Background: Foot orthoses are frequently used for the prevention of lower limb overuse injuries but evidence for their effectiveness is limited. The primary aim of this study is to determine if prefabricated foot orthoses reduce the incidence of lower limb overuse injuries in naval recruits undertaking 11weeks of basic training. Methods: This study is a participant and assessor blinded, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial. The trial will recruit participants undertaking 11weeks of basic training at the Royal Australian Navy Recruit School, Cerberus, Victoria, Australia. Participants will be randomised to a control group (flat insole) or an intervention group (prefabricated foot orthosis). Over the 11weeks of basic training, participants will document the presence and location of pain in weekly self-report diaries. The end-point for each participant will be the completion of 11weeks of basic training. The primary outcome measure will be the combined incidence of four lower limb injuries (medial tibial stress syndrome, patellofemoral pain, Achilles tendinopathy, and plantar fasciitis/plantar heel pain) which are common among defence members. Secondary outcome measures include: (i) overall incidence of lower limb pain, (ii) severity of lower limb pain, (iii) time to injury, (iv) time to drop-out due to injury, (v) adverse events, (vi) number of lost training days, (vii) shoe comfort, and (viii) general health status. Data will be analysed using the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: This randomised controlled trial will evaluate the effectiveness of prefabricated foot orthoses for the prevention of common lower limb overuse injuries in naval recruits. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12615000024549 .
Funding
This study is funded by the La Trobe University Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Research Focus Area. The foot orthoses and flat insoles will be donated by Foot Science International Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand. Foot Science International were not involved in the design of the trial, and will not be involved in the conduct, data analysis and interpretation of the findings of the trial. HBM is currently a National Health and Medical Research Council fellow (Clinical Career Development Award, ID: 433049). We would like to thank the Royal Australian Navy Recruit School, Cerberus, Victoria, Australia for agreeing to collaborate on this project and their ongoing support.
History
Publication Date
2015-01-01
Journal
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research
Volume
8
Issue
1
Article Number
ARTN 51
Pagination
9p.
Publisher
BioMed Central
ISSN
1757-1146
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