NMT, sEMG Tech.
The hamstrings and gluteals are the big guns in running - and running is integral to
nearly all sports. My observations indicate:
necessary muscles)
amplitude)
The Barefoot Science people know their insoles work - they've done extensive trials that show dramatic pain relief and improved energy. But I honestly don't think they realize how truly remarkable a product they've invented. These insoles help so many people with such a variety of complaints - not just because they align posture or provide cushioning and support for feet (like orthotics) - but because they activate the plantar musculature and foot bed proprioception which I believe. I believe it literally completes the upright posture circuit and brings about posture without effort!
Submitted by David M. Lemke, NMT, sEMG Tech
November 8, 2012
A study performed by New Balance Athletic Footwear on 458 adult subjects and members of their running clubs was conducted. The results showed that 97% of the users would continue to use the BFS product. 20% reported an increase in strength and 32% reported an increase in support.
A study conducted Huddersfield England showed when comparing the pre and post underfoot “surface area it was found that on average there was a 36.36% reduction in surface area. 100% of the subjects showed a reduction in plantar surface area.” 100% of subjects had their flat foot syndrome eliminated.
A study conducted by Scholl Japan showed that 58% of users rated their experience as positive, 55% perceived a reduction in pain and 56% reported an increase in their ability to walk with reduced pain or discomfort.
Mission Statement:
The U.S. Military spends a lot of time and money on developing protective / shielding devices to protect the men and women of our Armed Forces. Millions and millions of dollars are spent on developing safer vehicles, protective vests, eyewear and helmets. However, how much protective effort is being placed on the basic of basics: “Boots on the Ground!” What are we doing to protect and strengthen what gets our war fighters in and out of harms way? The feet! Barefoot Science inserts are ideal for all members of our armed forces. BFS provides protection, strengthening, alignment and efficiency for the foot and all gait related musculature. BFS will help the soldier eliminate their hidden deficits so they can stop training the compensatory system. This will give soldiers a gain in strength, balance, symmetry, stamina, speed, response time, decrease in injuries and the ability to remain longer and stronger on the field of duty. BFS provides the service men and women the advantage to develop and maintain high levels of physical fitness for the physically demanding duties they routinely perform. Stronger foot muscles help to ensure a proper stabilization of the foot. This ensures a better positioning of the foot beneath the body and better ensures proper alignment which increases the effectiveness and performance of the system and reducing injury. And most importantly as stated in the JSOM: “…these countermeasures could prevent mission mishaps and may save the lives of Operators during severe operational stress.”
BOTTOM LINE – COST BURDEN OF INJURIES – TOTAL ANNUAL COST = $1.5 TRILLION
Total cost savings given injury reduction of 5%: $75,000,000
Total cost savings given injury reduction of 15%: $225,000,000
Total cost savings given injury reduction of 30%: $450,000,000
Barefoot Science International Inc.
1-877-651-3668
-Elimination of Flat Feet
In relation to the foot, it is the largest tendon in the body - the Achilles tendon - that is affected, causing inflammation and pain along the back of the leg near the heel.
While condition is extremely common in runners and athletes, other causes may include:
The most common symptoms include:
In some cases, if left untreated, the Achilles tendon can rupture or tear - and in some extreme scenarios bone spurs may form.
Treatments for Achilles tendonitis can range from resting and taking a break from strenuous exercise or activity, applying ice to the affected area, taking over the counter anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen) or (in more severe cases) steroid injections or surgery may be necessary.
There are preventative measures you take to prevent Achilles Tendonitis. These include:
Another preventative (and restorative) measure is to build up strength from your body's foundation - the foot - with the Barefoot Science strengthening system of insoles.
Pain and dysfunction is caused by muscle weakness, so it follows that strengthening is the path to wellness. BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ promotes a balance of strength and flexibility in the foot and leg muscles that works to relieve tension on the Achilles tendon - protecting it and the calf muscles from injury.
Through rehabilitation and strengthening work, the Barefoot Science system progressively builds a better foundation for pain free movement.
Whether or not you're currently suffering, we want to help you find your perfect fit and kick off the journey to stronger feet! Click the link below to discover which of the Barefoot Science insoles is right for you:
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Gait is the great interpreter of movement. The parameters of gait: step, stance, swing, single-support, double-support, load response, pre-swing, etc., all tell a story that must be understood so that care can be most beneficial. Within these parameters, balance is the common denominator for function. As our patients walk, they go from single support to double support to single support, and repeat this process over and over. As injury takes place, whether it be physical or neurocognitive, balance is negatively affected and function is diminished. Balance is not only the critical component of movement but balance has been shown to be related to brain function. In his classic study, Dr. Tabara shows us that the better the balance, the better the MRI of the brain. We would like today for all chiropractors to band together to not only help their patients feel better but to also make sure that each and every patient is helped in improving their balance and their dynamic function.
Today we declare the formation of the Chiropractic 2-minute Club. Each doctor is asked to challenge their patients and help them to become a member of this club by being able to stand for one minute with eyes open on each leg. YES! There will be extreme challenges to do this; America is already plagued with a 70 billion dollar healthcare crisis caused by falls. Knowing this, whether the patient is 9 or 99, the Doctor of Chiropractic will help each and every one start at a comfortable level-which may mean standing at the kitchen sink and holding on and only lifting their hands for a second or two. But whatever the starting point, a sincere and concerted effort must be made to help each and every one to improve their own balance control.
Balance is affected by visual, vestibular and proprioceptive input. Of the three, it is proprioception where a hidden deficit may lie and go unnoticed. If our vision became slightly blurry, we would know right away. If our vestibular system acted up, whether it be through mild infection or degeneration, the resulting vertigo and dizziness would be easy to recognize. However, because many are visually dominant, a proprioceptive deficit can exist in the patient and not be detected because of compensations through the visual process. This HIDDEN DEFIICT is simple and easy to challenge to see if it exists. Have your patient stand on one leg with eyes open for 15 seconds and then repeat by having the patient perform the same test with their eyes closed. Any sway or movement is an indication that a proprioceptive deficit does exist.
In our office, Barefoot Science (BFS) has been effectively used to help improve this proprioceptive deficit. Barefoot Science is a non-orthotic mid-arch stimulator. Due to its ability to create mid-arch activation, BFS mimics barefoot walking in sand and over time can dramatically help to reduce a proprioceptive deficit and improve foot strength. We highly recommend that all take a look at this wonderful product.
We’ve talked about balance, we understand proprioception, and now we can make a judgement on each position of the foot as it goes through the foot-strike cycle (FSC). The FSC: dorsiflexion-pronation-supination-plantar flexion can be very easily mimicked and understood by using a classic slant board. We highly recommend, if you purchase a slant board, to get one that is at least 16” x 18”, starts at 13 degrees and can increase its angle at least two times. To use the slant board, have the patient look straight ahead, stand with one foot in the middle of the board in dorsiflexion and then be instructed to lift their opposite leg and hold for five seconds. The doctor and the patient will note ease to do so or difficulty for each foot position of each leg. Each patient must be equally strong in all foot positions. This very simple device is almost like putting a high speed camera on the patient, by having the patient hold position and interpreting instant results. If you find a moment of weakness, for example- if pronation is difficult, then we must understand that as the foot goes through its cycle, each time it reaches pronation, the foot is no longer efficient and may cause saccadic movement and inherent dysfunction to the patient that can manifest itself anywhere along the kinematic chain. If a weakness is noticed in any position, check for restrictions in range of motion then check to see if the patient can activate the muscles by now understanding that they are going to shake and see if through repeated movement they can tell the involved muscle to wake up and start working properly. We have seen many times a person be weak in one of the positions and then, by having them repeat and THINK about what they are doing multiple times, they can now show strength within a few repetitions. Why say a hip or a hamstring is tight, proceed to do trigger point reduction therapy and range of motion enhancement, if we don’t investigate further the probable cause. Correcting weakness in the foot can only help enhance the kinematic sequence that will follow.
In our office, once investigations have been made into balance, range of motion, proprioception and strength; we use an optical instrument to measure the effect of these weaknesses on the gait cycle. Having objective data helps us to clearly understand if our treatment protocol is not only helping the patient to look and feel better through reduction of asymmetrical differences in the movement cycle, but to see if the patient is actually becoming more effective and efficient in their movement by reducing their coefficient of variability (CV) for every step that they take. Once identified, asymmetries in the movement cycle can be treated in real time through the use of biofeedback while the patient is walking, running or marching. By employing neuromuscular re-education in real time with precise data to help guide the movement, we see that many imbalances are functional in nature and can be easily “walked off” in five to ten minute treatment intervals. If anyone would ever like to review this procedure, you are welcomed to our office to see and share ideas.
As asymmetries are reduced in the gait cycle, better timing and coordination of the patient is noted. Balance, timing and coordination are the hidden factors of performance. However, the mastermind component is cognitive ability, which can be easily baselined by performing validated cognitive trainings on the BrainHQ.com platform. NO INJURY CAN TAKE PLACE TO THE BRAIN WITHOUT AFFECTING BRAIN SPEED. Baselining brain speed for all should be an integral part of all treatment protocols; especially in the land of contact sport where return to play protocols should be constantly upgraded for effectiveness.
