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Diabetic foot syndrome is a syndrome of specific conditions affecting the foot. It is a complication of diabetes. It occurs in 12–25% of patients with diabetes. Untreated, it leads to irreversible deformities and necrosis of the foot, often resulting in amputation. In this study the statistics and consequences of diabetic foot syndrome are described. Patients with diabetes need to take care of their lower limbs. Proper footwear can prevent foot wounds. Available solutions for the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot syndrome are presented herein: footwear, insoles and requirements for footwear materials. Appropriate equipment for a person with diabetes, especially one who has been diagnosed with diabetic foot syndrome or is at risk of such a condition, includes footwear and replaceable insoles. The parameters of footwear, insoles and footwear materials that are most optimal for patients with diabetes and diabetic foot syndrome were defined. The effect of a pulsed electromagnetic field and pulsed ultrasound on diabetic foot problems was evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medial knee osteoarthritis can contribute to pain and stiffness, interfere with balance and limit functional activities of daily living. Unloader knee orthosis or lateral wedged insoles are current conservative approaches used to treat these conditions. The aim of this study was to identify and compare the effects of them on the balance parameters. Methods: 66 subjects with mild to moderate medial knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to wear unloader knee brace or full-length 6° lateral wedge insole. Primary outcome balance parameters were stability %, path length and average velocity of center of pressure and mobility score which were investigated by HUMAC® Balance and Tilt system. Secondary outcome measures were knee function score using Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score scale. Assessment was performed at baseline and six months post orthotic intervention period. Findings: Both orthoses improved all parameters compared to the baseline condition (p < 0.05). Unloader knee orthosis showed a significant improvement in all balance parameters compared to lateral wedged insoles (p < 0.001) except mobility scores (p=0.527). Except activities of daily living (p=0.752) and sports and recreational activities (p=0.437), unloader knee orthosis had a greater effect on the pain (p=0.002) and symptoms (p < 0.001) sub scales than lateral wedged insoles. However, quality of life sub-scale scores for insoles were more effective than the knee orthosis. Interpretation: Unloader knee orthosis improved balance and knee function scores more than lateral wedged insole, though both orthoses produced significantly improved results compared to baseline assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this review was to identify the main types of insoles described in the literature that are used to treat musculoskeletal alterations of lower limbs and to analyze the existence of previous evaluation for the prescription of these insoles. To this end, two researchers, independently and blindly, searched the PubMed, SciELO, Bireme, MEDLINE, Lilacs, PEDro, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases between June and July of 2018, from the free combination of the following descriptors: insoles, foot orthoses, foot, orthoses, musculoskeletal diseases and clinical trial. We included randomized or non-randomized clinical trials in which at least one intervention group used insoles and individuals with some type of musculoskeletal disorder had been sampled. Of the 227 documents identified in date bases, 20 were included in this review. In general, it is suggested to carry out more studies with more precise methods and that include evaluation before the prescription. This is a systematic review of clinical trials registered in PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) under the protocol no. CRD42018099534e. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of insoles with a toe-grip bar on toe-grip strength (TGS) and body sway in middle-aged and elderly women were investigated. Twelve middle-aged and elderly women wore shoes with insoles with a toe-grip bar. TGS and the total length of the center of pressure sway in the 1- and 2-leg stances (OLS-TL and TLS-TL) were measured before (Pre1) and after (Pre2) the baseline phase and after the intervention phase (Post). TGS, OLS-TL and TLS-TL significantly improved in the Post condition compared with the Pre1 and Pre2 conditions. The results of this study suggest that insoles with a toe-grip bar can improve TGS and body sway in middle-aged and elderly women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective Explore the effects of a 4-week intervention using semi-custom insoles in recreational runners with patellofemoral pain. Design Mixed methods. Participants Seventeen (10 males and 7 females) recreational runners. Setting Laboratory. Outcome measurements Participants were separated into specific subgroups, then provided with a pair of semi-custom insoles, for a period of 4-weeks. Lower extremity kinetics/kinematics during running at 4.0 m/s were obtained. In addition, knee pain was examined using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Patellofemoral scale (KOOS-PF). Data were collected before and after wearing the insoles for 4-weeks. Results Significant improvements were shown for KOOS-PF in both subgroups (strong: (pre) = 63.84 & (post) = 71.49 and weak and tight: (pre) = 53.03 & (post) = 72.73), although only improvements in the weak and tight group exceeded the minimum