A PROFESSIONALS OPINION ON THE USE OF QILTA

by Jim Dunne
Mary Gleasure BSc SMISCP,
Chartered Physiotherapist

Professional assessment
Athlete: Alex O’Shea

Mary Gleasure is an Olympics accredited Chartered Physiotherapist who has broad and in depth experience across a wealth of areas : 

  • The Athletic Association of Ireland (AAI)
  • Irish Olympic team including professional athletes 2000-2012.
  • Lectured on anatomy, physiology and injury prevention for UCC.
  • Involved in Munster Rugby Senior and Developmental squads from 2001 to 2003 seasons with Nikki Davies, 
  • Provided physiotherapy for Paralympic games (1999) 
  • Special Olympics,
  • Completed training as expert witness for medical-legal court cases. 
  • Mary recently completed her post graduate studies with sports oracle. This is an international course on elite sports medicine instructed by world leaders of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
https://www.carberyphysiotherapy.ie/member/mary-gleasure-bsc-smiscp/

 

We asked Mary for her professional assessment of Alex O'Shea having completed 32 Marathons on 16 days in September '18:

I have been Alex’s physio since 2013 when he was preparing for the Guinness world record for running a marathon in a fireman suit. He completed this challenge in style almost an hour faster than the previous challenge.

He has competed in 24-hour events for several years. His right ankle used to swell post endurance events and he was unable to mobilise for a couple of days. His Mizen Head (Co Cork, Ireland) to Malin Head (Co Donegal, Ireland) Challenge was halted by knee and ankle issues. 

I was concerned when Alex committed to the idea of completing 32 marathons in 16 consecutive days in Sept ‘18. I was naturally worried that his ankles would swell. However, the Qilta socks appear to have led to.

  • Reduction in ankle oedema during and post event 
  • Reduction in bilateral relationship ankle pain during and post event. 
  • Reduction of inflammation in the Achilles tendons bilaterally
  • Decreased calf tightness bilaterally

This effect may have assisted Alex in maintaining his optimum gait pattern even when fatigued.

Therefore, Qilta may have had a secondary effect of improving the overall kinetic chin.

 

 

 

Back to Reviews