Every moment of every play of every movement, whether on the athletic field or in the game of life itself, is think and move. No one just moves randomly. Every action is preceded by a thought and then a reaction to that thought and then a reaction to that thought. NO MATTER HOW PHYSICLLY PREPARED THE PERSON IS, IF THEY THINK SLOW, THEY WILL MOVE SLOW. It is said that “what the mind perceives the body achieves”, what it should say is “what the mind perceives the body achieves….eventually”. The gap delay between perception and achievement is known as a person’s reaction time. We already know that chiropractors are the masters of physical involvement, but by performing cognitive training for their patients, the Doctor of Chiropractic can become masters of performance from the emotional side. The BrainHQ platform allows all doctors to help their patients with brain nourishment and improve speed of processing. If a person came to the office, and wanted to be helped with their running ability, would we give them lessons in running and performance first? Or, if they had a pebble in their shoe would we take the pebble out then supply the proper counseling? A patient suffers from rage, dementia, alcoholism; these patients need to be referred to proper counselors, psychologists, etc. However, with the BrainHQ platform we can help to identify imbalances in the brain (such as, the amygdala is a certain number of standard deviations above or below normal). By performing validated cognitive trainings, we help to remove the metaphorical pebble from the brain and start it on the road to nourishment and then refer it to the proper counselor for ultimate improvements in well-being. We highly recommend that everyone take a look at the BrainHQ platform. Our own Department of Defense has knowing its effectiveness. Our own Department of Defense has bought the platform for ALL active and retired military personnel. Because of its effectiveness, BrainHQ is covered by Medicare in many states. BrainHQ also can be started for free by using their program called the Daily Spark.
The last component of the triad that we should take a quick look at is the chemical side. Many chiropractors already help in the proper nourishment and dietary correction of their patients. And there are so many different approaches to the chemical side, which is beyond the scope of this simple introductory letter. We will leave it to its own letter at a later date. There is an old saying “you are what you eat”. We have always said- what is the most important thing a person does every day, what the most important nutrient a person gets every day, it always started with air. If you don’t believe us try going without it for a few minutes and see how you feel. From air we went to water and we want to make sure that you are well hydrated, not because you drank eight 8oz glasses in a day, but because your urine was clear and plentiful. No hydrogenated fats, no trans fats and, depending on the patients insulin resistance, make a judgment on where on the glycemic index can they make choices from. Like we said, at a later time we can address more thoroughly chemical and nutritional approaches.
We firmly believe that the well trained DC is the master of that wonderful universe known as the human body. Nobody comes close to the Doctor of Chiropractic in helping each and every one reach optimal performance in that ultimate challenge known as the game of life. We look forward to sharing our office with everyone to get together to share ideas and to create simple solutions that can have profound effects for all. Looking forward to seeing and hearing everyone in the near future.
Yours in health,
Dr. Peter Gorman
Dr. Chelsea Keesler
“Use our office as a pitstop to reinvigorate your practice, your process, your patients and yourself”
]]>If data from the gait report indicates a need for improvement in a certain parameter, you can move to the 2nd screen for neuromuscular re-education. While walking at a certain speed, select the parameter you wish to improve and watch the differential change in real time with each step. The goal here is to make minor gait adjustments as you walk to make the differential go to zero. Over time, your brain and neuromuscular pathways will slowly make adjustments and reeducate themselves on how to walk most efficiently, and this low-differential walk will become your norm.
Below we are retraining a young man’s cognitive aspect of movement. In five minutes he was able to bring all of his gait and balance parameters to under 5% of asymmetry or to the green zone. Whether you are ten or seventy the results are the same. Tune the brain as everything is about “Think and Move” Fine tune the shoe , enhance the proprioception with Barefoot Science and call it a great day.
100% of people would benefit from this program.
Gait Testing
The Importance of a Balanced Gait
Gait refers to the pattern of movement of your limbs during locomotion, or simply put, your manner of walking, stepping, or running. Like our fingerprints, each person has a unique gait specific to their own height, weight, and range of motion. But while each human gait may look different, they all function under one universal principle – a gait is most efficient when it is perfectly balanced.
The relationship between balance and efficiency is simple: the less energy the body has to spend correcting and compensating for asymmetry, the more energy it will have to use toward propulsion. If you become unbalanced (for example, limping due to a foot injury) it will require more effort to walk at 3mph than it would
to reach the same speed if you were functioning at 100%. Since efficiency of movement is the goal for all humans, a balanced gait is therefore largely important.
But how do we know if our gait is balanced? Sometimes we can tell just by looking - if an asymmetry is large enough it will have an outward physical effect on gait. Severe gait irregularities like limps are clear signs that someone’s body is compensating for an underlying imbalance. But when the imbalance is less severe, it becomes much harder to detect with subjective data alone.
This is where OptoGait comes in - by walking through an OptoGait system at a constant speed we are able to gather real-time data on all the parameters
of gait and make instant comparisons of the left and right sides. The
more balanced the person, the smaller the difference in side-to-
side data will be for each parameter. Non-zero differentials indicate quantifiable imbalances that may not have been detected by the human eye.
We now have a full objective understanding of whether any underlying asymmetries exist, exactly which parameters are bearing the asymmetries, and during which phase of the gait cycle these asymmetries are most prominent. If our bodies are not perfectly balanced, we have an exact roadmap of what needs to be improved in our quest
for maximum efficiency.
The data collected from this test gives you a clear understanding of your body’s underlying mechanics. We call this your Gait Print - your biomechanical footprint. Track- ing your Gait Print over time can help in a number of different ways:
Injury Prevention:
Large changes in differential read- ings let us know that something is not functioning properly and that adjustments must be made before the asymmetry leads to injury.
Health Check:
Research has come to show that small changes in gait may be an early detector of Alzheimer’s Disease. By tracking these numbers in the elderly, we may be able to improve and lengthen their quality of life.
Your Biomechanical Footprint
Checking Footwear: All footwear should be helping your gait, not hurting it. If your Gait Print worsens with shoes on, they should not be worn - especially when training.
Interpreting the Gait Report
The main items to focus on in the Gait Report are lengths (measured in inches) and gait parameters (measured as a percentage of the gait cycle)
We look at differentials (the percent difference between the left and right side) and the coefficient of variability (which tells us how evenly the body produces this data).
Step Length - this is the most important parameter for this test. We want the differentials here to be as close to zero as possible
Stride Length: stride length is simply one left step and one right step combined Gait Parameters: Measured as a Percentage of the Gait Cycle
Stance Phase begins with a heel strike and ends with toe-off - this is the single support phases of the gait cycle
Swing Phase begins with foot flat and ends with a heel-strike - this is the double support phase of the gait cycle.
This data shows us exactly what is going on on a biomechanical level as we walk. The numbers may indicate imbalances in certain parts of the gait cycle that need to be addressed with either therapy or training - it is up to the data collecter to understand the mechanics and suggest the proper changes as each individual will be unique.
The Second Screen: Neuromuscular Re-education in Real Time
If data from the gait report indicates a need for improvement in a certain parameter, you can move to the 2nd screen for neuromuscular re-education. While walking at a certain speed, select the parameter you wish to improve and watch the differential change in real time with each step. The goal here is to make minor gait adjustments as you walk to make the differential go to zero. Over time, your brain and neuromuscular pathways will slowly make adjustments and reeducate themselves on how to walk most efficiently, and this low-differential walk will become your norm.
A Great Gait is at Your Feet
Color, durability, biomechanical efficiency..? While most people choose their footwear based on style or comfort, we believe that all shoes should serve one purpose: to increase balance and coordination with every step. If you are spending all day on your feet in a pair of shoes that is not efficient, you will slowly increase underlying asymmetries that can lead to larger problems down the road. Just as you wouldn’t drive a Ferrari fitted with the wrong tires, neither should you conduct your day to day activities with the wrong shoes on your feet.
But how can you know if a shoe is right for you? Subjective measures can only get us so far. While the orthotics prescribed to “fix” your flat feet may feel comfortable, are they really helping? Footwear that promise good results are often based on normative data, not the individual. The only way to know if a shoe is truly helping to improve your gait is to look at the objective data comparison from OptoGait.
Evaluating the efficiency of your shoes with a Gait Walk is quick and easy. First, perform the test barefoot to establish your baseline, then repeat the test with shoes on. Side-by-side comparison of the data will allow you to see the direction in which the numbers are changing, and the exact degree to which the shoes are either helping or hurting. If wearing the shoes decreases your asymmetries, they’re helping. If they’re not helping, toss them, no matter how cute they may be!
Don’t just walk, therapeutically walk.
Test your shoes today!
]]>An individual is said to have flat feet or fallen arches, when the arch on the inside of the foot is flattened, allowing the sole of the foot to touch the ground entirely when standing. As a result of this people with fallen arches may see the foot roll over the inner side when standing or walking and see the feet point outwards.
Flat foot is typically the result of the arches not developing during childhood however it can also occur after an injury, after a pregnancy or from the simply from aging (years of wear and tear can weaken the tendon that runs along the inside of the ankle that helps support the arch). Other factors that can contribute to flat foot are obesity, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.
