Voices on Therapeutic Footwear and Foot Orthosis September 13, 2013

In response to the plethora of reports on orthotic services identifying poor experiences for both the user and the clinician, this conference seeks to provide the catalyst for change by presenting a wide range of voices on this topic.

Highlights of the day:

UK and International speakers covering topics such as:

Orthoses and footwear issues from the user’s perspective
Orthotic services clinician’s perspective
The potential impact of research
Innovations and new technology
An interactive session providing delegates with the opportunity to debate solutions
The launch of The National Footwear Special Interest Group
A trade exhibition of manufacturers of foot orthoses and footwear

Confirmed speakers:

Professor Chris Nester is a podiatrist by first degree and now leads the Foot and Ankle Research Programme in the School of Health Sciences at the University of Salford, UK. The programme comprises the work of 10 academic staff and 12 PhD and MPhil students. The School has three human performance and biomechanics laboratories, one of which is adjacent to an on campus foot health clinic that delivers over 10,000 foot health treatments a year.

Chris has led a number of international foot and ankle biomechanics research projects, with colleagues in the China, USA, Sweden, Switzerland and Australia. He has published over 55 journals papers and delivered numerous invited lectures internationally. Chris has secured over £4m in research funds in the last decade, and recently led a £1.75m foot health care research and education partnership with owners of a major international foot health care brand. He was also part of the EU funded SSHOES project, which hopes to advance the biomechanical basis of footwear design for people with diabetes.

Chris was one of the founder members of the International Foot and Ankle Biomechanics Community (www.i-fab.org) – the aim of which is to facilitate improved interfacing between researchers and research users in industry and clinical practice.

Pofessor Keith Rome

Ailsa Bosworth (NRAS)

Dr Anita Williams

Winston Johnson

Who should attend?

Clinicians involved in the provision of foot orthoses and footwear: podiatrists, orthotists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists.
Users of orthotics and / or specialist footwear
Managers and commissioners of orthotic services
Researchers in the area of foot orthoses and footwear
Manufacturers of foot orthoses and footwear.

To book a place, contact Vicky Beckett on v.l.beckett@salford.ac.uk or 0161 295 5950.