Changes in spatio-temporal gait parameters following immediate and sustained use of insoles with a progressive system of increasing arch support

Abstract

Previous work regarding the effects of insole use on spatio-temporal gait parameters has yielded inconsistent results. While most studies have employed passive insoles, insoles that encompass a system of progressively increasing arch support may present different effects on gait parameters. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate changes in spatio-temporal gait parameters before and immediately after insertion of the insoles into the shoes; and before and after eight weeks of insole use. Twenty (10 male/10 female) healthy individuals were tested in two sessions (eight weeks apart) while walking over a GAITRite® system, in their own shoes (no insoles) and with the insoles inserted in their own shoes (both feet). Spatio-temporal gait parameters (step length, stride length, step time, single support time, double support time, and gait velocity) were obtained from the GAITRite® system, and symmetry ratios were calculated. Decreases in step length and single support time were identified in shod-insoles walking compared to shod walking in the baseline session, while single support time increased from the baseline session to the final session. The results of this study suggest that in healthy young adults, the use of insoles with a system of progressive arch support contributed to altered gait parameters both immediately and following eight weeks of sustained insole use. Future work should determine whether similar effects are observed in clinical populations and whether these changes are beneficial in both healthy and clinical populations.