Quantifying the Impact of Carbon Fiber Shoe Inserts for Application in 1st MTP Joint Osteoarthritis

Presenter

Travis Reardon

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Katherine Boyer, Department of Kinesiology, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A5, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 1 (A1-A20) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint osteoarthritis (OA) affects about 8% of the population over 50 years old and approximately 71% of those experience disabling symptoms associated with their OA. Decreased range of motion coupled with pain from walking can severely alter a patient’s gait, leading to problems at other joints such as the hip and knees. Prior work has found that rigid flat inserts can reduce the 1st MTP joint flexion but the impact on distal joint power and compensatory action at proximal joints is not clear. The goal of this project is to quantify the impact carbon fiber shoe inserts with different stiffness and forefoot curvatures on 1st MTP joint flexion, distal foot power, ankle range of motion and power.The goal of this project is to quantify the impact of various carbon fiber shoe inserts for application in helping treat first MTP joint OA. It is hypothesized that there will be the greatest reduction in 1st MPT flexion and distal joint power as compared to no insert for the stiff 20 degree insert. Fifteen participants each completed walking trials for each condition; stiff 20 degree omnidirectional insert, generic isotropic carbon insole, and no insert. Gait analysis was conducted for each trial. Distal foot power was calculated as well as kinematics at the ankle and MTP joint. Using repeated measures ANOVA, each condition will be compared. A greater reduction in first MTP joint dorsiflexion and power would mean a more effective strategy for treating symptoms of first MTP joint OA.

Keywords

Osteoarthritis treatment, First metatarsophalangeal joint, Omnidirectional carbon fiber

Research Area

Engineering

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