clinically important difference (MCID). In addition, significant reductions in peak patellofemoral stress were shown in both subgroups (strong: (pre) = 6.82 & (post) = 6.39KPa/BW and weak and tight: (pre) = 7.66 & (post) = 6.28KPa/BW), although only reductions in the weak and tight group exceeded the MCID. Conclusions Semi-custom insoles may be a mechanism to reduce patellofemoral pain symptoms in recreational runners from the weak and tight subgroup. It is proposed that this improvement was mediated through reductions in patellofemoral loading in this subgroup. Highlights • First intervention to examine semi-custom orthoses in runners with patellofemoral pain. • First study to examine the effects of conservative treatments in different subgroups. • Examination of psychological wellbeing alongside self-reported pain symptoms is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research presented in this paper focuses on determination of the physical and mechanical properties of composites made on the basis of natural polymer, i.e., crushed collagen fibres which are waste from the leather industry. Mineral supplements such as dolomite, bentonite and kaolin were the filling of the composite produced. Their application was dictated by increasing the application range, and we strove to optimise the composition of the composite in terms of physical and mechanical properties determined in static tensile tests. An analysis of the water absorption capacity was also carried out in order to select optimal compositions which have the best properties. The test results indicate extensive application possibilities of the composites produced, one of which is in footwear insoles, whose quality is an important element determining the hygienic qualities of shoes due to the high density of sweat glands in the plantar part of the foot. This research indicates the possibility of individual development of the composite properties of collagen fibres and mineral supplements in terms of their application, taking into account the medical aspect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background Stroke is one of the main causes of disability among adults. Objective The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of postural insoles on static balance in individuals with stroke. Methods Twenty-four strokes survivors with hemiparesis were recruited from the rehabilitation clinics of the university and randomly allocated to two groups: experimental and control group. The subjects were analyzed for stabilometry, immediately following insole placement and after three months of insole usage, with eyes open and eyes closed. Results A significant difference was found immediately after postural insole placement regarding anteroposterior range of movement (p < 0.05). Moreover, significant reductions were found in the inter-group analysis after three months of insole usage. Conclusion Based on the present findings, postural insoles combined with conventional physical therapy offer significant benefits regarding static postural control among stroke victims after three months of use, as demonstrated by computerized stabilometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Sport-Orthopadie - Sport-Traumatologie is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Zusammenfassung Die Verwendung von Einlegesohlen bzw. eine individuelle Schuhzurichtung ist im Breiten- und Leistungssport weit verbreitet. Sie haben das Ziel, die Sportausübung in Anbetracht der individuellen Indikation langfristig zu optimieren und eine möglichst schmerzfreie Belastbarkeit zu gewährleisten. Einlagen werden als Therapiebaustein in der konservativen und postoperativen Versorgung sowie im Rahmen der Prävention vor Fehl- und Überbelastungen unter der Zugrundelegung biomechanischer und neuromuskulärer Überlegungen eingesetzt. Für die Einlagenkonstruktion stehen eine Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Konstruktionsprinzipien und Materialien zur Verfügung. Die wissenschaftlichen Grundlagen der orthopädieschuhtechnischen Einlagenversorgung ist jedoch - in Hinblick auf ihre Bauweise sowie biomechanische und klinische Wirkungsweise - limitiert. Ziel der vorliegenden Übersichtsarbeit ist es, die Merkmale der orthopädieschuhtechnischen Einlagenversorgung und der Schuhzurichtung beim Sportler unter Einbezug der wissenschaftlichen Befundlage aufzuzeigen. Summary Insoles and orthotic devices are widely used in competitive and recreational sports from athletes in various sports disciplines. The use of insoles is commonly recommended to provide a foundation of support and to enhance recovery and performance. Insoles build an elementary component in conservative and postoperative care of various injuries as well as in prevention of overuses by addressing injury related biomechanical risk factors. For the construction of custom made individual fitted insoles, there is a wide variety of different tools, materials, shapes and densities available. Despites the large application of insoles in sports, there is only limited evidence to support the commonly adjudged biomechanical and clinical effectiveness and a lack of consensus regarding the ideal design and fitting. The aim of this study was to review current literature to prepare a review on the issue of insoles in the field of sports providing practical key elements and features of insoles and orthotic devices including the current scientific basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé La prise en charge non médicamenteuse devient une part non négligeable du traitement de la gonarthrose. Un de ces traitements consiste à réduire la contrainte physique appliquée au compartiment de l’articulation par le port