Foot offloading associated with carbon fiber orthosis use: A pilot study.
Kirsten M Anderson, Molly A Corlett, Sara M Magdziarz and 2 others
PMID 38718525WHAT IT FOUND
Three carbon fiber orthoses shifted foot loading from the forefoot to the hindfoot in healthy adults.
The stiffer full-length orthoses significantly reduced peak forefoot forces, while all three increased hindfoot loading. These findings suggest caution for patients at risk of skin breakdown.
Key findings
01All three tested carbon fiber orthoses significantly increased hindfoot force impulse compared to walking without an orthosis.
02The two posterior strut orthoses (FirmCDO and ModCDO) significantly reduced peak forefoot forces, whereas the low-profile medial/lateral strut orthosis did not.
03Total foot force impulse did not change significantly, meaning the orthoses redistributed existing load rather than reducing overall foot loading.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study was conducted on nine healthy, able-bodied individuals, so the findings may not apply directly to patients with foot pain, deformities, or altered gait patterns. The orthoses were not custom-fitted to the participants, which may have limited the extent of force redistribution compared to clinical custom devices. This is a pilot study with a very small sample size, providing preliminary biomechanical data rather than clinical outcomes like pain reduction. The study measured forces on the foot but did not assess the forces transferred to the lower leg or the actual clinical benefit or harm to the patient.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was supported by NIH and U.S. Government grants.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume these orthoses reduce total foot loading. The study found that total force impulse did not change; the devices simply moved the load from the forefoot to the hindfoot. This could be harmful for patients with hindfoot pathology or skin integrity issues.