A High-Performance Partnership with FORCE Lab
Dr. Christine Pollard, Ph.D., PT – FORCE Lab Director
Rooting Our Insoles in Real Data-Driven Research
We’re proud to partner with the Functional Orthopedic Research Center of Excellence (FORCE) Laboratory, led by Dr. Christine Pollard at Oregon State University-Cascades (OSU-C). Dr. Pollard and the FORCE Lab conduct cutting-edge research and intervention strategies for injuries, and through our partnership, we’re able to leverage breakthrough research and technology in the field of biomechanics, as well as expert resources in orthopedics, sports medicine, and physical therapy.
FORCE Lab is specifically focused on how to optimize musculoskeletal function and performance and promote well-being through the study of human movement, helping to inform the data-driven approach of our own biomechanical research team.
Enabling Crucial, Quantified Benefits
Comfort:
Using pressure mapping allows INSITE to refine the insole design and foam selection to reduce hotspots and redistribute pressure for reduced gait impact. Additional psychometric testing also helps us quantify the user’s levels of perceived comfort.
Endurance:
We measure oxygen consumption and muscle response during athletic activity to help determine the level of performance the insole can support, and ensure it is appropriate for the type, duration, and intensity of movement required by the specific footwear product.
Balance:
We use 3D motion capture to track the body’s center of mass while using INSITE insoles, as well as pressure testing to assess underfoot stability. These data, based on real human movement, give us a better understanding of how INSITE insoles can support balance.
Meet the INSITE Scientific Advisory Board
Our Scientific Advisory Panel is composed of professionals with a background in podiatry, biomechanics, and ergonomics. Their combined expertise helps INSITE develop better insoles that promote increased comfort, performance, and support.
Justin Ter Har
Senior Manager of Biomechanics Research at INSITE
Justin holds a BS in Kinesiology and an MS in Neuromechanics from Oregon State University – Cascades. While working to obtain his degree, Justin completed an internship at the OSU – Cascades FORCE Lab under Dr. Christine Pollard, where he later held the position of Lab Manager. Today he oversees biomechanics research at INSITE, where his research is focused on the influence of footwear on running-related injuries.
Sherri Dean
Biomechanics Research & Testing Manager at INSITE
Sherri completed her BS in Kinesiology at Oregon State University Cascades in Bend, Oregon in 2018. While working to obtain her degree, Sherri completed an internship at the OSU – Cascades FORCE Lab under Dr. Christine Pollard. She was also awarded a Layman Research Fellowship to study the bioenergetics of rock climbing. Today, Sherri continues to delve into the science of biomechanics to optimize comfort, prevent injury, and promote general well-being through the analysis of human movement.
Dr. Christine Pollard
Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at OSU – C
Dr. Pollard is a Professor of Kinesiology and the Director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Oregon State University – Cascades. She received an MS in Physical Therapy from Pacific University and a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in Biomechanics. Dr. Pollard founded the Functional Orthopedic Research Center of Excellence (FORCE) Lab at OSU – Cascades in 2013. Under the guidance of Dr. Pollard, the FORCE Lab studies lower-extremity injury prevention and rehabilitation practices as well as improving the efficiency of human movement through advanced biomechanics research.
Dr. Harold Reinhartz
Co-Founder & Medical Director at Footcare Express
Dr. Reinhartz is the Co-Founder and Medical Director of Footcare Express. He is board certified in foot and ankle surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and is nationally recognized as a Podiatric Biomechanics expert. He attended Brooklyn College and the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He has also served as the Medical Director for the Advanced Foot & Ankle Center for over 30 years.
Dr. Charles Mutschler
Medical Director & Consultant at Footcare Express
Dr. Mutschler has been focusing on patient care at Advanced Footcare and Footcare Express since 2002. He received his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from Barry University in 2002 and worked on his Podiatric Orthopedic Residency through Cedars Medical Center and Barry University. Dr. Mutschler is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports medicine and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. He is also the team Podiatrist for St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida.
Jarett Reinhartz
Founder & C.Ped Managing Director at Footcare Express
Jarett Reinhartz founded Footcare Express in 2000. Jarett is a graduate of the University of Central Florida where he received both his BA and MPA and attended the New York College of Podiatry to receive his certification in Pedorthics. He is a licensed Pedorthist and is certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics. He is also a member of the Pedorthic Footwear Association.
Gain Greater Confidence in Your Footwear Line
We aren’t just testing our insoles through our partnership with FORCE Lab. We can test our products in tandem with the footwear they are designed for, adding even greater validation to the comfort, performance, and support you are delivering to your customers. When you work with INSITE, you’ll be able to apply Dr. Pollard’s research into improved biomechanical efficiency, comfort, and injury prevention and deliver greater ergonomic benefits to your customers.
Continuous Innovation
When it comes to innovation, our work is never done. With the help of Dr. Pollard and the cutting-edge work of FORCE Lab, INSITE continues to build on its previous work with podiatrists and athletic programs, delivering ergonomic insoles that fit the exact form and function of your footwear designs.
Where data meets wear testing
Our data-driven approach to insoles goes beyond the lab and into the field, putting our insoles and your footwear onto the feet of real-life customers for thorough wear testing. In partnership with MESH01, we get reliable customer feedback before your product goes to market. This feedback ensures INSITE insoles can stand up to everything from high-intensity athletic training to a long day on the job.
