The effect of a shoe lift on tensor fasciae latae length during standing with an artificial functional leg length discrepancy: An ultrasonic shear wave elastography study
Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Therapy, Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Yamagata, Japan | [b] Department of Rehabilitation, Yutagawa Onsen Rehabilitation Medical Center, Yamagata, Japan | [c] Department of Physical Therapy, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan | [d] Department of Physical Therapy, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Tatsuya Nakanowatari, Department of Physical Therapy, Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Sciences, 260 Kamiyanagi, Yamagata City, Yamagata 990-2212, Japan. Tel.: +81 23 686 6665; Fax: +81 23 686 6677; E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Shortening of tensor fasciae latae is one factor that causes a functional leg length discrepancy. A shoe lift has been used to correct the compensatory posture resulting from the discrepancy. Despite the potential therapeutic benefit of a shoe lift, the mechanism by which it exerts its effect is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a shoe lift on tensor fasciae latae length during standing with an artificial functional leg length discrepancy using ultrasonic shear wave elastography. METHODS: Twenty-two healthy individuals performed static standing under three conditions: drop of the pelvis and flexion of the leg resulting from fixing in the hip abduction position using a hip orthosis (functional leg length discrepancy condition); drop of the pelvis by the orthosis, but no flexion of the leg due to a shoe lift (shoe lift condition); and normal bilateral standing condition. The shear elastic modulus of tensor fasciae latae was calculated using ultrasonic shear wave elastography. RESULTS: The shear elastic modulus was significantly lower in the functional leg length discrepancy condition than in the shoe lift and normal conditions (p= 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Using a shoe lift for the functional leg length discrepancy can result in a functional hip position that elongates tensor fasciae latae.
