Current Pedorthics | July-August 2017 | Vol.49, Issue 4 | Page 50

Characterizing Gait information regarding this process can be understood by examining the process of work and bioenergenitics during gait. 2) What potential advantages and/or disadvantages do foot orthotics have in gait efficiency? How can we quantify the advantage and/or disadvantage? 3) What mechanical advantage would specific shoe modifications have on the foot and ankle complex such as a forefoot rocker? - PFA- References: Takahashi, K. Z., & Stanhope, S. J. (2013). Mechanical energy profiles of the combined ankle–foot system in normal gait: insights for prosthetic designs. Gait & posture, 38(4), 818-823. It is important to begin to characterize gait by looking at more than just the subjective systems that can be examined but to factor in what is happening at the cellular and circuit level. Understanding the processes that influence what we see can potentially provide far more information about how we function with extrinsic appliances such as footwear and the materials they are made of. In consideration of this, here are a few questions that should encourage critical thinking regarding application of these principles; 1) How is the energy efficiency of gait (in terms of work) affected by various midsole materials in footwear? Would the durometer of the materiel result in more work done or less? 48 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org