What is Fowler’s Test?
The Fowler Test was developed by Dr. Raymond P. Fowler, to assess the arch height of the orthotic relative to the patient’s foot.
This test helps in determining if the orthotic arch height is appropriate enough to facilitate a functional change in the foot, and the entire musculoskeletal system.
The patient is required to be seated for the test to be carried out.
The foot is placed on top of the orthotic. After which, both the foot and the orthotic are raised at the heel maximally while the forefoot remains stable on the ground.
Offer your Patients a Custom Calibrated Insole with a 98% Patient Satisfaction Rate know more
With the orthotic held firmly to the foot, the amount of space between the foot and the arch is assessed; any gaps in the arch area indicate that the foot will not be supported appropriately throughout the gait cycle.
Any discrepancies need to be corrected in order to create a product that can achieve desired results.
A healthy arch is vital to sustain the weight of the body and to absorb the majority of the shock to the foot whilst performing any kind of physical activity.
With scientific researchers having established a direct correlation between arch height and kinetics, the skilfully produced orthotics at MASS4D® are calibrated considering all these aspects of the foot anatomy, aiming to achieve optimal amounts of functionality in the joints.
Our specialised calibration process correlates the person’s body weight, forefoot flexibility and known usage into every foot orthotic.
The resultant orthotic creates mild calcaneal inversion with a maximally supported supinated arch and needed functional pronation.
Foot orthotics lacking this level of calibration will often be either too rigid or too flexible.
An overly rigid foot orthotic will be uncomfortable for the patient leading to reduced compliance and will limit the proper medial arch range of motion needed to occur during gait.
Increased flexibility of the orthotic provides substandard support and allows hyperpronation to continue untreated.
MASS4D® custom made orthotics support the natural arch of the foot in its optimal closed chain stance position, bringing balance to the body and preventing any potential lower extremity pathologies.
Copyright 2016 MASS4D® All rights reserved.
Offer your Patients a Custom Calibrated Insole with a 98% Patient Satisfaction Rate know more
What to Look for in Gait Analysis
Medial Arch Height
MASS4D® Calibration Process
Also in Clinicians Blog
Prevention of Diabetic Foot Complications
Pilates for Posture Improvement
