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Payen E, Dami A, Robb K, Farahpour N, Isabelle PL, Moisan G. Exploring the relationship between the supination resistance test and the effects of foot orthoses on the foot and ankle biomechanics during walking. Gait Posture 2024; 113:6-12. [PMID: 38820766 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of foot orthoses on lower limb biomechanics during walking have been studied extensively. However, the lack of knowledge regarding the effects of various foot orthoses models for the same population complicates model selection in clinical practice and research. Additionally, there is a critical need to enhance our ability to predict the outcomes of foot orthoses using clinical tests, such as the supination resistance test. RESEARCH QUESTION What are the effects of two commonly prescribed types of FO (thin-flexible and medially wedged) on lower limb biomechanics during gait? Is there a correlation on these effects with the results of the supination resistance test? METHODS Twenty-three participants with flat feet were enrolled in this cross-sectional descriptive study. Participants underwent walking trials under three conditions: shod, thin-flexible FOs and medially wedged FOs. Midfoot, ankle, knee and hip angles, moments were calculated. Repeated measure ANOVAs were employed for within-group comparison across conditions. Correlations between the effects of FOs on foot and ankle angles/moments and supination resistance were determined using regression analyses using a statistical parametric mapping approach. RESULTS Thin-flexible and medially wedged FOs reduced midfoot dorsiflexion angles and ankle inversion moments. Medially wedged FOs also decreased midfoot and ankle abduction angles, midfoot plantarflexion moments compared to thin-flexible FOs and shoes. Moderate to good correlations between the supination resistance test and the medially wedged FOs were observed for the frontal and transverse ankle angles and moments. SIGNIFICANCE Medially wedged FOs are more effective in modifying lower limb biomechanics during walking compared to thin-flexible FOs. Greater supination resistance was associated with more pronounced effects for medially wedged FOs on foot and ankle biomechanics. These findings hold promise for refining orthotic prescription strategies, potentially offering advantages to individuals with musculoskeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eléna Payen
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada; Groupe de Recherche sur les Affections Neuromusculosquelettiques (GRAN), Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada.
| | - Ahmed Dami
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada; Groupe de Recherche sur les Affections Neuromusculosquelettiques (GRAN), Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada
| | - Kelly Robb
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Faculty of Science, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Nader Farahpour
- Department of Sport Biomechanics, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Pier-Luc Isabelle
- Department of Humans Kinetics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada
| | - Gabriel Moisan
- Groupe de Recherche sur les Affections Neuromusculosquelettiques (GRAN), Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada; Department of Humans Kinetics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada
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Potier C, Claeys K, Deschamps K. Toward subtalar joint axis-driven computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing foot orthoses: Reliability of a noninvasive clinical scanning protocol. Prosthet Orthot Int 2024:00006479-990000000-00234. [PMID: 38517378 DOI: 10.1097/pxr.0000000000000343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The subtalar joint axis (STJA) occupies a key role in the dynamics of the lower limb kinetic chain, and its location has a wide interindividual variability. It has been suggested that considering the STJA location when designing foot orthoses may help to apply the required mechanical dose. However, the evidence is more anecdotal than empirical. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of the STJA digitization, a procedure combining the clinical determination of the functional STJA location and its subsequent 3-dimensional (3D) scanning. STUDY DESIGN Two examiners identified the posterior and anterior exit points of the functional STJA on the skin of 15 healthy participants using a clinical method in a repeated-measure design. METHODS A handheld 3D scanner was used to scan the feet and the skin markers. The 3D coordinates of the skin markers were subsequently quantified and (1) STJA digitization intratester within-session, (2) STJA digitization intratester between-session, and (3) STJA digitization intertester between-session reliabilities were evaluated. RESULTS When pooling all skin marker 3D coordinates, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for the STJA intratester within-session reliability ranged from 0.74 to 0.98. ICCs for the STJA digitization intratester between-session reliability ranged from 0.58 to 0.94. ICCs for the STJA digitization intertester reliability ranged from 0.56 to 0.81. Standard error of measurement for the mediolateral position of the talus marker (anterior exit point of the STJA) was substantially higher than that for the other coordinates. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the STJA digitization demonstrated a good intratester between-session reliability and may be used in a computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing workflow to create foot orthoses. However, further efforts should be considered to improve the scanning process and intertester reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Potier
