Use of modified shoes and insole materials has been widely advocated to treat low back symptoms from running impacts, although considerable uncertainty remains regarding the effects of these devices on the rate of shock transmission to the spine. This study investigated the effects of shoes and insole materials on a) the rate of shock transmission to the spine, b) the temporal response of spina...

BACKGROUND Custom molded insoles with metatarsal supports are used to redistribute excessive loading under the metatarsal heads in patients with metatarsalgia. However, these pressure reductions are usually insufficient for the rheumatoid foot with painful deformed metatarsal heads. We developed an effective insole made by sequential foam padding under successive walking impression. METHODS S...

Abstract Background: Innovative shoe insoles, designed to enhance sensory information on the plantar surface of feet, could help improve walking in people with Multiple Sclerosis. Objective: To compare effects wearing textured versus smooth measures gait, foot sensation and patient-reported outcomes, Methods: A prospective, randomised controlled trial was conducted concealed allocation, assesso...

Runners often experience over-use injuries. Ground reaction force (GRFs) patterns have been associated with these over-use injuries; however, it is not solely the magnitude of GRFs, but also the rate at which they are applied that lead to lower extremity injury. Many recreational runners will use over-the-counter insoles as a method of treating or preventing injury. Therefore, the purpose of th...

BACKGROUND Laterally wedged insoles are widely applied in the conservative treatment for medial knee osteoarthritis. Experimental studies have been conducted to understand the effectiveness of such an orthotic intervention. However, the information was limited to the joint external loading such as knee adduction moment. The internal stress distribution is difficult to be obtained from in vivo e...

BACKGROUND There is controversial evidence regarding whether foot orthoses or knee braces improve pain and function or correct malalignment in selected patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the medial knee compartment. However, insoles are safe and less costly than knee bracing if they relieve pain or improve function. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES We therefore asked whether laterally wedged insoles or v...

The objective of this study was to describe the development of vibrating insoles. Insoles, providing a subsensory mechanical noise signal to the plantar side of the feet, may improve balance in healthy young and older people and in patients with stroke or diabetic neuropathy. This study describes the requirements for the tactors, (tactile actuators) insole material and noise generator. A search...

BACKGROUND The most common method of customizing shoe insoles to the shape and surface of the foot is to heat and then mold the materials. The effect of heating on the mechanical properties of these materials is unknown. METHODS The properties of individual and common combinations of insole materials were tested before and after heating. Individual materials tested were soft Plastazote (SP), ...