ABSTRACT
Foot posture involves the integration of sensory information from the periphery of the body. This information generates precise changes through fine adjustments that compensate for the continuous, spontaneous sway of the body in the standing position. Orthopedic insoles are one of the therapeutic resources indicated for assisting in this process. Evaluation of these podal influences, by clinical examination and/or the assistance of baropodometry becomes crucial. Thus, the aim of the present study was determine the combination of the components of orthopedic insoles using two different evaluation methods. Forty healthy female volunteers between 18 and 30 years participated in the study. The volunteers were submitted to two different evaluations: clinical analysis and baropodometry. During the exams, different insole components were tested. The statistical analysis of the two evaluations revealed differences regarding the normalization of posture following the application of the insole components and in the determination of the combination of these components. The findings suggest that the clinical analysis is a fast and accurate method for determining the immediate benefits of the postural insole components and is therefore the more indicated method for the evaluation of foot posture, but does not present a concrete foundation to differentiate it with respect to baropodometric evaluation in the assessment and diagnosis of foot posture, however, a greater difficulty was encountered in achieving posture normalization when using information obtained through baropodometry.
Subject(s)
Foot/physiology , Gait/physiology , Postural Balance/physiology , Posture/physiology , Adult , Biomechanical Phenomena , Female , Humans , Physical Therapy Modalities , Young AdultABSTRACT
[Purpose] Improved gait efficiency is one of the goals of therapy for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Postural insoles can allow more efficient gait by improving biomechanical alignment. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of postural insoles on gait performance of children with CP classified as levels I or II of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). [Subjects and Methods] the study was a randomized controlled double-blind clinical trial. After meeting the legal aspects and the eligibility criteria, 10 children between four and 12â years old were randomly divided into a two groups: a control group (n=5), and an experimental group (n=5). Children in the control group used a placebo insoles, and children in the experimental group used postural insoles. Evaluation consisted of three-dimensional gait analysis under three conditions: barefoot, shoes without insoles and shoes with postural insoles or shoes with placebo insoles. [Results] Regarding the immediate effects of insole use, significant improvements in gait velocity and cadence were observed in the experimental group in comparison to the control group. [Conclusion] The use of postural insoles led to improvements in gait velocity and cadence of the children with cerebral palsy classified as levels I or II of the GMFCS.
ABSTRACT
[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on the effect of different insoles on postural balance. [Subjects and Methods] A systematic review was conducted of four databases. The papers retrieved were evaluated based on the following inclusion criteria: 1) design: controlled clinical trial; 2) intervention: insole; 3) outcome: change in static postural balance; and 4) year of publication: 2005 to 2012. [Results] Twelve controlled trials were found comparing the effects of different insoles on postural balance. The papers had methodological quality scores of 3 or 4 on the PEDro scale. [Conclusion] Insoles have benefits that favor better postural balance and control.
ABSTRACT
[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of an ankle-foot orthosis on gait variables (velocity and cadence) of stroke patients. To do this, a systematic review was conducted of four databases. [Subjects and Methods] The papers identified were evaluated based on the following inclusion criteria: 1) design: controlled, clinical trial; 2) population: stroke patients; 3) intervention: analysis of spatiotemporal variables of gait with an ankle-foot orthosis; 4) control group with different intervention or no intervention; and 5) outcome: improvement in gait velocity or cadence. [Results] Thirteen controlled trials addressing the effect of an ankle-foot orthosis on gait variables of stroke patients were found. They exhibited methodological quality of 3 or more points on the PEDro scale. [Conclusion] While the findings suggest the benefits of an AFO regarding gait velocity, the impact of this type of orthosis on cadence remains inconclusive. Thus, there is a need for further well-designed randomized, controlled, clinical trials to establish better scientific evidence for the effects of AFO usage on gait variables of stroke patients.