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven Bruges Campus, Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, Bruges, Belgium
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Jor A, Hu M, Koh MWP, Lau NWK, Daryabor A, Lam WK, Kobayashi T. Biomechanical effects of foot orthoses on jump landing performance: A systematic review. Prosthet Orthot Int 2024:00006479-990000000-00218. [PMID: 38330181 DOI: 10.1097/pxr.0000000000000335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Jumping is involved in a wide range of sports and activities, and foot orthoses (FO) are suggested to enhance performance and prevent injury. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate whether using FO with different modifications affects jump landing biomechanics and improves performance in healthy individuals. The search strategy included 7 databases that identified 19 studies. The study quality was evaluated using a modified Downs and Black index. The primary outcome measures were joint kinematics, kinetics, muscle activity, vertical jump height, and horizontal jump distance. Our findings indicated that incorporating arch support with a rearfoot post and softer forefoot region into FO may improve several biomechanical variables during jump landing activities. Improvements in vertical ground reaction force loading rates, knee and ankle kinematics, and muscle cocontraction during jumping with FO could enhance jumping performance. In addition, improvements in hip, knee, ankle, and tibial kinematics and vertical ground reaction force loading rates during landing could reduce impact forces and related injuries. Although a limited number of studies have addressed the effects of FO on vertical jump height and horizontal jump distance, inserting such FO inside shoes with optimum bending stiffness could facilitate jumping performance. A rigorous exploration of the effect and mechanism of FO designs on jumping performance could benefit jumping-related activities and prevent ankle and knee injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Jor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Leather Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Mingyu Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mark W P Koh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Noelle W K Lau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Aliyeh Daryabor
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Wing-Kai Lam
- Sports Information and External Affairs Centre, Hong Kong Sports Institute, Hong Kong, China
| | - Toshiki Kobayashi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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Dami A, Payen E, Farahpour N, Robb K, Isabelle PL, Moisan G. Medially wedged foot orthoses generate greater biomechanical effects than thin-flexible foot orthoses during a unilateral drop jump task on level and inclined surfaces. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2024; 112:106193. [PMID: 38330734 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2024.106193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Foot orthoses are therapeutic insoles designed to induce various effects on lower limb biomechanics. However, conflicting findings in previous research, highlight the need to better understand how foot orthoses with different features affect lower limb biomechanics during challenging tasks, particularly during unilateral drop jump landings. METHODS Seventeen participants with flat feet were recruited to participate in this cross-sectional descriptive study that examined the effects of thin-flexible foot orthoses and medially wedged foot orthoses on lower limb biomechanics during unilateral drop jump landings on level and valgus inclined surfaces. Midfoot, ankle, knee, and hip angles and moments were calculated and compared across conditions with repeated measures ANOVAs, using a statistical parametric mapping approach. FINDINGS Medially wedged and thin-flexible foot orthoses reduced ankle pronation and arch flattening during unilateral drop jump landings on level and valgus inclined surfaces. Medially wedged foot orthoses further decreased midfoot dorsiflexion and ankle eversion angles compared to thin-flexible foot orthoses. Medially wedged foot orthoses also generated greater effects on ankle kinetics and hip kinematics during unilateral drop jump landings. INTERPRETATION Medially wedged foot orthoses are more effective than thin-flexible foot orthoses in optimizing lower limb biomechanics during unilateral drop jump landings. While the biomechanical effects did not increase on inclined surfaces, medially wedged foot orthoses generated greater effects on proximal joints, highlighting their potential to improve hip stability and enhance overall lower limb function. Personalized foot orthoses selection based on specific biomechanical profiles should be further explored to optimize orthotic interventions benefiting individuals with musculoskeletal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Dami
- Department of Human Kinetics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada; Groupe de Recherche sur les Affections Neuromusculosquelettiques (GRAN), Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada.
