Commercial pressure offloading insoles: dynamic stability and plantar pressure effects while negotiating stairs

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a dysfunction of the peripheral nerves that restricts sensation from the feet, compromising an individual’s mobility and balance. Individuals with DPN generate elevated (from typical) values of foot pressure while walking often leading to tissue ulcerations. Currently, there are commercial pressure offloading (CPO) insoles that claim to reduce foot pressure and limit ulcer formation; however, the insoles’ capacity to reduce pressures during common activities have not been examined. The aim of this study was to observe the effects of various insoles on balance and plantar pressure while negotiating stairs, in individuals with diabetes. Twenty-nine (29) participants (14 individuals with diabetes, and 15 age-matched controls) were instructed to traverse a seven-step staircase while wearing three CPO insoles and one normal insole. Spatial and temporal balance (COM-BOS) and foot peak pressures (overall foot and regions of interest) were recorded using pressure insoles pl...