A systematic review of the effect of footwear, foot orthoses and taping on lower limb muscle activity during walking and running

Abstract

Background: External devices are used to manage musculoskeletal pathologies by altering loading of the foot, which could result in altered muscle activity that could have therapeutic benefits. Objectives: To establish if evidence exists that footwear, foot orthoses and taping alter lower limb muscle activity during walking and running. Study design: Systematic literature review. Methods: CINAHL, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science databases were searched. Quality assessment was performed using guidelines for assessing healthcare interventions and electromyography methodology. Results: Thirty-one studies were included: 22 related to footwear, eight foot orthoses and one taping. In walking, (1) rocker footwear apparently decreases tibialis anterior activity and increases triceps surae activity, (2) orthoses could decrease activity of tibialis posterior and increase activity of peroneus longus and (3) other footwear and taping effects are unclear. Conclusion: Modifications in shoe or orthosis design in the sagittal or frontal plane can alter activation in walking of muscles acting primarily in these planes. Adequately powered research with kinematic and kinetic data is needed to explain the presence/absence of changes in muscle activation with external devices. Clinical relevance This review provides some evidence that foot orthoses can reduce tibialis posterior activity, potentially benefitting specific musculoskeletal pathologies.

Biomechanical effects of foot orthoses with and without a lateral bar in individuals with cavus feet during comfortable and fast walking

“…Surface EMG data were collected using single differential Ag electrodes (Model DE2.1, Delsys Inc., Boston, MA, USA) applied over the gluteus medius, vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius lateralis and medialis, peroneus longus, and tibialis anterior muscles according to the recommendations of SENIAM [28]. These muscles are commonly assessed in gait analysis with and without FOs and represent muscle groups highly solicited during walking [13,18]. To reduce impedance, the skin was shaved, abraded with fine-grade sandpaper and then wiped with alcohol swabs.…”

“…However, the effect of adding this bar on the kinematics of the lower limb is still unknown. In fact, one of the main limitation of previous studies assessing the effects of FOs on the biomechanics of the lower limbs is the lack of concurrent EMG, kinematic and/or kinetic investigation [18]. FOs with a lateral bar can be used in clinical contexts to modify the biomechanics of the lower limb of individuals with musculoskeletal pathologies, such as chronic ankle instability [19].…”

The “Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology” Journal Club Series: PhysioMechanics of Human Locomotion

“…Highlight by Cristina Cortis, Andrea Fusco, and Carl Foster During everyday life, walking occurs with several types of footwear, ranging from the most comfortable, such as sandals, to the most fashionable, such as high-heeled shoes. Each requires different levels of intermuscular coordination and potentially energy cost [24]. Among sandals, flip-flops have rapidly increased in popularity due to lightweight, convenience, and comfort.…”

Assessment of a New Lateral Cushioned Casting Orthosis: Effects on Peroneus Longus Muscle Electromyographic Activity During Running

“… 6 The peroneus muscles, involved in lateral ankle control movements, have been shown to be affected by supination moments of the hindfoot caused by classical orthoses, 42 and foot orthoses have led to increased muscle activity of the peroneus longus (PL) as measured using electromyography (EMG). 22 , 24 , 28 …”

“…6 The peroneus muscles, involved in lateral ankle control movements, have been shown to be affected by supination moments of the hindfoot caused by classical orthoses, 42 and foot orthoses have led to increased muscle activity of the peroneus longus (PL) as measured using electromyography (EMG). 22,24,28 To reduce the strain on the PL, we have developed a novel supination orthosis (NSO) with no medial enhancement material and with a lateral cushioned casting. The purpose of the present study was to compare the EMG effects of 2 kinds of orthoses on PL activity, a CMW and an NSO, with respect to a nonorthotic condition (neutral running shoes [NRS]) during a running test performed on a treadmill.…”