The Influence of Insole with Metatarsal Retro-Capital on Posture, Plantar Pressure and Body Segments Positions in Runners

Abstract

Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of orthopaedic soles on the body posture. Methods. Forty-eight runners (21 men and 28 women) maintained a standing-up position on both feet with bare feet with neutral soles and orthopedic soles which contained bilaterally a podiatrist element of 3 mm height behind the metatarsal heads (Metatarsal Retro Capital Bar, MRCB). Stabilometric, plantar pressure and kinematic data in the sagittal plane on both sides were measured at 40 and 60 Hz, respectively. The position of the center of pressure on the anteroposterior axis (Y CoP ), the forefoot plantar pressure (FPP) and the anteroposterior position of the knee (Y k ), the hip (Y H ), the shoulder (Y S ) and the ears (Y E ) with respect to the vertical axis passing through the joint of the ankle were determined for each experimental condition. Findings. The addition of a MRCB orthopedic element induced in backward displacement of CoP, hip, shoulder and ears (p < 0.01). Y CoP and FPP changes were significantly correlated with Y H , Y S and Y E changes (p < 0.01). Conclusion. These results suggest that the addition of an orthopedic element located behind the metatarsal heads influences the overall position of the body and can help podiatrist in the care of their patients.