People with fallen arches may experience pain in their feet, particularly when connecting ligaments and muscles are strained. Flat foot can also affect leg joints most commonly resulting in pain in the ankles and knees and altering the alignment of the legs. Other symptoms of this foot ailment include: pain in the foot or the arch of the foot; swelling in the ankles, hip and lower back pain; stiffness in one or both feet; and shoes wearing unevenly (due to the uneven distribution of body weight which can wear the shoes more on one side than the other).
Treatments for fallen arches include exercises to stretch the Achilles tendon (which is often shortened with some people who have flat feet); physical therapy and arch supports (which provide only temporary support).
The BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ System offers clinically proven aid with the pain and symptoms associated with flat feet.
The BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ insoles are designed to help align the feet to their proper positioning thus providing them with the right support to function normally, and strengthen the arch. The patented dome helps with the stabilization of the entire foot which in turn rehabilitates and strengthens weakened foot muscles. It naturally stimulates and strengthens the foot, optimizing performance and comfort.
]]>The Barefoot Science Foot Strengthening System offers full length and ¾ length insoles with a unique muscle activation and stimulation centre designed to use the body’s own sensory perception and bio-feedback to activate the small foot muscles. Traditional attempts to address the small foot muscle issues inherent in diabetic feet have been based on artificially cushioning the foot or bracing the foot in an attempt to reduce pressure hotspots. These have all seen limited success, reinforcing the efficacy of intervention and prevention at an early stage through the encouragement of motor, sensory and autonomic neuron involvement which has shown to have more profound preventative effects.
The Barefoot Science insoles naturally and gradually introduce a muscle activation stimulus to the sole of the foot which subconsciously begins a series of muscle contractions resulting in the gradual and natural strengthening of the foot’s supporting musculature through repeated exposure. Stronger muscles and increased blood flow to the extremities assist in lowering blood sugar levels and the continuous stimulation of the nerves and circulatory systems of the extremities may decrease the onset and magnitude of neuropathy in the distal portions of the leg.
]]>Exercise, healthy eating, regular blood sugar monitoring, quitting smoking, taking the correct medication and taking it properly, and practicing good foot health all aid in the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers and generally increase the good health of the Type 1 or Type 2 diabetic. Diabetics are also regularly cautioned to always wear protective footwear to aid in the prevention of cuts, scrapes and potential infection for which diabetics are more at risk. Diabetics are told to avoid tight-fitting shoes and socks which can impede circulation and to regularly inspect their feet for calluses and dry skin.
But research has shown that foot ulcers occur as part of the final stages of diabetic neuropathy and muscle atrophy in the feet. Research has also shown that small muscle atrophy is present in diabetics before clinical peripheral neuropathy can be detected using standard clinical techniques. This atrophy is believed to be the main factor responsible for the development of an imbalance between the flexor and extensor muscles, which results in clawing of the toes, prominent metatarsal heads, and the development of high foot pressures that play a direct role in the development of foot ulcerations.3 Because small muscle atrophy is the main process that leads to the anatomic changes in the foot which are directly related to the development of foot ulcerations, the direct evaluation – and prevention – of muscle changes rather than the evaluation of nerve function may prove more helpful.4
It turns out however, that atrophy and neuropathy also have another role to play in the health and quality of life that diabetics enjoy. It has been shown that both of these diabetic complications factor significantly into the extremely high number of falls that occur amongst the diabetic population. These falls not only injure the diabetic, but cost the healthcare system billions of dollars each year in repairing broken wrists, shoulders, hips and elbows, the subsequent therapy required thereafter, and in managing the potential complications associated with diabetic healing and infection.
Sway measures are indicators of body sway, balance and stability (also referred to as dynamic stability). Dynamic stability is always present when standing, during gait and during other activities where balance is required – such as when jumping up and landing. Dynamic sway is managed by the body using proprioreceptors which are located in specific areas such as the eyes, mandible and plantar surface (bottom) of the feet. It is the plantar foot proprioreceptors that are of primary significance in maintaining body dynamic stability – ensuring that the body maintains optimal sway and balance to prevent falling and injury.5
Specifically, there is present in the mid-tarsal area (central in the medial arch of the foot) highly sensitive proprioreceptors with a major role in affecting body stability. When the plantar foot and the mid-tarsal arch proprioreceptors are appropriately stimulated (and not atrophied or impacted by neuropathy), body swaying is reduced – resulting in an increase in balance and stability.6
The key, therefore, is to address the health of the small foot muscles through preventative action before atrophy and neuropathy have a chance to take hold, and it is here that Barefoot Science steps in.
In any shoe wearing society, by age eight or nine, the toes of most children have lost up to 50 percent of their natural prehensile and capacity.7 Essentially everyone that wears shoes is negatively affected by the devices that are built into the shoe and disguised as support, cushioning, pronation control, supination control, motion control, and so on. In fact, the greater the degree of devices built in, the greater the degree of foot muscle atrophy, dysfunction and neuropathy. Those labeled “diabetic shoes” are the worst offenders with the greatest number of devices, most shoe stiffness, and cushioning.
In essence, a proactive approach must be taken towards diabetic limb amputation and fall prevention – an approach of therapeutic prevention, starting with children who are predisposed genetically to diabetes. It’s never too late to rehabilitate a muscle and healthy adult feet start with healthy children’s feet. Diabetics should begin using the Barefoot Science Foot Strengthening System insoles as soon as possible and have the soft tissue, muscular rehabilitation and alignment changes monitored by a physician.
The Barefoot Science Foot Strengthening System offers full length and ¾ length insoles with a unique muscle activation and stimulation centre designed to use the body’s own sensory perception and bio-feedback to activate the small foot muscles. Traditional attempts to address the small foot muscle issues inherent in diabetic feet have been based on artificially cushioning the foot or bracing the foot in an attempt to reduce pressure hotspots. These have all seen limited success, reinforcing the efficacy of intervention and prevention at an early stage through the encouragement of motor, sensory and autonomic neuron involvement which has shown to have more profound preventative effects.
The Barefoot Science insoles naturally and gradually introduce a muscle activation stimulus to the sole of the foot which subconsciously begins a series of muscle contractions resulting in the gradual and natural strengthening of the foot’s supporting musculature through repeated exposure. Stronger muscles and increased blood flow to the extremities assist in lowering blood sugar levels and the continuous stimulation of the nerves and circulatory systems of the extremities may decrease the onset and magnitude of neuropathy in the distal portions of the leg.
Using the system is simple, comfortable and foot altering:
In pre-clinical trials using the Barefoot Science insole, it was shown that using the products increased the structural integrity of the foot and, in addition, there was a lessening of pressure hot spots beneath the foot. For those with diabetes, the reduction of these pressure points is key in that it reduces the likelihood of lesions and friction related damage to the skin, which often goes unnoticed and develops into much more serious problems.
“I have been a Type 1 diabetic for 31 years and as such have experienced some of the complications of this difficult disease. These have included diabetic neuropathy in my feet causing them to feel numb, to have some atrophy of the muscles and to generally be cold due to poor circulation. In addition to these complications, I have also suffered from flat feet, pronation of the left ankle and ongoing foot, ankle, knee and hip pain for most of my life. To counter this I had been wearing in-shoe custom orthotics as recommended by my physician.
As a 39 year old mother of two boys and with a busy career, I have often wondered and worried about my foot health. The custom orthotics seemed to be a kind of answer when it came to straightening my ankle and reducing some of the pain caused by this misalignment, but the side effects of positioning my feet in the hard orthotics actually increased the numbness, lack of circulation and muscle atrophy that the neuropathy was already causing. (Not to mention the need to purchase expensive, wide-fitting and not necessarily attractive shoes that could accommodate the orthotic.)
The experience of wearing the Barefoot insoles has been not only eye-opening, but foot changing. Within the first hour of having the insoles in my shoes – at level one of course – I began having more feeling in my feet than I’ve had for a very long time. My feet felt good – in fact they were beginning to feel warm.
It really was amazing. The other things that have surprised me now that I’ve worn them for two years, are the fact that they are extremely comfortable – providing cushioning to my feet which can be tender, they have not – as I was afraid they might – caused my ankle to turn or be painful. In fact, my ankles, legs, knees and hips feel great – not unsupported.
I wear my Barefoot Science insoles in my shoes every day, but I can now also spend time barefoot and in shoes – such as summer sandals – without them and not have the painful, swollen ankles and sore feet that I used to get when not wearing shoes with my orthotics. Obviously the “foot strengthening” promise is true.
Lastly, I have gained some mobility back. I could not, for example, curl the toes on my left foot without causing a massive cramp in my foot or calf – and sometimes I couldn’t really move them at all. I can curl my toes any time I want to now.
It’s amazing what you will learn to live with because you’ve been told that it’s the best solution – or only solution. In hindsight, I’m somewhat incredulous that I could accept the side effects of my custom orthotics as okay. As a diabetic you are constantly told not to wear things that are too tight, that cut off circulation or that don’t allow freedom of movement. So why is it acceptable to put our feet into hard, molded orthotics that do all of the things we’re not supposed to?