d’orthèses du genou ou du pied. Le but de cette mise au point est de rapporter les différents types d’orthèses – genou et pied – à notre disposition dans la gonarthrose fémoro-tibiale – médiale ou latérale – et fémoro-patellaire. Nous rapporterons ensuite quelques études et méta-analyses sur le port d’orthèses dans les gonarthroses. Un nouveau type d’orthèse associant la distraction (écartement) et rotation latérale sera abordé. Non pharmacological therapy becomes a significant part of the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. One type of treatment for knee osteoarthritis involves reducing loading to ease the physical stress applied to that compartment of the joint. The aim of this focus is to report different types orthoses – knee and foot – to us in the tibiofemoral osteoarthritis – medial or lateral – and patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Then we will report several studies and meta-analyzes on the port of braces in knee osteoarthritis. A new type of brace combining distraction (spacing) and lateral rotation will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of the article is to evaluate the literature on the use of foot orthotics for low back pain and to make specific recommendations for future research. Methods Database searches were conducted using PubMed, EBSCO, GALE, Google Scholar, and clinicaltrials.gov. The biomedical literature was reviewed to determine the current state of knowledge on the benefits of foot orthotics for low back pain related to biomechanical mechanisms and clinical outcomes. Results It may be argued that foot orthotics are experimental, investigational, or unproven for low back pain due to lack of sufficient evidence for their clinical effectiveness. This conclusion is based upon lack of high quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, there is extensive research on biomechanical mechanisms underlying the benefits of orthotics that may be used to address this gap. Additionally, promising pilot studies are beginning to emerge in the literature and ongoing large-scale RCTs are addressing effects of foot orthotics on chronic low back pain. Conclusions Based upon the critical evaluation of the current research on foot orthotics related to biomechanical mechanisms and clinical outcomes, recommendations for future research to address the evidence-practice gaps on the use of foot orthotics for low back pain are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents preliminary results of simulation studies evaluating moisture absorption from the air that indicate the possibility of applying a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) in the construction of protective footwear insoles. The performance of different types of nonwovens was tested in terms of moisture absorption from air of high relative humidity in a climatic chamber and on a thermal foot model. The tests simulated the temperature and humidity conditions that occur inside all-rubber protective footwear. It was found that insoles containing SAP dehumidified the air more effectively than either insoles not containing SAP or traditional wool felt insoles. The tests showed a new application potential of absorbent materials in protective footwear with a view to improving hygienic comfort during use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Fibres & Textiles in Eastern Europe is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

OBJECTIVE: Shock-absorbing insoles (SAIs), compared with usual insoles, were hypothesized to result in larger increases in pressure pain thresh¬old (PPT) after 3 weeks of use. BACKGROUND: Shock-absorbing insoles can decrease self-reported pain among young soccer players training on artificial turf. However, nothing is known about the underlying changes in pain sensitivity assessed by PPT. METHODS: Seventy-five players were included from the youth teams of under 15, under 17, and under 19 years of age, playing for the Aalborg Boldspilklub (AaB) professional sports club. After a randomization stratified by team and age, players were divided into 2 groups, one that received SAIs and a control group that used their usual insoles. Assessments were made in both groups after 3 weeks of training on artificial turf (baseline) and 3 weeks later (follow-up). The primary outcome was change in PPTs from baseline to follow-up, with PPTs measured over 13 locations on the plantar surface of the foot, leg, and low back of the nonpreferred kicking leg. RESULTS: A significantly larger increase was found in PPTs from baseline to follow-up for the SAI group compared with the control group (mean difference, 62 kPa; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 40, 85 kPa). The PPTs increased significantly more among the SAI group compared with the control group (P<.05) for the abductor digiti minimi (mean difference, 82 kPa; 95% CI: 6, 157 kPa), tibialis anterior (mean difference, 125 kPa; 95% CI: 20, 230 kPa), medial gastrocnemius (mean difference, 83 kPa; 95% CI: –6, 171 kPa), and erector spinae (mean difference, 86 kPa; 95% CI: –17, 188 kPa). CONCLUSION: The use of SAIs resulted in increased PPTs after 3 weeks of training on artificial turf compared with controls, suggesting a protective role of SAIs in pressure sensitiv¬ity and pain perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Orthotics involves the use of synthetic or mechanical devices in order to stabilize, heal, or prevent injury and deformity to weak joints or bones. The most common type of orthotic devices in use act to promote healthy feet. Foot problems such as corns, bunions, fallen arches, and heel pain are common in older people. In addition, conditions that increase in prevalence with