Osteopathic Management of Mild Leg Length Inequality with Heel Lift Therapy: A Pilot Study Analyzing Altered Gait Kinetics and Kinematics

The effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment and heel lift therapy (HLT) to correct mild leg length inequality (LLI) were studied using force plates and 3D motion capture in four adults. Gait and balance data were obtained at a Pre and a Post treatment visit. Participants were tested on balance with feet side-by-side and shoulder-width apart, eyes opened and closed, one minute per trial. Each participant then treadmill walked at a self-paced speed for two minutes. Within the limitations of the study, the following conclusions were drawn: 1) No significant difference in ground reaction forces in quiet standing; 2) A significant increase in anteroposterior center of pressure root mean square post HLT (p = 0.0056); 3) A significant increase in mediolateral displacement post HLT (p = 0.046); and 4) No significant difference in joint angle range of motion was found at the pelvis, hip, knee, or ankle bilaterally.