My feet are integral to carrying me through life and I don’t want to lose them to amputation. Particularly if you are a diabetic – and even if you’re not – I urge you to see the amazing difference the Barefoot Science inserts will make to your mobility.” – Sarah Wilkins, July 2012
“I am a 68 year old male, diagnosed with Type II diabetes 14 years ago. Throughout my life I have had foot issues, first because of having flat feet, then later because of diabetes. I bought numerous off-the-shelf insoles in an attempt to ease the foot pain Iʼve experienced much of my life due to persistent issues with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar muscle in the foot. Finally, I tried podiatrist-prescribed shoe inserts that I wore for approximately two years; however, my foot issues continued. The doctor-prescribed inserts were hard and provided no cushioning, no stability, no pain relief. It felt like I was wearing thick braces for my feet. I continued to have plantar muscle issues. I also found it difficult to buy shoes that would work well with the thick inserts. I was at my witʼs end. Then I heard about Barefoot Science.
When I first learned of Barefoot Science insoles, I was skeptical, having tried the many off-the-shelf insoles and the very expensive doctor-prescribed inserts. But, I thought, what can I lose? Upon purchasing my first pair of Barefoot Science insoles, I hurried home to try the product. I followed the instructions provided with the insoles and I put them in my cross-training shoes, starting with Level 1, as recommended. The moment my feet touched the ground, I knew I had something different. The insoles werenʼt hard. They felt natural. For the first time in many years, my feet felt planted, stable, even strengthened. What a great feeling! I no longer had to walk gingerly to ease the pain.
I have been wearing the Barefoot Science insoles for over a year. I am now at Barefoot Science Level 5, which works best for me, and my feet feel great. They feel strengthened. I no longer have issues with plantar fasciitis. I have increased stability. Even my posture has improved because I feel more stable, with less sway. I now manage my Type II diabetes through regular visits to an endocrinologist, by counting carbohydrates, by eating well-balanced low carb meals, and by regularly exercising. This resulted in a significant decrease in amounts of medication required, and I have no diagnosed neuropathy. Medical tests on my feet show strong circulation throughout my feet.
Barefoot Science has made a world of difference to my feet, to my overall stability, to my posture, and to my ability to withstand strenuous workouts. I now wear Barefoot Science insoles in all my shoes. They work as well in my dress shoes as they do in my workout shoes. Now, at the gym and elsewhere, I happily recommend the Barefoot Science System to my fellow workout partners and to my friends. This is a product that works.” – Roger McBee, Wimberley, Texas
Barefoot Science is the only product in the world that is patented and proven to enhance proprioception and addresses the main cause of neuropathy by strengthening the foot muscles.
Read more here.1 KUNG H-S, HOYERT DL, XU J, ET AL: Deaths: final data for 2005. National Vital Statistics Reports. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/lcod.htm. Accessed October 6, 2008. |
2 “Mortality Rates and Diabetic Foot Ulcers” in Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, Vol 98, No 6, November/December 2008 |
3 “Foot Small Muscle Atrophy is Present Before the Detection of Clinical Neuropathy” in Diabetes Care, Volume 28, Number 6, June 2005 |
4 Tekscan underfoot mapping study results with and without BFS insoles |
5 Dr. Rossi |
|
The development of thick, hard layers of skin on the toes or bottom of the feet are known as corns and calluses. They develop when the skin tries to protect itself against friction and pressure. While they can both cause pain and discomfort, they are not the same thing. Calluses, which are not usually painful, develop on the soles of the feet, in particular under the heels, and vary in size and shape. Corns are typically smaller than calluses and have a hard centre, surrounded by inflamed skin. They typically develop on the tops, sides and even between the toes and can be painful when pressed.
Corns and calluses grow from pressure and friction which can be result of things such as: wearing ill-fitting shoes; wearing shoes without socks (which cause friction on the feet; and in relation to other foot conditions such as bunions and hammer-toe. Corns and calluses can become painful and inflamed leading to infection. People who suffer from diabetes or other conditions related to poor blood flow can suffer from complications from corns and calluses.
Treatment for corns and calluses usually involves avoiding the repetitive actions that caused them to develop in the first place. Other treatments include: wearing properly fitting and cushioned shoes and socks; soaking and scrubbing the excess skin with a pumice stone; moisturizing the skin to keep it soft; trimming away excess skin (which should always be done by a doctor); topical callus-removing medications or antibiotic ointments; and in extreme cases surgery.
BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ insoles are helpful aids for the prevention and treatment of corns and calluses. Unlike traditional orthotics that can be restrictive in their attempt to stabilize the feet, the Barefoot Science insoles provide stimulation to the otherwise isolated area of the foot to keep it strong. This minimizes collapse and friction which can lead to the development of corns and calluses.
]]>Last updated June 2022
Inflammation and pain in the ball of the foot (known as the metatarsal) is often referred to as metatarsalgia. This type of foot condition is most prevalent in people with an active lifestyle - those who participate in sports or activities that involve running or jumping.
Ill-fitting shoes can also be a cause of metatarsalgia.
Symptoms typically associated with metatarsalgia are:
These symptoms can be brought on by a number of different factors including:
Remedy the pain with a functional solution - Barefoot Science. Our patented, strengthening system offers the best insoles for metatarsalgia.
As the ONLY in-shoe progressive, strengthening system of it's kind, Barefoot Science insoles feature a dome contour that can help to open up the affected area of the foot. This is done through gentle pressure and gradual restoration of the 20 small muscles in the foot that are activating while using the insoles.
Additional Remedies to aid the pain of metatarsalgia include:
The BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ System encourages the foot to work - increasing circulation and making the muscles stronger. The insoles also comfortably assist with shock absorption, and provide arch support - all the while helping to relieve pain and minimize problems caused by metatarsalgia.
Does anybody else find it amazing that athletic testing is usually performed EYES open only. This might sound normal, but let’s think about it for a moment. Muscle testing, Gait, ROM, Jumps, Reaction, Accelerations, TRUE Agility, etc. are all done with eyes open. However, when you play, your eyes are on the game not on the ground. You read the ground through your proprioceptive ability (feet reading the ground- knowing where your body is in space). If your proprioception is weak, then you do not read the ground as effectively as you should.
A simple test to understand this is stand on one leg with your eyes open. Typically, an athlete can do this easily for 15 seconds without shaking. Now perform the same test with your EYES CLOSED. This may show a dramatic effect on your ability to stand, causing a shake or sway to the athlete. Everyone balances from their eyes, vestibular and proprioceptive ability. The vestibular is constant in this example. By closing the athlete’s eyes, more demand is placed on proprioceptive ability. If the proprioception cannot meet this added demand, a loss in stability will result. Decreased proprioception will increase ground contact time thus SLOWING all performance.
All movement is touch and go. Forward, backward, side to side, it is all basically touch and go. As your foot touches the ground all eccentric movement happens. Eventually when fully loaded you will stabilize and then all concentric movement happens. This is the preverbal, “load and explode!” It is the stabilization period that is most affected by proprioception.
We have learned that barefoot walking in sand improves proprioception due to mid arch stimulation. However not everyone has the opportunity to walk in the sand barefoot 24/7. Luckily, there are products that claim to help this fact. BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ out of Toronto Canada, is one such product that should be looked into.
For more information click here.
BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ has patents registered in 27 countries based on its insoles bringing progressive proprioceptive/neuromuscular stimulation into the shoe. Here a non-orthotic, mid arch stimulation system, is showing profound results by the users. Instead of touch and go, the athlete might touch, shake and then go due to lack of proprioceptive ability. The increased time need for stabilization increases ground contact time. This is the hidden SOLE (Sensation of Lower Extremity) of an athlete’s movement pattern. The good news is, no matter what the proprioceptive ability of the athlete is, it can be trained and improved. In many cases, the test, (eyes closed) also becomes the training.
Repeating this test for 3 min in the morning and 3 minutes in the evening improves proprioceptive ability tremendously, in a very short time.
What is the sense of having a “perfect movement screen” if the SOLE of the matter is causing you to be slow? Do that same forward lunge with your eyes closed. See how well you perform this test. Does the athlete still step and move gracefully, or is there now added sway and contact time to the movement. All athletes must realize that not everything controlling movement is physical. To understand the role that brain has in movement, will be addressed in a different article. For this example, it is about time that all of us understand that there is a SOLE to our physical ability. Let’s do a simple test. Have the athlete perform a multi joint overhead squat, and record the results. Now have the athlete sit on one foot until it “falls asleep”. It sounds crazy, but now perform the same overhead squat. As expected, the test is not performed as well. This lack of performance is obviously not caused by any joint change in the athlete but is caused by the athletes diminished proprioceptive ability. This example was extreme but it does show the point, that lack of proprioception will negatively affect movement. The examiner has to be very careful in making movement decisions and recommendations. Many times, the joint (knee, ankle, hip) are blamed. When actually they are healthy, and are made unstable through proprioceptive difficulty.
