Five of the most commonly used materials for shoe inserts (soft Plastazote, medium Pelite, PPT, Spenco, and Sorbothane) were objectively evaluated in the laboratory to characterize their behavior in the following three specific functions that correspond to clinical use: (1) the effect on the materials of repeated compression. (2) the effect of a combination of repetitive shear and compression. (3) the force-distribution (force-attenuation) properties of these materials, both when new and after repeated compression. The last function represents a model for relief of pressure beneath plantar bony prominences, a topic of special concern for the insensitive foot. All materials were effective in reducing transmitted force over the simulated bony prominence with a rank order of effectiveness. Other factors considered were: amount and rate of permanent deformation offset by considerations of enhanced moldability when comparing the neoprene and urethane materials with the polyethylene foams. The ideal insert represents a combination of material to achieve both durability and moldability.

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Dear Colleague, The main objective of any scientific program is the exchange of information, The Seventh World Congress of ISPO should reach that objective. A comprehensive scientific program has been organized with many aspects of prostheticdorthotics, rehabilitation, and rehabilitation engineering to be presented by experts from around the world. The Congress organizers have received over 450 abstracts from 33 different countries. Topics range from creative technology using local materials in developing countries to high-tech imaging and automated manufacturing technology. The state-ofthe-art in rehabilitation and prosthetidorthotic practice will be presented, discussed and demonstrated. All disciplines involved in prosthetics and orthotics rehabilitation, including prosthesis and orthosis users, will participate and present at this congress. Thirty-seven traditional instructional programs are scheduled, and for the first time, nineteen manufacturer-sponsored instructional programs are also being offered. Your new registration form has those manufacturers and course titles listed (see later in this update). Twenty overview (plenary) sessions have been organized. These sessions are designed to bring out discussion and to clanfy opinions concerning current practice. Thirty-rninute papers will be presented, followed by a ten-minute response by a selected discussant. This discussant may provide additional information or may present an opposing point of view. Audience participation is encouraged, and this will prove to be an enlightening forum for discussion. Afternoons are dedicated to symposia and other scientific sessions. Approximately thirty symposia have been pre-organized around research and development themes. In addition, approximately thirty more scientifidclinicallengineering sessions (regular and poster) will be offered based upon contributed papers (free papers). The symposia and contributed-paper sessions will be 90 minutes in length and include six presentations, of fifteen minutes each. They will cover a wide variety of topics related to prostheticdorthotics, rehabilitation, and rehabilitation engineering. A videolfilm program is also scheduled. Further information with regard the program can be found in the December 1991 issue of Prosthetics and Orthotics International. The Exhibition will be an educational event. There are over 90 exhibitors and nearly 200 booths that will be filled with the latest technology, components, and scientific information. The planned social events and the City of Chicago will permit you to experience the hospitality and warmth of America. We are all looking forward to seeing you in Chicago. NB Deadline for early registration has been extended to

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