title: Effect of viscoelastic insoles on pain.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of viscoelastic shoe inserts on pain in nursing students. Students (N = 100) were randomly assigned to control and viscoelastic groups. The viscoelastic group used viscoelastic insoles in their work shoes for five weeks. A pain questionnaire was used to measure location and intensity of post-work pain. The questionnaire was administered as a pre-test and after five weeks. Post-test comparisons between groups indicated significant differences which were not present at pre-test. The viscoelastic group reported a significant peripheral shift in pain location from back to lower extremity; the viscoelastic group also showed significant changes in duration of post-work pain and frequency of pain during the workday. The clinical efficacy of viscoelastic shoe inserts for modifying weight bearing-induced back pain is supported. Further clinical research into the therapeutic and prophylactic value of shock-attenuating shoe inserts for healthy as well as patient populations is advocated.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010969:Plastics; D011312:Pressure; D012775:Shoes; D013338:Students, Nursing
chemical_list: D010969:Plastics