Many times, the proprioceptive deficit is minor, and a closer look is needed. The sway of the athlete can be measured on a force plate, or out in the field using a GYKO system http://www.gyko.it made by Microgate. The point is to measure the athlete precisely with eyes open and closed. Remember all athletes have the Capacity to compensate. Visual dominance can mask a proprioceptive deficit, and must be evaluated for ***
Please note there are times when the athlete performs better with eyes closed than they do eyes open. This is a special situation that requires follow up and understanding. Note, when the visual field gets disturbed, say from head trauma, this scenario could exist and must be evaluated for. Your visual field is your body’s RADAR and when it gives false information, it will adversely affect the body’s movement and coordination patterns.
A very nice test to perform on our athletes, is looking at balance while on a slant board. The different positions of the foot, dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, supination, and pronation can be studied. Using the board have the athlete balance in each position and record the results for each leg. If using a GYKO for precise understanding perform each test for 10 seconds in each position. Then repeat the procedure having the athlete close their eyes. Not only will the examiner get an understanding on proprioception, but will also get to understand which moment of the foot strike is strong or weak for the athlete.
Remember the Kinematic chain starts here at the foot strike. Once this is understood corrections can easily be made.
Want to perform Optimally??? Make sure you get to the SOLE of the matter.
In the next article, we will explore the development of and look at better understanding CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy).
]]>Hallux valgus, otherwise known as bunions, is a deformity of the joint connecting the big toe to the foot.
Bunions occur after the 40 intrinsic foot muscles, that are responsible for forming the arch, become weak or atrophied as a result of being cushioned, supported or braced with an orthotic from birth. Without a functional arch, the flattened foot and bone structure has nowhere to go but out, creating a bunion. When we take a step the front of the foot naturally stays or gets wider to assist in the gripping and launch process. When you are wearing tight shoes this splaying or gripping action causes the big toe to tap against the side of the shoe which causes the body to lay a protective layer of bone which is why the Bunion grows over time. “When the arch becomes dysfunctional pressure is applied to the side of the hallux (big toe), forcing it inwards, towards and sometimes under or over the other toes.” Continual application of pressure causes the tissues surrounding the joint to swell and become tender. Unless surgically corrected, bunions are permanent.
BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ will stop the growth of bunions and reverse the symptom to a degree. If you do not address the weak foot muscles and form a functional arch after surgery the bunion will reform.
Hallux valgus can have a number of negative effects which include irritated skin around the bunion; pain when walking; joint redness and pain; possible shifting of the big toe towards the other toes; and the formation of blisters around the bunion site.
Problems can range in difficulty from finding proper fitting shoes (people with bunions might often buy larger sizes to accommodate the width the bunion creates), loss of balance and good posture, to severe foot pain even without the constriction of shoes. Because the joint at the base of the big toe carries most of the weight when walking, bunions can cause severe and constant pain. Those who suffer with stiff joints or arthritis can have a difficult time tolerating pain caused from bunions.
Hallux valgus can be hereditary only in people that have worn restrictive footwear from birth. It is an affliction that tends to affect women far more often than men, due to the fashion footwear that they choose to wear over a long period of time.
Treatments for the symptoms of hallux valgus can include wearing a toe spacer or bunion splint; using warm soaks, ice packs, ultrasound and massage; use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; and in extreme cases, surgery.
BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ Insoles can offer relief to people suffering with hallux valgus. Our non-orthotic strengthening system is the only patented product that proactively protects against bunions and rehabilitates excessive pronation. For people who excessively pronate, the big toe can be pushed toward the other toes as their foot pushes off when they walk or run. This leads to a great amount of degenerative stress at the joint of the big toe which contributes to the formation of bunions.
Just like walking barefoot in the sand or grass every step with Barefoot Science System targets the root cause of Bunions by stimulating , strengthening, and retraining the arch muscles that align the bones of the foot for optimal strength and stability prior to the foot’s contact with the ground. This ensures proper foot position at all times during ground contact, effectively and safely eliminating degenerative stresses. Our insoles not only control excessive pronation but provide extra padding underneath the ball of the foot as well.
]]>For those who may be unfamiliar with this condition, hammer toe is a deformity causing the toe to bend downward instead of pointing forward. While any of the toes can be affected, it’s primarily seen on the second or third toe. While this deformity can be present in some individuals from birth, it is a condition that typically develops over time.
All of these factors lead to the fact that the foot is no longer healthy and capable of being self-supportive.There are two joints in the toe, middle and bottom that allow for it to bend. It is when the middle joint becomes dislocated or misaligned that hammer toe occurs. There are many factors that can contribute to this joint dislocation including:
Symptoms of hammer toe can include a curling toe; pain or discomfort in the toes and ball of the foot or on the front of the leg, as well as a thickening of the skin on the affected toe along as well as corns or calluses. Treating the symptoms of hammertoe can consist of warm foot soaks, toe stretches, splinting of the toe, and in extreme cases, surgery to straighten out the toe (which could lead to complications including pain and numbness).
BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ offers a treatment option for these foot conditions with the use of BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ insoles to promote balance and the use of foot, lower & upper leg muscles for increased muscle strength, symmetry and flexibility. These features help to maintain long-term foot health as wearing our insoles helps shift the toe’s position, relieving pain and correcting its appearance.
Use of the BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ Strengthening System is a great preventive measure, not only for hammertoe but other foot and leg afflictions.
]]>A calcium deposit causing a protrusion on the underside of the heel bone is known as a heel spur. Heel spurs are typically linked to plantar fasciitis (when the ligament connecting the heel bone to the toes is strained, weakened, swollen or irritated). Heel spurs are the result of strains on foot muscles and ligaments, stretching of the plantar fascia and repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. This is a common affliction of athletes who practice sports involving great amounts of running and jumping.
Heel spurs themselves do not cause pain but rather the soft tissue injuries associated with them. People suffering with heel spurs will often feel as if a pin is sticking into the bottom of their feet when the first stand up in the morning. The pain will typically subside over time but can return after standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
This condition can result from a number of different factors. Causes of heel spurs can include: walking gait (an abnormality that places excessive stress on the heel bone, ligaments and nerves near the heel); running on hard surfaces; ill-fitting shoes (in particular those lacking proper arch support); and carrying excess weight.
Treatments for heel spurs can include stretching exercises and physical therapy; anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and even surgery.
Heel spurs can easily be prevented and treated through the use of the BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ Strengthening System. The Barefoot Science insoles help to ease the tension and strain placed on the plantar fascia which heal the damaged tissues and prevent a recurrence of the problem. The insoles allow the arch to stabilize naturally, keeping the heel spur parallel to the ground, and less likely to protrude into surrounding tissue.
Pain and inflammation at the ball of the foot (known as the metatarsal) is referred to as metatarsalgia. This type of foot condition is most prevalent in people who participate in sports or activities that involve running or jumping. Ill-fitting shoes can also be a cause of metatarsalgia.
Symptoms typically associated with metatarsalgia are: sharp, aching or burning pain in the ball of the foot (the part of the sole just behind the toes); pain that worsens when standing, ,walking, running or flexing the feet; sharp or shooting pain, numbness or tingling in the toes; and the feeling of having a pebble in your shoe. These symptoms can be brought on by a number of different factors such as: intense training or activity related to a high impact sport (runners are extremely vulnerable to this condition); having a high arch (which puts extra pressure on the metatarsals); foot deformities such as hammertoe and bunions; excess body weight which puts increased pressure on the metatarsals and poorly fitted shoes (such as heels or shoes with narrow toes, or shoes that aren’t well padded); and suffering from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
Remedies to aid the pain of metatarsalgia include: resting and elevating the feet after prolonged periods of standing or walking; icing the affected area; taking anti-inflammatory medication; and the use of arch supports or metatarsal pads.
BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ can remedy this problem through the use of the BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ insoles. Our insoles feature a dome contour that help to open up the affected area through gentle pressure thus reducing pain. The Barefoot Science System encourages the foot to work, increasing circulation and making the muscles stronger. The insoles also help with shock absorption and arch support helping to minimize problems with metatarsalgia.
]]>A pain study recently conducted by a third party at Toronto East General Hospital (one of Toronto’s busiest hospitals) concluded that the use of the BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ Strengthening System significantly reduces many types of musculoskeletal pain and fatigue in a working environment involving long periods of weight bearing activity.
This clinical study was conducted on personnel in the hospital’s emergency department (nurses, administrative and medical staff, who, spend most of their work day on their feet, and are physically active). The following findings from the study were reported:
• Significant decrease in fatigue of the foot
• Significant decrease in foot pain
• Significant decrease in overall fatigue
• Significant decrease in knee pain
• Significant decrease in lower back pain
• Significant decrease in shoulder pain
• Decreased pain and discomfort in the knee
• Decreased pain and discomfort in the lower back
• Decreased pain and discomfort in the shoulders
The significant statistics compiled from this study demonstrated clinical declines in pain for the feet (73% of participants), knees, shoulders, and lower back as well as declines for general fatigue (65% of participants). In terms of overall satisfaction with the BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ Strengthening System, 87.5% of the participants reported they thought it was “great” or “good”.
As expected, muscle activation with resultant exercise and strengthening, produces a more stable foot structure. With increased muscle strength and efficiency also comes increased management of energy within the foot resulting in less muscle fatigue, less soft tissue destruction and improved musculoskeletal alignment. The reason being, that the BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ system addresses the cause of the pain, not just the symptoms, therefore providing long-term relief. The insoles stimulate, strengthen and restore optimal foot function.