advancing age often make footwear choice a problem, e.g. oedema secondary to heart failure. This article is not designed to be an in-depth review of all available orthotics, but a guide aimed at non-specialists to provide an overview of commonly-used devices. We describe the different types of shoes and adaptations available, as well as some foot and lower limb orthotics. We intend to outline the indications for the use of such devices as well as to highlight potential problems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Stress fractures can be debilitating to individuals participating in marching activities. The objective of the review of the literature is to determine if orthotics could be used in the prevention of tibial stress fractures in marching activities. Using Academic Search Premier, Google Scholar, Ovid, CINAHL, and APTA Open Door, eleven research articles pertaining to marching activities, tibial stress fractures and the use of orthotics were reviewed. Four articles concluded that the use of orthotics could prevent tibial stress fractures in marching activities. The information obtained from the other articles provided additional information about tibial stress fractures and orthotics which helped the researchers make a clinical decision. Based on the literature reviewed, it can be concluded that the use of orthotics may reduce the incidence of tibial stress fractures in marching activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on research which was conducted to investigate the variety of insole designs used in daily practice, the insole design and its effect on plantar pressure distribution in a large group of patients. Researchers evaluated 204 patients. They found that although the insole shape was specific for the kind of foot complaint and arch height, the differences in shape were very small and the plantar pressure redistribution was similar for all groups.

Runners often experience over-use injuries. Ground reaction force (GRFs) patterns have been associated with these over-use injuries; however, it is not solely the magnitude of GRFs, but also the rate at which they are applied that lead to lower extremity injury. Many recreational runners will use over-the-counter insoles as a method of treating or preventing injury. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of two insoles on peak GRFs and loading rates. It was hypothesized that no differences in peak GRFs or loading rates would exist with the addition of two insoles during running. Twelve subjects (7 females; 5 males) performed seven running trials in each of the following conditions: no insoles (NORM), over-the-counter insoles (OTC) and memory-foam insoles (TEMPUR). GRFs were recorded using a force plate (1440Hz; AMTI) while subjects ran across a 15 meter lab. A 2 × 3 (gender x insole) repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the effects of insoles on loading rate and ground reaction forces. Alpha level was set at p <0.05. The current study found no statistical differences in loading rate or GRFs between the insole and no insole conditions. Furthermore, there was no gender effect in any condition. The findings of the current study suggest that insoles do not attenuate shock or decrease loading rate. The lack of shock attenuation associated with insoles suggests they do not protect the lower extremity from injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Chilena de Pediatría is the property of Revista Chilena de Pediatria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• Studies have proven the positive effect of insoles on balance in older adults. • There is still a lack of consensus on the most effective types of insole. • This review showed that textured and vibration insoles were the most effective. • The use of insoles in the elderly population is recommended. • This may prevent falls and maintain quality of life in the elderly. In recent years, fall prevention in older adults has received considerable attention in healthcare. Among many interventions, insoles are considered cost-effective and easily adopted tools to improve balance in older people. Numerous studies have verified the immediate effects of insoles on balance in older adults. However, there is still lack of consensus regarding the immediate benefits of using insoles on balance improvement. Given this, a meta-analysis was conducted to provide more conclusive evidence about the immediate effect of insoles on balance in older adults and answer the question: "Do insoles influence balance in older people?" PubMed, NDSL, Medline, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were searched from March to August 2018. The key terms were "insole", "elderly", "gait", "balance", "shoe", "foot", and "postural". Finally, seven primary studies were selected for this meta-analysis. The balance related outcomes were coded to compute effect sizes and the overall effect size of the standardized mean differences was analyzed. Moderating variables included kinematic variables of balance, static and dynamic balance, and type of insole. The overall effect size of insoles was medium (d = 0.618), which suggests that insoles are beneficial for older adults for improving balance. More specifically, this study revealed that textured and vibration insoles were the most effective types of insoles. This finding supports the idea that augmented tactile and mechanical sensory input from insoles can enhance the postural control mechanisms in older adults with age-related deterioration of sensory mechanisms. The use of insoles may lead to a reduction in the rate of falls which are related to decreased quality of life in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]