Studies

California College of Podiatry

When the results from the two measurement sources (CCPM and Genovation Corp.) are examined, several patterns emerge.

The principle improvement was in the reduction of pressure or forces to the forefoot.  All measurements taken show a significant reduction of the total forces in this area.  This appears to have been accomplished without creating unwanted instability.

The high mid-foot topographic contours are almost certainly responsible for this and actually seem to have the benefit of providing generalized stability to the foot.  In terms of integrated usefulness, this appears to have been accomplished while providing unusually effective plantar support.

The static and dynamic data support this as well as the graphics exhibiting shortening of the foot, etc.  Observable in the dynamic graphics are positive changes in the medial column, changes in the pressure patterns showing enhanced support, etc.

Since the device is a “neutral” [support] without posting varus/valgus, etc., and the remainder of the device seems well designed but possibly not responsible for these changes, it seems that the high midfoot topographic contours may be a functional approach in some [support] designs.

Given that most conventional designs yield a slightly plantarflexed (after posting, etc.) foot, here we have a device apparently showing functional promise after repositioning of the foot in a dorsiflexed position.  Also noted were the unusual changes in the center of pressure.

Sagittal plane stability has been noted throughout the study by center mass “tracking” through the longitudinally averaged axis and with other dynamic data and graphic result.

The Alznner® [support] appears to be an unusual design providing both support and stability with little unwanted secondary effect.

Michigan State University

A Michigan State University study evaluating the Alznner orthotic determined that the support, when correctly fitted, significantly alters a person’s center of gravity. This change in the center of gravity improves balance and reduces strain on the muscles and ligaments used in standing and walking.

The study was motivated by many reports that the orthotics were highly effective in redistributing excessive pressure on the heels and metatarsals of the foot over the supported arch. This in turn acted to reduce forces acting on the ankle, knee, hip joints and lower back.

Previous research at Michigan State University on the orthotics found that they can bring about a change in both general body movement and muscle and joint function.

The orthotics accomplish this by actually changing the motion of the foot, thereby altering ankle, knee, and hip joint motion during upper body movement and by dramatically changing the forces and torques placed on the body by altering pressure distribution on the plantar surface (bottom) of the foot.

This alteration of the COP (Center of Pressure) on the bottom of the foot was found to have significant positive effects on muscular efficiency and a significant reduction in pain and discomfort, confirmed by measurement of GRF (Ground Reaction Forces) when wearing the orthotics.

The kinetic data found major difference when wearing the orthotics. A reduction in the moments (or torques) applied to the lower extremity joints suggested that the CG (Center of Gravity) of the entire body was shifted anteriorly. That reduction results in a significant decrease of the applied torques acting at the joints, which would tend to explain the anecdotally reported reductions in pain and fatigue by users of the Alznner orthotic.

East Carolina University

This study, conducted at the Biomechanics Laboratory in the Department of Exercise and Sports Science at the School of Health and Human Performance at East Carolina University, evaluated sagittal plane standing balance and stability in three foot conditions.

The foot conditions were:

  1. No arch supports worn

  2. Alznner® arch supports worn

  3. Custom arch supports worn

Balance was assessed during normal standing while a 200 Newton load was applied to the subjects, and while standing with the load.

The load was directed downward and anterior to the ankle joint.

It therefore created a dorsiflexor torque which was resisted by the calf muscles.

Center of pressure under the right foot and EMG from the Gastrocnemius and Anterior Tibialis muscles were evaluated.

The principle result was the improvement in balance and stability during the dynamic load application phase with the Alznner® supports.

The load was applied over a period of nearly three seconds and caused the subjects to lean forward with the Gastrocnemius muscle EMG increasing significantly during this time, indicating increased muscular effort.

While using the Alznner® supports, the forward movement of the center of pressure and the magnitude of the EMG were significantly less compared to the other conditions.

These results indicate the subjects were better balanced and more stable with the Alznner® supports during dynamic, anterior loading.

These results also suggest that the Alznner® supports may improve balance and stability during other dynamic tasks.

The smaller increase in Gastocnemius EMG with the Alznner® supports compared to the other conditions indicates that less muscular effort was needed to maintain balance in this condition.

The reduced muscular effort may provide greater endurance for people while performing dynamic activities such as athletics.

Armstrong Atlantic State University

In a study designed to test and analyze the benefits of arch supports in preventing falls among the elderly, for whom such accidents can be a serious health issue, Armstrong Atlantic State University recruited sixty-seven participants between the ages of 60 and 87 and fitted them with the arch support.

The study used both the Timed Get Up and Go (TUG) test and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to assess the condition of the study participants.

The BBS is a well documented and reliable predictor for assessing a person's risk for falls.

The TUG test measures both the functional mobility and the dynamic balance of the individual.

The researchers found statistically significant improvements in scores for balance, functional mobility, and pain reduction with the use of the support. Many participants also noted substantial self-reported benefits which are elaborated on below.

The study asked and answered three very important questions about our arch supports:

1. Was there a difference in the BBS and TUG scores for those wearing the arch supports versus control subjects not wearing the supports?

The researchers found a significant improvement in both scores with use of the arch support compared to the no arch support condition, reflecting a significant improvement in functional mobility and balance in a variety of tested conditions.

2. Is there a difference in reported foot, ankle, knee, hip and back pain during a six week wearing period?

A very significant reduction in foot, knee, hip and back pain was reported among the participants. The results in this study with respect to ankle pain were inconclusive, although numerous self-reports from participants indicated pain reduction in ankle pain as well.

3. What are self-reported benefits of the older adults using the arch support?

Over 85% of the study participants reported benefit from wearing the arch supports. Specifically, and in addition to the aforementioned reductions in pain, users reported significantly improved balance and confidence in such activities as walking, running, golf and exercising. They also felt that they walked better and could stand for much longer periods of time with less pain.

Is Your Institution Interested In Conducting A Research Study With The Alznner® arch supports?

Accredited institutions interested in conducting research with the Alznner® arch supports should contact us with their proposal.

Results should not be construed as a product endorsement by the institutions or individuals conducting or assisting in these studies.