This study is further proof that our system significantly reduces many types of musculoskeletal pain and fatigue; that it is proven effective rehabilitation for foot, leg, knee, back and shoulder pain.
The study is further detailed below.
Appendix F:
Third Party Pain Study Conducted at Toronto East General Hospital, Toronto Canada
During independent third party at the emergency staff of one of Toronto’s busiest hospitals significant reductions in pain and discomfort at key areas within the body. The outcome measures were determined using an analog pain scale.
Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a novel system of shoe inserts that stimulate foot function (Barefoot ScienceTM Foot Strengthening System [BSFSS]) upon musculoskeletal pain..
Design: A prospective cohort study in which volunteers acted as their own controls. Data were recorded for a one‐week baseline period and for the following four weeks while using the BSFSS. .
Participants: Participants were nurses, administrative and medical staff. Forty‐eight individuals initially agreed to participate in the study, 44 submitted pain logs for at least one week and 32 completed an exit questionnaire. The participants were recruited through the Emergency Department (ED) of the Toronto East General Hospital
Methods: Data was collected through questionnaire during the use of the insole device during employment shifts at the hospital
Outcome measures: Pain logs were used to record self‐reported pain and “tiredness” for specific body parts on scales ranging from 0 to 10. Participants also completed entry questionnaires to provide basic demographic information and exit questionnaires that asked them about their experience with the BSFSS..
Results: When data were analyzed using repeated measured analysis of variance, there were clinically and statistically significant declines in pain scores for the feet, knees, shoulders, lower back and shoulders, as well as significant declines for “tiredness” for all body parts except the hips (all p values <.05). There was also a significant decline in general fatigue (p<.05). Between the baseline and the end of the study, 73% of participants had a decline in foot tiredness, 69% in foot pain and 65% in general fatigue. Satisfaction with the product was high, with 87.5% of users reporting they thought it was “great” or “good.”
Conclusions: The study was able to demonstrate that the BSFSS can significantly reduce many types of musculoskeletal pain and fatigue
Result Summary ‐ A significant number Users reported:
1) Significant decrease in fatigue of the foot.
2) Significant decrease in foot pain.
3) Significant decrease in overall fatigue
4) Significant decrease in knee pain
5) Significant decrease in lower back pain
6) Significant decrease in shoulder pain
7) Decreased pain and discomfort in the knee.
8) Decreased pain and discomfort in the lower back
9) Decreased pain and discomfort in the shoulders
These results are as expected in that the muscle activation, muscle firing and resultant exercise and strengthening produce a more stable foot structure. The presence of stronger more efficient foot muscles allows for increase management of energy within the foot and a reduction in the need for energy dissipation through harmful modes such as soft tissue destruction.
The reductions in fatigue are attributed to the better utilization and management of energy at the level of the foot as well as a resultant of improved muscular skeletal alignment through the body, thus necessitating less chronic muscular contractions at joints superior to the foot and ankle for purposes of stabilization of the relevant joint. The reduction in required muscle contraction reduces energy consumption and related metabolic processes.
The reductions in pain are attributed to better localized energy management and reduction of energy dissipation through soft tissue destruction as well as improved pressure distribution over articulating surfaces resulting from improved musculoskeletal alignment.
Study Contacts:
1) Ned Amendola, MD Director, University of Iowa Sports Medicine, Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation University of Iowa Ph: 319 356 4230 Fax: 319 384 9305 E: ned‐ amendola@uiowa.edu
2) Corinne Hodgson, M.Sc. CSH Associates Inc. 378 Melores Drive Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7L 4T8 Ph: 905‐634‐4019 Fax: 905‐634‐3515 E: corinne@cshodgson.com
Effect of a Foot-Strengthening System Among Emergency Department Personnel
Ned Amendola, MD
Director, University of Iowa Sports Medicine,
Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation University of Iowa
Ph: 319 356 4230
Fax: 319 384 9305
E: ned-amendola@uiowa.edu
Dr. Peter Fowler
Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine University of Western Ontario London, ON, Canada
Corinne Hodgson, M.Sc.
CSH Associates Inc.
378 Melores Drive
Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7L 4T8 Ph: 905-634-4019
Fax: 905-634-3515
E: corinne@cshodgson.com
Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a novel system of shoe inserts that stimulate foot function (Barefoot ScienceTM Foot Strengthening System [BSFSS]) upon musculoskeletal pain.
Design: A prospective cohort study in which volunteers acted as their own controls. Data were recorded for a one-week baseline period and for the following four weeks while using the BSFSS.
Setting: Volunteers were recruited through the Emergency Department (ED) of the Toronto East General Hospital.
Participants: Participants were nurses, administrative and medical staff. Forty- eight individuals initially agreed to participate in the study, 44 submitted pain logs for at least one week and 32 completed an exit questionnaire.
Intervention: The BSFSS, a shoe insole with a progressive series of Stimulus Inserts, was worn during shifts at the hospital.
Main Outcome Measurements: Pain logs were used to record self-reported pain and “tiredness” for specific body parts on scales ranging from 0 to 10. Participants also completed entry questionnaires to provide basic demographic information and exit questionnaires that asked them about their experience with the BSFSS.
Results: When data were analyzed using repeated measured analysis of variance, there were clinically and statistically significant declines in pain scores for the feet, knees, shoulders, lower back and shoulders, as well as significant declines for “tiredness” for all body parts except the hips (all p values <.05). There was also a significant decline in general fatigue (p<.05). Between the baseline and the end of the study, 73% of participants had a decline in foot tiredness, 69% in foot pain and 65% in general fatigue. Satisfaction with the product was high, with 87.5% of users reporting they thought it was “great” or “good.”
Conclusions: The study was able to demonstrate that the BSFSS can significantly reduce many types of musculoskeletal pain and fatigue in a working environment involving long periods of weight bearing activity.
Introduction
Nurses and many other hospital personnel spend long hours continuously on their feet and physically active. It is not surprising that nursing has been identified as a high-risk occupation for musculoskeletal disorders. [1] For example, a random sample of nurses’ aides in Norway found that in the previous 14 days, 88.8% had experienced musculoskeletal pain, with 51.1% reporting intense pain. [2] An Australian study of rural nursing students found that 80.0% reported a musculoskeletal disorder at some body site, with low back pain being the most common (59.1%), followed by pain in the neck (34.6%), knees (25.0%), shoulders (23.8%) and feet (16.5%). [3] Several reports have focused upon one specific type of musculoskeletal discomfort: back pain. One study that followed female nursing students (n=174) for 7.5 years found the lifetime cumulative prevalence of back pain increased from 31% at entry to nursing school, to 72% at the end of the school and 82% after five years working as a nurse. [4] Another study of Swiss nurses (n=269) found the annual prevalence of lower back pain ranged from 73% to 76%. [5]
As noted by Springett, feet “are subjected to more general wear and tear than many other parts of the body.” [6] Population-based surveys conducted in 16 European countries report foot conditions are common among dermatological patients of all ages. Over half (57% to 61%) had at least one foot disease, with 38% to 42% having non-fungal foot problems such as orthopedic conditions or metatarsal corns. [7] Other studies suggest that foot wear can influence the development of foot problems. [8] Foot problems may accompany or contribute to other musculoskeletal problems.
A number of biomechanical studies have been conducted that show that the Barefoot ScienceTM Foot Strengthening System (BSFSS) is safe and may be beneficial in treating foot and foot-related pain and discomfort. [9] BSFSS is not simply a shoe insert, but a novel system with five to seven progressive stimulus inserts that help to stimulate and strengthen the muscles of the arch.
Although BSFSS has been shown to be beneficial in small, mostly laboratory- based studies and has been used by consumers in North America and Europe, to date there have been no studies documenting how it works and its effectiveness in a “real world” setting and with participants of varying age, weight, and fitness levels. For our study, we recruited staff working in the emergency department (ED) of a busy metropolitan hospital, the Toronto East General Hospital (TEGH).
Methods
Prior to initiation, this study was approved by the Research Ethics Board of the Toronto East General Hospital.
The study was designed so participants would act as their own controls. The only exclusion criterion for the study was hallux rigidus; otherwise, all full-time and part-time nursing, administrative and clinical staff of the TEGH were eligible for the study. Prior to beginning the study, a sample size calculation was conducted for proportions in one sample using SamplePower 1.0 (SPSS, 1997). If chance would suggest that 50% of participants might experience a change in their pain level, the numbers needed to determine if 80% experiencing change is significant would be 30 subjects (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.63, 0.90; alpha=0.05 for a 2-tailed test, power=0.94). Given the demanding work of hospital staff, turnover, and vacations, it was anticipated that drop-outs might be substantive. Based on the findings of Farrar et al, it was also hypothesized that as measured on an 11-point numeric rating scale, a reduction of 30% in pain intensity would be required to represent a clinically important difference. [10]
Posters and word-of-mouth were used to advertise the study among ED personnel. Upon volunteering for the study, participants were asked to sign an informed consent, to complete an entry questionnaire, and their shoe size was recorded. The entry questionnaire queried participants on their general health, whether they had pre-existing foot or muscular problems, and their use of healthcare services, including alternative healthcare practices.
