3 ways OptoSource is using ALINE Systems to improve gait performance

OptoSource is showing patients that they don’t have to live with many simple health problems associated with gait asymmetry.  Our gait, or the way we walk, is measured in phases that define the stride lengths, support times, and the load we bear in each step. Inefficiencies or asymmetries in gait are known to affect other aspects of the body, but what is remarkable is that almost any injury imaginable will effect our gait.

Common issues with the lower body can be fixed, treated or facilitated with improved footwear. OptoSource has been working with ALINE Systems, a semi-custom insole manufacturer that has developed an adaptable orthopedic insert for almost any piece of footwear. ALINE Systems, for most people, improves symmetry, foot neutrality, and support in the fit of every-day casuals to sports specific footwear such as golf cleats and ski boots. Using ALINE Systems unique application for quick, easy, and effective manipulation of the foot with real-time objective gait analysis feedback, we are seeing almost unanimous improvements in gait performance.

Finally, our 3 ways of improving gait performance using ALINE Systems.

1. Quickly/Easily identify problems Using the ALINE integrated measurement tool to measures foot size, ankle displacement and knee centering, we can then determine if your problem lies in the lower leg and if ALINE is a good product for you.

2. Making adjustments With the ALINE insole, immediately the foot is supported. Minor adjustments to displacement and centering can be altered using quickly adaptable tabs to the underside of the insole and the measurement tool provides quality subjective results.

3. Baseline testing/Objective feedback Taking a gait print using a OptoGait with a treadmill or by using a larger system such as a 10-meter OptoJump, we can determine a baseline ‘swing’ or an average of our performance in each phase specific to your gait. We can compare a barefoot analysis with that of one with our current footwear and see how symmetry is affected by the addition of footwear. Finally, we add ALINE and compare the results with each state of testing. Vast improvements in the symmetry of contact times between right and left legs, as well as the variance of each step length and contact time, focusing on each leg individually.

3 Ways Performance Spine and Sport and OptoSource are redifining Rehabiliation

Following the Performance Spine and Sport sponsored Injury Prevention Clinic held at the Gold’s Gym in Lawrenceville NJ, OptoSource visited PSSM for a test and research day using a mix-bag of assessment technology and a focused approach to rehabilitation and therapy.

The day’s focus was to use the output of a dynamic set of assessment tools to get an extensive profile on a patient before and after therapy. OptoSource provided a 5-meter OptoJump system from Microgate USA, to assess the gait of each patient while barefoot. In addition, our team worked closely with PSSM’s Director of Sports Performance Diagnostics, Frank Colabella using PSSM’s own OptoGait system to gather gait data using the treadmill. Frank provided another technology system designed by Sports Motion DNA, a 3D motion capture tool which was used on the treadmill to compare with gait data and enhance our understanding by providing real-time feedback on criteria such as Range of Motion and Inward/Outward Rotation.

Dr. Philip Jimenez, Podiatrist at PSSM, scanned the patients’ feet on a foot leveler and assessed the imbalances in postural support and stabilization.

A pre-intervention assessment is made for each patient at each of the four stations. The patient is sent to Dr. Emily Splichal, Podiatrist and Founder of Evidence Based Fitness Academy, for a visual assessment and make notes on correction for issues with balance and posture. For each patient, The Trigger Point Performance Therapy team develops a small therapy session based on unique asymmetries and imbalances to make improvement in the results of a post-assessment at each technology station.

The variety of systems used for objective analysis made it possible for a team of dedicated doctors and therapists to get a deeper look into each patient. The union of feedback gathered from each tool was more comprehensive than any one technology can provide by itself.

The goal of the PSSM team is provide the best care possible and this study is an example of an endeavor that shows that this team is committed to improving themselves and their understanding of each patient in order to provide the next level of care.

2-episode webinar – Discovering the Next Generation of Assessment Technology

OptoSource is holding a webinar event on two days titles Discovering the Next Generation of Assessment Technology.  On September 7^th and 12^th,  the web-hosted event will cover the common chiropractic and physical therapy practices and how the use of new technology enhances our understanding of treatment effectiveness and makes it easier to objectify changes in function unique to each patient.

Dr. Nicholas Studholme, DC, CCSP, CEEP, will join as a guest speaker on how he has put his OptoSource technology to use at his chiropractic office in Boulder, Colorado. Active care, injury prevention, and performance enhancement are among his top priorities with his clients, and he will discuss the benefits of such reliable analysis when dealing with a variety of complications.

Without general consensus on concussion assessment, currently a major media topic, our approach to pre-injury testing will be a major subject that Dr. Studholme and OptoSource founder, Douglas Fidellow will discuss within the hour-long event.

To join, visit our webinar registration page, or contact us with any questions about the event and registration.

See (hear) everyone on September 7^th and 12^th.

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/146443638