Title

A Prospective Study of Evenup™ use among Individuals Prescribed a Walking Boot

Author

David Kipp, Andrews UniversityFollow

Role

AU Faculty Chair: David Village

External committee member / co-author: Kenneth Edwards

Date of Award

2014

Document Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy (DScPT)

College

College of Health and Human Services

Program

Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy (DScPT)

First Advisor

David Village

Second Advisor

Kenneth Edwards

Keywords

Ankle injury, Evenup™, Limb-length inequality, walking boot

Publication Information

Kipp, D., Village, D., & Edwards, K. J. (2017). Effectiveness of Evenup^TM; Shoe-Lift Use Among Individuals Prescribed a Walking Boot. Journal of Allied Health, 46(2), 104-110. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/asahp/jah/2017/00000046/00000002/art00008

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Walking boots are prescribed after foot and ankle injuries, allowing immediate ambulation for patients. However, temporary limb-length inequality (LLI) may result, causing dysfunction and pain, including low back pain. The Evenup™ shoe-lift was designed to eliminate joint pathology, pain, and gait deviations resulting from walking-boot-induced LLI, yet no clinical trials have been reported on its effectiveness. METHODS: Thirty-four subjects undergoing unilateral lower-extremity orthopedic medical and rehabilitative care were recruited for this study. Seventeen subjects were assigned to an intervention group using a walking boot on the foot of their involved side and the Evenup™ on the other foot, while the control group used a walking boot only on the involved side. Outcome measures included the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS), modified Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire (OSW), numeric pain rating scale, ankle range of motion (ROM) and strength. RESULTS: All subjects, regardless of the intervention, demonstrated improved function, decreased pain, increased ROM, and increased strength. Additionally, a clinically relevant difference was found between the intervention and control groups for the OSW and LEFS. CONCLUSION: LEFS and OSW results suggest Evenup™ use added value in the form of improved patient function.

Comments

Publication information included in the Digital Commons @ Andrews University Faculty Publications at https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/pubs/751/

Recommended Citation

Kipp, David, "A Prospective Study of Evenup™ use among Individuals Prescribed a Walking Boot" (2014). Capstone Projects DScPT. 6.

https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dscpt-capstone/6