Pain and discomfort were recorded on 0-10 scales on a daily Pain Log (see Figure 1). The scales were model after 11-point descriptive or categorical pain intensity scales commonly utilized in pain research. The Pain Log (see Figure 1) captured a number of facets of foot and muscular pain and discomfort, including:
1 level of pain for the different parts of the body, ranging from 0 (“no pain”) to 10 (“excruciating pain”);
2 number of hours recorded level of pain was experienced;
3 how “tired” the parts of the body felt by the end of their shift, on a scale
ranging from 0 (“not tired at all”) to 10 (“extremely tired”); and
4 general level of fatigue during the shift, on a scale ranging from 0 (“no
fatigue”) to 10 (“extremely fatigued”).
There was also space on the form for participants to record any illness, unusual activity during their shift, injuries, their BSFSS insert level, and how long they wore their BSFSS. Data was gathered for the left and right foot, ankle, lower leg, knee, hips and shoulder and for the upper back and lower back. For analysis, reports for the left and right sides of the body were combined, as was the report for the shoulders and upper back.
Subjects were not paid for participating in the study. However, in recognition of the fact that ED staff are extremely busy and deal with a lot of paper work, incentives were offered for those who submitted their Pain Logs, such as weekly coffee vouchers, a chance to win a weekly draw for modest gift certificates
(valued at approximately $25 Canadian), and a chance to win a “grand prize” of a weekend in Montreal. It was stressed to participants in the consent form that reports on the Pain Logs would not affect the rewarding of prizes and that all information supplied should be accurate and honest.
For the first week of the study, participants were asked to wear their usual footwear but to complete a Pain Log at the end of each shift worked at the TEGH. These logs constituted the baseline for each participant. At the end of the first week, BSFSSs were distributed and for the following four weeks, participants were asked to wear the BSFSS at work and to complete a Pain Log at the end of each shift. There was no special orientation process to the BSFSS product, so the experience of participants would parallel that of any consumer who purchased it from a store, on the Internet or in response to direct response television marketing. Participants were only asked to wear their BSFSS while at work at the TEGH; as some participants might choose to wear them elsewhere, there was space on the Pain Logs to record this information.
A brief exit questionnaire was conducted when the participant completed or withdrew from the study. This questionnaire asked the participants to describe their experience and to make any comments they would like.
A data entry clerk hired by the hospital put the information into Excel spreadsheets. An independent data analyst then transformed the Excel spreadsheets into SPSS data files for statistical analysis. Categorical data were tested using Chi squares, and continuous data such as mean pain scores were analyzed using paired t-tests and repeated measured analysis of variance (ANOVA). In cases where the Huynh-Feldt epsilon for the repeated measures ANOVA was >0.750, the Hyunh-Feldt corrected p value is reported. Analysis was conducted using SPSS 14.0 (SPSS Inc, 2005) and Systat 11.0 (SYSTAT Software, Inc. 2004).
Results
Entry Questionnaire
In total, 47 individuals completed the entry questionnaire. Of those 47, 28 (59.6%) were nurses, 3 (6.4%) were doctors, and 16 (34.0%) fell into the “other” category (administrators, orderlies, etc.). The majority of participants (38 or 80.9%) were female and 60% (n=28) were between 30 to 49 years of age. A little over 40% give a height and weight suggesting they are in the normal weight range, with 25% appearing to be overweight, and 32% obese (BMI 30 or more).
In terms of personal health habits, 72% said their diet was generally healthy, although only 15% were able to say it was very healthy. Fourteen (30%) said they exercise about twice a week, 18 (38%) three to five times a week and 5 (11%) five or more times a week; less than one-quarter (21%) reported they
never exercised. Only 5 participants (11%) smoke daily; over half (55%) never smoked and almost one-third (32%) had quit smoking. Forty-seven percent reported moderate stress and 43% high stress, with a small proportion (3 or 6.4%) reporting very high stress. Only 2 of the participants (4.3%) report low stress.
When asked what health practitioners they consult, the most common response by participants was a family doctor. High proportions of participants reported no consultation with a naturopath (100%), herbalist (94%), chiropractor (79%) or massage therapist (68%). None report ultrasound or laser treatment on their feet and only 2 (4.3%) had had foot massages. Five report using orthotics (11%) and 7 (15%) having body massages.
The most common problems cited by participants were lower back pain (47%), upper back or shoulder pain (30%), knee pain (28%), plantar fasciitis (28%), calluses (23%) and hip pain (23%). Overall, 24 of the 48 participants (50%) reported some sort of pre-existing foot problem, including heel spurs, Achilles tendon, ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, hammertoe, Morton’s, bunions, bunionette or plantar fasciitis.
Pain Logs
In total, 596 pain logs were submitted during the course of the study: 149 for week 1, 130 for week 2, 113 for week 3, 104 for week 4 and 100 for week 5. At least one week of pain logs were submitted by 44 individuals. Of the 44 individuals who volunteered for the study, 13 (29.5%) dropped out before completion. The majority of these losses (7/12) occurred after the first week, after the BSFSS were distributed but before participants were to start wearing them. One of these losses was due to a maternity leave. Four participants stopped after week 2 of the study (after one week of wearing BSFSS) and one after week 3.
Of the remaining 31 cases, 3 had to be excluded from analysis because there were no baseline data (logs had not been submitted for week 1). Four individuals missed at least one of weeks 2 through 4, and one missed both week 3 and 5. Some of these gaps were caused by vacations or scheduling of contract staff. In total, pain logs for all 5 weeks of the study were submitted by 23 individuals.
Mean foot, knee, hips, shoulder and back pain scores for week 1 tended to be significantly lower for those who did not complete the study compared to those who did (see Table 1). Among those who completed the study, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean numbers of hours worked per shift (means were 8.546 for week 1, 9.072 for week 2, 9.335 for week 3, 9.286 for week 4 and 9.231 for week 5, p=.253).
Previous reports of foot problems did not influence whether or not a person completed the study. Among those who reported a pre-existing foot problem, 79.2% (19 of 24) completed the study, compared to 70.8% (17 of 24) of those without (p=.740). Mean pain scores for those who reported foot problems tended to be higher in week 1 than those without, but independent t-tests showed the differences were not statistically significant (data not shown, all p’s>.05).
Table 2 shows the week 1 and 5 means for those participants (n=26) who submitted Pain Logs for those weeks. Paired t-tests showed significant reductions in reported pain in the feet (p=.002), knees (p=.001), lower back (p=.012), upper back and shoulder (p=.016) and overall fatigue (p=.006). A paired t-test power calculation comparing mean foot pain for weeks 1 and 5 found the probability of correctly rejecting the null hypothesis was .863 when there were 23 comparisons, increasing to .904 for 26 comparisons. The percent reduction in pain was 30.7% for feet, 41.2% for knees, 48.8% for the lower back and 34.2% for the upper back and shoulders.
There were 23 participants for whom there were data for all 5 weeks of the study. Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant declines in foot, knee, lower back and shoulder pain (all p <.001) and in combined upper back and shoulder pain (p=.006; see Table 3). Table 3 also shows the pain reduction between week 1 and 5.
Table 4 shows the mean scores for body part “tiredness”, percent reduction and statistical significance of the change. Tiredness scores were higher than pain scores and, with the exception of the hips, also decreased significantly within subjects over time. Figures 1 and 2 show pain and tiredness scores, respectively, for those body parts for which there was significant change over time.
In addition, overall fatigue reported by the participants (n=26) decreased over time, from a mean of 5.259 at week 1 to 4.909 (week 2), 4.412 (week 3), 4.47 (week 4) and 4.287 (week 5; p=.012, with the scores declining 19.8% between week 1 and 5. Whether the person reported a pre-existing foot condition on the entry questionnaire had no significant effect on any of the comparisons (data not shown; all p’s >.05).
Exit Questionnaire
Thirty-two exit questionnaires were completed, of whom 31 respondents (96.8%) completed the study (the one who did not complete the study went on maternity leave after the end of the first week). Table 5 shows the reports of the 31 respondents who completed the study on the effect of wearing BSFSS on their pain or discomfort levels. Over half of participants believed BSFSS was effective in reducing their foot pain, close to half believed it had reduced ankle and knee pain, and about one-third reported reductions in lower leg and hip pain. Only
small numbers reported increases in pain, with such reports being most common for the feet.
When asked their overall opinion of BSFSS, 7 of the 32 participants (21.9%) agreed it was “great” and 21 (65.5%) that it was “good”, for a total positive response of 28 out of 31 (90.3%). Two respondents said they “weren’t impressed” and only one respondent rated the product as “awful.” Fifteen (46.9%) indicated they wore the product only at work and on their way to work but 16 (51.6%) wore it more frequently, with 5 (15.6%) reporting they wore them “all the time or almost all the time.”
