Randomized clinical trial into the impact of rigid foot orthoses on balance parameters in excessively pronated feet.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of rigid foot orthoses on balance parameters in participants with clinically diagnosed excessively pronated feet.


METHODS
Randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
University biomechanics laboratory.


METHODS
Thirty female and 20 male healthy participants (mean 23.8+/-2.2 years old) with excessively pronated feet, according to a validated foot classification system were randomly assigned to either a control or intervention group.


METHODS
Balance testing was performed using the Balance Performance Monitor with an over-the-counter rigid foot orthoses.


METHODS
Standing balance in the form of mean balance (measures the participants ability to stand with an even load), medial-lateral sway and anterior-posterior sway. All participants were measured while standing bipedally.


RESULTS
There was no significant mean difference in balance scores between the control and intervention group at baseline. After four weeks the results demonstrated no significant differences between mean% balance (p >0.05) and anterior-posterior sway (p >0.05). However, there was a reduction with the intervention group in medial-lateral sway (p=0.02).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of foot orthoses in the current study may have improved postural control by stabilizing the rear foot and thus maintaining balance. By the same argument, the benefits of limiting excessive foot pronation may contribute to effective control of internal rotation of the tibia and thereby reduce counter-rotatory motion at the knee and lower leg and maintain balance.
University of Teesside, School of Health and Social Care, Centre for Rehabilitation Sciences, Middlesbrough, UK. K.Rome@tees.ac.uk
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Brown
D000328:Adult; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000502:physiology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D004856:Postural Balance; D011403:Pronation; D013997:Time Factors