< Can foot orthoses impose different gait features based on geometrical design in healthy subjects? | Defining excessive, over, or hyper-pronation: A quandary >
  1. Brian A. Rothbart Well-Known Member


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    Well folks, it appears other researchers are starting to report findings that I have expressed on this forum (and not well received).
    These last few years my research has been focused on looking at the link (if any) between the proprioceptive signals being generated to the cerebellum (using specific proprioceptive insoles) and changes in neural activity (specifically beta brain waves patterns).
    In the works for the beginning of next year is a research project with Dr Hugo Sousa (PhD in functional psychology) to confirm ( or not) the findings of an earlier preliminary study that demonstrated a change in neural activity - changes in qEEG recordings, with vs without proprioceptive insoles. You can view that results of this preliminary study on my research site at: http://www.iarpt.com/proprioceptive-insoles-change-brain-function.html
    For your edification, these qEEGs changes were previously thought highly unlikely. qEEG's reading, like EEG readings, do not change randomly (probability of occurrence practically nil).

    Professor Rothbart
     
  2. Brian A. Rothbart Well-Known Member

    50 years ago, when Root Biomechanics was the gold standard in the use of orthotics, we gave little thought of the impact these insoles had on the body above the ankles. But since that time, our horizons have been broadened and we now realize that proprioceptive insoles not only impact the entire weight bearing axis (foot to jaw) but also the viscera and CNS. Succinctly, current research suggests that proprioceptive insoles may even change mentation.

    This is why my current research project is so compelling. If the results demonstrate a direct link between geometry placed underneath the feet and neural oscillations, it will be another compelling reason why we cannot use these insoles indiscriminately.

    For example, I have demonstrated radiographically that when a proprioceptive insole designed for a Primus Metatarsus Supinatus foot structure is used in a patient with a PreClinical Clubfoot Deformity, the frontal plane position of the cranial bones deviate a greater distance from orthogonal then when no insole is used.

    Professor Rothbart
     
  3. Oh good the charlatans have been let out of the asylum
     
  4. Brian A. Rothbart Well-Known Member

    A preliminary study demonstrated instantaneous changes in B wave activity when proprioceptive insoles were placed underneath the feet. Changes in mentation were noted by the patient - http://www.iarpt.com/proprioceptive-insoles-change-brain-function.html
    Any type of device placed underneath the feet has a profound impact on the entire body. This is why I strongly discourage the use of any type of orthotic or insole until the primary etiology is determined (abnormal pronation is a symptom not a primary etiology).

    On my research website I have provided several examples of postural distortions resulting from using inappropriate insoles - http://www.iarpt.com/iatrogenic-insoles.html

    Professor Rothbart
     
  5. Brian A. Rothbart Well-Known Member

    The reason the findings on the link between neural (brain wave) activity and distorted signals to the CNS (cerebellum specifically) is so important, is that it may dramatically change how we determine the strength of the proprioceptive signal incorporated into the insole.

    Currently we make that determination by the shift in posture. A better approach would be to use the qEEG findings - more accurate and direct.
     
  6. Brian A. Rothbart Well-Known Member

    A few years back, I posted my opinion that Robin Williams forward head position was very relevant in his suicide. At the time many folks found this statement incredulous. But recent research suggests a possible mechanism that would explain this link.
     
< Can foot orthoses impose different gait features based on geometrical design in healthy subjects? | Defining excessive, over, or hyper-pronation: A quandary >
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