Research on the foot and ankle is critical for improving our understanding of lower extremity biomechanics, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.
Key areas of focus include studying the complex anatomy and mechanics of foot and ankle joints, muscles, and soft tissues. Our research investigates how forces are transmitted through the foot during gait and other activities using state-of-the-art motion capture, force plates, EMG, ultrasound and other technologies.
Our interdisciplinary research team works at the intersection of engineering and health to develop assistive devices for foot and ankle conditions. Despite clinician-reported benefits of foot orthoses, there was limited scientific understanding of their biomechanical effects. We have applied engineering approaches to examine how devices impact outcomes. Our research integrates design, materials science, and mechanics to study orthoses’ biomechanical effects and response to external factors. We addressed the lack of knowledge on biomechanical effects of these devices. By combining engineering and clinical practice, we established the impact of simple insoles on 3D foot kinematics during walking for the first time. Further research on factors like casting, practitioner variability, device type, and midsole composition highlighted differing patient benefits from custom orthoses due to variations in practitioner knowledge and methods.
The current studies at the CBRT explore risk factors for common foot and ankle injuries and evaluate interventions like orthotics and exercise therapies. Whilst some of our work focuses on the effects of footwear and orthotic interventions, we continue to conduct some pivotal studies on ankle foot orthoses.
Current Projects

Podiatric National Data Repository
Previous Projects
Some of our key papers
The effect of simple insoles on three-dimensional foot motion during normal walking.
Branthwaite HR, Payton CJ, Chockalingam N. Clinical Biomechanics. 2004 Nov 1;19(9):972-7.
Effects of foot orthoses: how important is the practitioner?
Chevalier TL, Chockalingam N. Gait & posture. 2012 Mar 1;35(3):383-8.