Changes in foot function with the use of Root and Blake orthoses

This study examined the effects of two designs of rigid foot orthoses on pl antar pressure measurements and identified differences between the devices. While wearing modified Root- and Blake-style orthoses, 27 subjects were ex amined with the Electrodynogram (EDG) in-shoe pressure measurement system. Reliability testing was performed on the EDG data. Significant changes were observed in the temporal parameters of gait when subjects wore the orthose s. When the devices were used, the duration of some of the components of st ance phase was altered, and the initiation of loading beneath the medial fo refoot was delayed. A reduction in the total duration of loading at discret e sites beneath the heel and forefoot was also observed. The effects of the two orthoses were similar, with only small differences observed between th e devices.