Discussion
Utilizing the device in this study is a novel method to attempt modification of loading and stimulation of the foot during everyday activity. The importance of the foot and foot loading in overall limb and body function (i.e., its contribution to kinetic chain dysfunction) is generally not appreciated with shoe wear. Shoe wear and shoe wear modification are one aspect of work and loading pattern of the body that could have a significant impact on the rest of the lower extremity and central core. [11] In previous studies, static modifications in orthoses and shoe type have shown inconclusive benefits in preventing the incidence of overuse injuries and stress fractures. [12,13]
In this study, the in-shoe orthosis used not only modified loading, but also stimulated the intrinsic muscles of the foot as a dynamic effect during walking and loading. BSFSS is a patented insole device that has a midfoot section with an asymmetric structure that generates a gentle recoil pressure on the foot’s plantar surface at a location directly beneath the midfoot that corresponds to the optimal arch apex (height) during weight bearing. The system incorporates a series of resilient and progressively firmer and higher inserts that act as proprioceptive catalysts to stimulate the tibialis anterior, anterior extensors and peroneals. Over time, the muscles are conditioned to maintain the optimal arch apex necessary to effectively manage loads through the arch system. According to the manufacturer, a number of biomechanical studies have produced both quantitative and qualitative data of the product’s effectiveness. [14]
With this rationale in mind, this study was conducted among busy health professionals in a major metropolitan hospital. The participants represent a cross-section of working adults; half were overweight, reported high stress levels, or had pre-existing back or foot problems. Although this was a relatively health- conscious population (up to 75% reported exercising in their leisure time), little attention was paid specifically to the foot and shoe wear as a means of preventing overuse problems and fatigue (only 11% used shoe orthotics). If benefit could be shown in this population, it would likely be significant.
On an 11-point scale, participants started out reporting relatively modest levels of pain. Given the environment in which they work (i.e., daily exposure to patients who may be in extreme pain) and the busy nature of their work, it is not surprising that staff rated their pain as relatively low. When asked about how “tired” parts of the body felt, scores tended to be higher.
It was interesting, but not totally unexpected, that those who dropped out of the study in the first three weeks tended to report lower pain levels at baseline. This suggests that those with the least pain may not have appreciated the difference the BSFSS could make. Drop-outs were largest after week 1, before participants had started wearing BSFSS, and declined thereafter (numbers of drop-outs were 12 before they started wearing BSFSS, 4 after 1 week of wearing BSFSS and 2 after 2 weeks of wearing BSFSS). If drop-outs were caused by problems with the product, one would expect the numbers to increase with time. This pattern suggests that the longer people wore BSFSS, the less likely they were to leave the study. Several drop-outs reflect reasons unrelated to the product, such as vacations, reluctance to complete the necessary paper work (the daily pain logs), loss of interest in the study, or an opportunistic means of obtaining free products.
At the end of the study, after four weeks of wearing the product, there were clinically (i.e., 30% or greater) and statistically significant reductions in foot, knee, lower back, and shoulder pain, and a statistically significant decline in combined upper back and shoulder pain that was close to 30% (27.6%). Perceived “tiredness” also declined 30% or more for the feet, knees, lower legs, knees, lower back, shoulders, and combined upper back and shoulders (all p<.05) and close to 30% for the upper back (26.3%, p=.034). Perhaps because of these changes, levels of general fatigue while at work declined 20% (p=.012).
The literature suggests that musculoskeletal discomfort and overuse disorders are common place among healthcare professionals such as nurses. This study suggests that the BSFSS does significantly relieve musculoskeletal discomfort, including back pain, and fatigue. It is possible that such improvements in limb and body function during activity could enhance the well-being of healthcare professionals and workplace productivity.
Acknowledgements: Study costs were paid for by Barefoot ScienceTM. Data entry and analysis was conducted by independent contractors, and the opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors.
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Pain in the lower back and knees can stem from a number of different things. Knee pain can be related to injuries (such as a ruptured ligament or torn cartilage) and fractures; types of arthritis and other risk factors such as excess weight, lack of muscle flexibility or strength, and physical activities or sports that put a lot stress on the knees (like alpine skiing). Symptoms typically associated with knee pain are: swelling and stiffness; redness and warmth to the touch; weakness or instability; popping or crunching noises; and the inability to fully straighten the knee.
Common symptoms of back pain include lower back muscles cramping; muscle spasms with associated discomfort in the gluteal region; and pain in the lumbar spine.Back pain too can result from a number of different factors such as: muscle or ligament strains; bulging or ruptured discs, arthritis, skeletal irregularities; nerve-related pain caused by irritated or pinched nerves; and osteoporosis.
Both knee and back pain can be debilitating making daily activities like walking sometimes intolerable and can lead to poor posture which further exacerbates the problems. Treatments for both knee and back pain can range from stretching, to medication and injections to surgery in some cases.
A clinically proven, non-medicinal and non-surgical treatment for both knee and back pain is the BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ Strengthening System. Unlike traditional orthotics that offer only a short-terms solution, BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ addresses the underlying issue of strength in the feet. By reducing strain in the lower back and strengthening the muscles of the feet and lower leg, BAREFOOTSCIENCE™, efficiently manages impact force and stabilizes the lower back.
BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ Insoles strengthen the foot muscles, exercise the feet, help support the arch, alignment, and even posture, with a patented domed arch.
Stronger feet are better able to manage forces that would quickly fatigue the knees, hips and back.
]]>Don’t just walk or run… learn how to walk and run therapeutically by eliminating the asymmetries in your gait.
Through enhanced proprioceptive stimulus in the feet and simple brain or cognitive training, the body will learn how to become balanced, symmetrical and self supportive once again.
Enhanced proprioception has the instant and natural effect of improving all aspects of the gait and balance cycle. Foot Proprioception initiates all gait or movement musculature. This allows the foot to manage the contact phase in an efficient manner, naturally improving performance.
Learn more about the program HERE.
How the 4YourGait program works:
Dr. Peter Gorman is the president of Microgate USA who works with everyday people as well as the world’s top athletes, team owners and doctors. He has integrated Barefoot Science proprioceptive based insoles into his 4YourGait protocols to improve performance and minimize injuries. With the BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ Microgate partnership everyone can now monitor their gait or movement improvements.
Barefoot Science and Microgate Partnership Press Release
You have to make sure that while you are in this cycle that you are not performing D.R.U.N.K. in your gait activation. What Dr. Gorman means by this is:
D – Dramatically
R – Reduced
U – Utilization of
N – Normal
K – Kinematics
Take the balance test now and see for yourself just how D.R.U.N.K. you are:
BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ helps to improve proprioception, balance and brain health with every step that you take. The BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ insole patents are founded on the fact that the insoles deliver a progressive increase in proprioceptive stimulation (exercise) while wearing shoes. Over a short period of time, this allows the feet to become self supportive once again.
In fact, a recent clinical study done at Toronto East General Hospital concluded that participants experienced a “significant reduction in pain and tiredness when using the BAREFOOTSCIENCE™ Arch Activation Foot Strengthening System.”
Interested in having a 4YourGait program set up in your clinic? Contact Us today.
Watch Dr. Peter Gorman discuss his program.
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Barefoot Science has opened its U.S. Headquarters inside the Microgate U.S.A. 7 Miller Road, Mahopac, New York facility.
Barefoot Science and Microgate U.S.A. have opened their first "4YourGait" treatment facility with a team of certified clinicians headed by Dr. Peter Gorman.
]]>April 12 ,2016
Barefoot Science and Microgate U.S.A. have officially announced a collaboration between the two companies.
Barefoot Science has opened its U.S. Headquarters inside the Microgate U.S.A. 7 Miller Road, Mahopac, New York facility.
Barefoot Science and Microgate U.S.A. have opened their first "4YourGait" treatment facility with a team of certified clinicians headed by Dr. Peter Gorman. "Don't just walk.......... Therapeutically walk by reducing asymmetrical differences in the Gait cycle! " is the theme of the collaboration.
Over the past eighteen months the two companies have been recording game changing results through the integration of the powerful OptoGait toolset and the patented Barefoot Science progressive proprioceptive based insole technology.
The fundamental benefit of the Barefoot Science/Microgate U.S.A. partnership is the ability to provide evidenced based biomechanical gait data. This data can be base lined and tracked over time allowing the clinician/patient to make the necessary adjustments so the most efficient and effective gait cycles can be created.
The Microgate/Barefoot Science proprioceptive based solutions "allows the body to learn" through stimulation of the neuromuscular receptors in the plantar surface area and the brain.
This proven technique has been shown to help increase the proprioceptive ability of the patient, improve their balance control, and help in creating an effective cycle.
For twenty years Barefoot Science and their team of global supporters and distributors have developed Barefoot Science foot strengthening insoles into the insole of choice for many globally respected medical practitioners, Physical Therapists , Chiropractors, Podiatrists, Olympic & Pro athletes, Military Personnel and everyday people of all ages that suffer with foot to shoulder pain and deal with loss of performance issues that are directly related to a dysfunctional foundation and lack of proprioception.
Barefoot Science is the only proven patented alternative to addressing the root cause of musculoskeletal pain and performance dysfunction.
Microgate has gait assessment systems installed globally in Olympic centers , Pro Team training centers , Universities, Hospitals, Military training facilities, High Performance facilities ,rehabilitation facilities etc..
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