| | - Eléna Payen
- Department of Human Kinetics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada; Groupe de Recherche sur les Affections Neuromusculosquelettiques (GRAN), Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada
| | - Nader Farahpour
- Department of Human Kinetics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada; Department of Sport Biomechanics, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bu Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Kelly Robb
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Faculty of Science, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Pier-Luc Isabelle
- Department of Human Kinetics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada
| | - Gabriel Moisan
- Department of Human Kinetics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada; Groupe de Recherche sur les Affections Neuromusculosquelettiques (GRAN), Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada
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Florenciano Restoy JL, Solé-Casals J, Borràs-Boix X. Effect of Foot Orthoses on Angular Velocity of Feet. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:8917. [PMID: 37960617 PMCID: PMC10650853 DOI: 10.3390/s23218917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
There is some uncertainty regarding how foot orthoses (FO) affect the biomechanics of the lower extremities during running in non-injured individuals. This study aims to describe the behavior of the angular velocity of the foot in the stride cycle measured with a low-sampling-rate IMU device commonly used by podiatrists. Specific objectives were to determine if there are differences in angular velocity between the right and left foot and to determine the effect of foot orthoses (FO) on the 3D angular velocity of the foot during running. The sample was composed of 40 male adults (age: 43.0 ± 13.8 years, weight: 72.0 ± 5.5 kg, and height: 175.5 ± 7.0 cm), who were healthy and without any locomotor system alterations at the time of the test. All subjects use FO on a regular basis. The results show that there are significant differences in the transverse plane between feet, with greater differences in the right foot. Significant differences between FO and non-FO conditions were observed in the frontal and transverse planes on the left foot and in the sagittal and transverse planes on the right foot. FO decreases the velocity of the foot in dorsi-plantar flexion and abduction and increases the velocity in inversion. The kinematic changes in foot velocity occur between 30% and 60% of the complete cycle, and the FO reduces the velocity in abduction and dorsi-plantar flexion and increases the velocity in inversion-eversion, which facilitates the transition to the oscillating leg and with it the displacement of the center of mass. Quantifying possible asymmetries and assessing the effect of foot orthoses may aid in improving running mechanics and preventing injuries in individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jordi Solé-Casals
- Data and Signal Processing Research Group, University of Vic—Central University of Catalonia, 08500 Vic, Spain
| | - Xantal Borràs-Boix
- Sport Exercise and Human Movement, University of Vic—Central University of Catalonia, 08500 Vic, Spain
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Pelaez AST, Farahpour N, Griffiths IB, Moisan G. Thick shells and medially wedged posts increase foot orthoses medial longitudinal arch stiffness: an experimental study. J Foot Ankle Res 2023; 16:11. [PMID: 36869383 PMCID: PMC9983200 DOI: 10.1186/s13047-023-00609-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Foot orthoses (FOs) are commonly prescribed devices to attenuate biomechanical deficits and improve physical function in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. It is postulated that FOs provide their effects through the production of reaction forces at the foot-FOs interface. An important parameter to provide these reaction forces is their medial arch stiffness. Preliminary results suggest that adding extrinsic additions to FOs (e.g., rearfoot posts) increases their medial arch stiffness. A better understanding of how FOs medial arch stiffness can be modulated by changing structural factors is necessary to better customise FOs for patients. The objectives of this study were to compare FOs stiffness and force required to lower the FOs medial arch in three thicknesses and two models (with and without medially wedged forefoot-rearfoot posts). METHODS Two models of FOs, 3D printed in Polynylon-11, were used: (1) without extrinsic additions (mFO), and (2) with forefoot-rearfoot posts and a 6o medial wedge (FO6MW). For each model, three thicknesses (2.6 mm, 3.0 mm, and 3.4 mm) were manufactured. FOs were fixed to a compression plate and vertically loaded over the medial arch at a rate of 10 mm/minute. Two-way ANOVAs and Tukey post-hoc tests with Bonferroni corrections were used to compare medial arch stiffness and force required to lower the arch across conditions. RESULTS Regardless of the differing shell thicknesses, the overall stiffness was 3.4 times greater for FO6MW compared to mFO (p < 0.001). FOs with 3.4 mm and 3.0 mm thicknesses displayed 1.3- and 1.1- times greater stiffness than FOs with a thickness of 2.6 mm. FOs with a thickness of 3.4 mm also exhibited 1.1 times greater stiffness than FOs with a thickness of 3.0 mm. Overall, the force to lower the medial arch was up to 3.3 times greater for FO6MW than mFO and thicker FOs required greater force (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS An increased medial longitudinal arch stiffness is seen in FOs following the addition of 6o medially inclined forefoot-rearfoot posts, and when the shell is thicker. Overall, adding forefoot-rearfoot posts to FOs is significantly more efficient than increasing shell thickness to enhance these variables should that be the therapeutic aim.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Tavera Pelaez
- Department of Human Kinetics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada.,Faculty of Engineering, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Nader Farahpour
- Department of Human Kinetics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada.,Department of Sport Biomechanics, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bu Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Ian B Griffiths
- Sports and Exercise Medicine, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| | - Gabriel Moisan
- Department of Human Kinetics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada.,Groupe de Recherche sur les Affections Neuromusculosquelettiques (GRAN), Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
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