Effectiveness of Evenup™ Shoe-Lift Use Among Individuals Prescribed a Walking Boot.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether the Evenup™ shoe-lift improved function and reduced pain in patients using a walking boot after lower-extremity injuries.
Results Summary
All subjects showed improved function, reduced pain, increased range of motion, and strength. The intervention group using Evenup™ demonstrated clinically relevant improvements in low back pain disability (OSW) and lower extremity function (LEFS) compared to the control group.
Population
Thirty-four subjects undergoing unilateral lower-extremity orthopedic medical and rehabilitative care.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
walking boot | increase | temporary limb-length inequality (LLI) | patients after foot and ankle injuries | - | may result | #1 |
walking-boot-induced LLI | increase | dysfunction and pain, including low back pain | patients after foot and ankle injuries | - | causing | #2 |
Evenup™ shoe-lift | decrease | joint pathology, pain, and gait deviations | patients with walking-boot-induced LLI | - | was designed to eliminate | #3 |
walking boot (all subjects) | increase | function | subjects undergoing unilateral lower-extremity orthopedic medical and rehabilitative care | - | demonstrated improved | #4 |
walking boot (all subjects) | decrease | pain | subjects undergoing unilateral lower-extremity orthopedic medical and rehabilitative care | - | demonstrated decreased | #5 |
walking boot (all subjects) | increase | ROM | subjects undergoing unilateral lower-extremity orthopedic medical and rehabilitative care | - | demonstrated increased | #6 |
walking boot (all subjects) | increase | strength | subjects undergoing unilateral lower-extremity orthopedic medical and rehabilitative care | - | demonstrated increased | #7 |
Evenup™ use | decrease | OSW | intervention group vs control group | - | found a clinically relevant difference | #8 |
Evenup™ use | increase | LEFS | intervention group vs control group | - | found a clinically relevant difference | #9 |
Evenup™ use | increase | patient function | - | - | added value in the form of improved | #10 |
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.