Defining and Correcting Limb Length Inequality in Adults With Knee or Hip Symptoms
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Leg Length Inequality
- Sponsor
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Enrollment
- 46
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change in Pain Intensity
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 8 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
Limb length inequality is when a person has one leg that is longer than the other. This research will look at correcting limb length inequality in adults with knee or hip symptoms. This study will examine whether ways of measuring leg length inequality in the clinic are valid and reliable, determine whether foot posture (flat foot, normal, and high arch) is related to leg length inequality, and determine whether shoe lifts are a helpful treatment for leg length inequality and knee/hip symptoms.
Detailed Description
The purpose of this study is to examine the optimal clinical assessment method(s) for leg length inequality (LLI), determine if there is an association between foot posture (flat foot, normal, and high arch) and LLI, and gather preliminary data on lift therapy as a treatment for LLI and knee/hip symptoms. The specific aims of the project are as follows: Specific Aim 1: Determine the validity and reliability of 4 clinical methods for assessing LLI. Specific Aim 2: Determine differences in static and dynamic foot postures between longer and shorter limbs. Specific Aim 3: Assess the feasibility of conducting a specific lift therapy intervention among individuals with a LLI and knee or hip pain, refining procedures as needed. Public Health Impact: Results from the proposed research will be used to: 1) improve diagnosis of LLI by providing evidence on the various assessment methods for the clinicians who most frequently use clinical methods (i.e., physical therapists, chiropractors, podiatrists, and primary care physicians), and 2) develop and test new non-pharmacologic/non-invasive intervention strategies aimed at reducing pain and improving function in individuals with osteoarthritis and LLI.
Investigators
Yvonne Golightly PT, PhD
Research Assistant Professor, Epidemiology
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •participants from the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project who have been previously identified to have a LLI and knee or hip symptoms
Exclusion Criteria
- •hospitalized for stroke, myocardial infarction, coronary artery revascularization, or diagnosis of metastatic cancer in the past 3 months
- •terminal illness
- •rheumatoid arthritis, severe fibromyalgia, or other systemic rheumatic disease
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change in Pain Intensity
Time Frame: Baseline and 3 months after initiating intervention
Western Ontario and McMasters Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain subscale is a 5 item questionnaire that asks participants to rate their pain during walking, using stairs, in bed, sitting or lying, and standing. Each item is rated by the participant as 0-4 (no pain to extreme pain). Total scores on the pain subscale range from 0 to 20 (no pain to extreme pain).
Secondary Outcomes
- Change in Lower Extremity Physical Function(Baseline and 3 months post intervention)