Grant: Undergraduate: Mobility, musculoskeletal health and arthritis - ICS

Foot disorders such as bunions present balance and mobility issues for many adults. The deviation of the great toe (bunion) has been found to affect balance control. The most common method to correct this is to perform surgery on the toe. This study will investigate the possibility of a combination of physical treatment and orthotic prescription to attempt to regain functionality. Participants will be tested for balance control during perturbed walking prior to being treated and prescribed orthotics. Then they will be monitored for three weeks and then retested for balance control during perturbed walking. The objective of this work is to demonstrate improvements in functional ability and balance control during walking through therapy and orthotic interventions.