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Effects of Textured Insoles on Balance, Physical Performance, and Plantar Pressure in Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis

Investigation of the Effects of Lateral Wedge Textured Insoles on Balance, Physical Performance, and Plantar Pressure Distribution in Older Adults With Medial Knee Osteoarthritis

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07097649
Acronym
TIKOA
Enrollment
44
Registered
2025-07-31
Start date
2025-08-01
Completion date
2025-10-01
Last updated
2025-07-31

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Knee Osteoarthritis

Keywords

Medial Compartment Knee Osteoarthritis, Textured Insoles, Balance, Plantar Pressure, Physical Performance

Brief summary

This study aims to investigate the effects of textured insoles on balance, physical performance, and plantar pressure distribution in older adults with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: the intervention group will receive textured insoles, while the control group will receive flat insoles without texture. Both groups will use their respective insoles for 4 weeks in their daily life. The study includes pre- and post-intervention assessments using balance platforms, functional performance tests (such as the Timed Up and Go, 30-second Chair Stand Test, and Step Test), and plantar pressure analysis. This randomized controlled study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of textured insoles as a non-invasive and easily applicable rehabilitation method in improving balance and pressure distribution in elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Detailed description

This randomized controlled trial will include older adults aged 65 and over who have been diagnosed with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria and have radiological evidence (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or 3). Eligible participants will be randomly assigned into two groups: a textured insole group and a flat insole group. Participants will wear the insoles in their daily footwear for a period of 4 weeks. Baseline and follow-up assessments will include: * Static and dynamic plantar pressure distribution using the Diasu® baropodometric system. * Balance assessment using the HUR Smart Balance platform under four conditions (eyes open, eyes closed, eyes open on unstable surface, eyes closed on unstable surface). * Functional performance tests: Timed Up and Go (TUG), 30-second Chair Stand Test, and Step Test. * Disease-specific questionnaires: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). * Q-angle and knee proprioception measurement. Data will be analyzed to determine whether the use of textured insoles improves balance, physical performance, and plantar pressure distribution more effectively than flat insoles in older individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Interventions

DEVICETextured lateral wedge insole

Participants in the experimental group will wear custom-designed textured lateral wedge insoles made from EVA material. These insoles incorporate lateral wedging to offload the medial knee compartment and a textured surface to enhance plantar sensory input. Participants will use the insoles during daily activities for a period of 8 weeks, with no additional intervention or exercise protocol.

DEVICEUse of lateral wedge flat insole

Participants in this arm will use a customized lateral wedge flat insole with the same lateral inclination as the experimental insole but without any textured surface. This design allows for controlling the mechanical effect of the wedge while eliminating additional sensory stimulation.

Sponsors

Esra Nur Turkmen
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Masking description

No parties were masked due to the nature of the intervention.

Intervention model description

Participants will be randomized into two parallel arms: the intervention group will receive textured lateral wedge insoles, and the control group will receive flat lateral wedge insoles without texture. Both groups will wear the insoles in their daily footwear for 4 weeks. All participants will be assessed using standardized protocols covering balance, plantar pressure distribution, physical performance, and biomechanical parameters, through objective measurement systems.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
65 Years to 75 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Aged between 65 and 75 years * Diagnosed with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis * Able to walk independently without assistive devices * Having foot size compatible with available insole sizes * Volunteering to participate in the study and providing informed consent

Exclusion criteria

* Diagnosed with neurological diseases (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis) * Diagnosed with vestibular disorders or balance problems due to inner ear issues * Having a history of lower extremity surgery in the past year * Severe foot deformity that prevents insole use * Having visual impairment that is not corrected with glasses * Currently using a walking aid (cane, walker, etc.) * Cognitive impairment or inability to follow instructions

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in 30-Second Chair Stand Test Performance8 weeksPhysical performance will be assessed using the 30-Second Chair Stand Test. The number of completed chair stands within 30 seconds will be recorded before and after the insole usage period.
Change in Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test Performance8 weeksPhysical performance will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The time (in seconds) required to complete the task will be recorded before and after the insole usage period.
Change in Step Test Performance8 weeksPhysical performance will be assessed using the Step Test. The number of completed steps within the allotted time will be recorded before and after the insole usage period.
Change in Static Balance Score8 weeksStatic balance performance will be assessed using the HUR Smart Balance System under four conditions (eyes open, eyes closed, eyes open on unstable surface, and eyes closed on unstable surface). The static balance score will be recorded before and after the intervention.
Change in Proprioception Disturbance Score8 weeksProprioceptive balance control will be evaluated using the proprioception disturbance score generated by the HUR Smart Balance System. Measurements will be recorded before and after the intervention.
Change in Visual Dependency Score8 weeksVisual dependency during postural tasks will be assessed using the HUR Smart Balance System under eyes open and eyes closed conditions. The visual dependency score will be recorded before and after the intervention.
Change in Left-Right Weight Distribution8 weeksWeight distribution between the left and right sides of the body will be measured using the HUR Smart Balance System during static standing. The distribution will be recorded as a percentage before and after the intervention.
Change in Peak Plantar Pressure8 weeksPeak plantar pressure (measured in kilopascals) will be assessed using the DIASU® digital baropodometric scanning system and Milletrix software. Measurements will be conducted under both barefoot and insole conditions, before and after the intervention.
Change in Plantar Contact Area8 weeksPlantar contact area (measured in square centimeters) will be assessed using the DIASU® digital baropodometric scanning system and Milletrix software. Analyses will be performed under both barefoot and insole conditions, before and after the intervention.

Contacts

Primary ContactEsra Nur Türkmen, PT, PhD
e.nur5313@hotmail.com+90 554 523 98 30

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026