Design and Preliminary Validation of Individual Customized Insole for Adults with Flexible Flatfeet Based on the Plantar Pressure Redistribution.

Yangzheng Jiang,Duojin Wang,Jiming Ying,Pengfei Chu,Yu Qian,Wenming Chen

doi:10.3390/s21051780

Yangzheng Jiang, Duojin Wang + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/s21051780

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Abstract

Flatfoot is a common musculoskeletal deformity. One of the most effective treatments is to wear individually customized plantar pressure-based insoles to help users change the abnormally distributed pressure on the pelma. However, most previous studies were divided only into several plantar areas without detailed plantar characteristic analysis. In this study, a new insole is designed which redistributes pressure following the analysis of characteristic points of plantar pressure, and practical evaluation during walking of subjects while wearing the insole. In total, 10 subjects with flexible flatfeet have participated in the performance of gait experiments by wearing flat insoles, orthotic insoles, and plantar pressure redistribution insoles (PPRI). The results showed that the stance time of PPRI was significantly lower than that of the flat insoles under slow gait. PPRI in the second to third metatarsal and medial heel area showed better unloading capabilities than orthotic insoles. In the metatarsal and heel area, the PPRI also had its advantage in percentage of contact area compared to flat insole and orthotic insole. The results prove that PPRI improves the plantar pressure distribution and gait efficiency of adults with flexible flatfeet, and can be applied into clinical application.

Highlights

The foot is an indispensable organ for human walking and one of the most important sensory organs of the human body
The present study showed that, compared to the flat insole, the stance time with the plantar pressure redistribution insoles (PPRI) was reduced when level walking at slow gait speed (0.8 m/s)
What we can confirm was that wearing PPRI can significantly reduce the pressure of the second to third metatarsals, and the plantar pressure impacted in the forefoot area is most likely to redistribute from the main M2 area to the first metatarsal area and the rest of the toe area, which was very beneficial to improve the movement stability of individuals with flexible flatfeet [21]

Summary

Introduction

The foot is an indispensable organ for human walking and one of the most important sensory organs of the human body. Improper use of the foot will lead to an irreversible change in its shape, which affects the plantar pressure to varying degrees [1]. Flatfoot (pes planus) is a common musculoskeletal deformity, which is mainly manifested by the collapse of medial longitudinal arch of foot [2], and its occurrence is related to age, gender, and weight [3]. The arch is an important structure of the human foot. Its elasticity plays an essential role in cushioning oscillations during walking and jumping, and it guarantees the support and stability of the body when standing upright [4].

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