None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aimed to investigate the effects of 3D-printed textured insoles with medial arch support in young adults aged 18 to 35 with flexible flatfoot. The study examined the immediate and short-term (after 4 weeks) effects of the intervention on plantar pressure parameters (spatial distribution of pressure over time) and muscle activation patterns during walking.
Interventions
Firstly, to determine whether a subject has a flexible flat foot, the following tests are performed: the Jack raising test, the Tip-toe test, the navicular drop test, and the Foot Posture Index. For obtaining a mold for the insole fabrication, a foam impression box (which contains foam that compresses in the areas under pressure) (IMPRESSION KIT, Innovative Healthcare Co., LTD, Taiwan (R.O.C.)) is used in a seated position by applying downward pressure to capture the subject's foot mold. after s
Firstly, to determine whether a subject has a flexible flat foot, the following tests are performed: the Jack raising test, the Tip-toe test, the navicular drop test, and the Foot Posture Index. For obtaining a mold for the insole fabrication, a foam impression box (which contains foam that compresses in the areas under pressure) (IMPRESSION KIT, Innovative Healthcare Co., LTD, Taiwan (R.O.C.)) is used in a seated position by applying downward pressure to capture the subject's foot mold. after scanning, the mold is modified using the open-source 3D editing software Autodesk MeshMixer (Autodesk, San Rafael, CA, USA). Subsequently, the insole 3D printing file is created using the free online insole-design software Gensole® (Gyrobot Ltd., UK. Registered Trademark UK00003133935, Copyright © 2021) . Additionally, an open-source insole design template developed by the same author and open-source 3D editing software are employed to generate the surface-texture 3D printing file. Finally, the model is printed using a 3D printer (CR-10 Smart Pro, Shenzhen Creality 3D Technology CO. LTD, China) with thermoplastic polyurethane filament (eTPU-HS, Shenzhen Esun Industrial Co., LTD, China). The surface of the insole incorporates a texture featuring regularly arranged cylindrical protrusions. All insoles had the same surface texture printed. All research personnel are physical therapists certified by Taiwan's national examination. All tests will be conducted through face-to-face interviews to obtain the subjects’ basic information, and then the aforementioned tests and procedures will be carried out. Once the subjects receive our customized insoles, they will be asked to wear them in their most frequently used athletic shoes during their daily activities. For a continuous period of 4 weeks, subjects are required to wear the insoles for at least 4 hours per day and at least 5 days per week. Additionally, they will be provided with a form to record the daily duration of wear. All tests and data collection were conducted in the Exercise Therapy Room, Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan.
Sponsors
Dr Hong-Ji Luo - National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Single group
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
1.Jack Raising Test: Ask the subject to stand comfortably with feet shoulder-width apart and weight evenly distributed. The researcher will passively lift the subject’s big toe upward. If the medial longitudinal arch also elevates simultaneously, the test is considered positive. 2.Tip Toe Test: Ask the subject to stand comfortably, at which point the medial longitudinal arch should appear collapsed. The researcher will instruct the subject to rise onto their tiptoes. If the previously collapsed medial arch is restored with the tip-toe action, the test is considered positive. 3.Navicular Drop Test: First, have the subject sit (non-weight bearing). The researcher will gently move the subject’s calcaneus medially and laterally to adjust it to the subtalar neutral position, then measure the distance between the navicular tuberosity and the ground (Distance 1). Next, have the subject stand (weight bearing), adjust the subtalar joint to the neutral position again, and re-measure the distance between the navicular tuberosity and the ground (Distance 2). The navicular drop is determined by subtracting Distance 1 from Distance 2. If the navicular drop is 10 mm or greater, the test is considered positive. 4.Foot posture index: total score in the flatfoot range (+6 to +12)
Exclusion criteria
1.Has used foot orthotics (including ankle-foot braces, therapeutic insoles, or foot orthoses) within the past three months. 2.Has significant deformities in the pelvis or lower limb bones, such as clubfoot, malunion following a fracture, or developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). 3.Has neurological, rheumatic, metabolic, or psychological conditions that affect walking performance. 4.Has uncorrected visual or hearing impairments. For example, myopia and hyperopia without correction by spectacles or other visual aids. 5.Has vestibular system disorders or other conditions, apart from flexible flatfoot, that affect balance. 6.Has epilepsy. 7.Has a leg length discrepancy greater than 1 cm.
Outcome results
None listed