Biomechanical and comfort analyses on the use of commercial insoles while walking and running
Background: Incidence rates of running injuries are high. Previous research has indicated that the use of prefabricated insoles may be beneficial for altering kinematic and kinetic patterns that cause running injuries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how prefabricated insoles affect kinematics, kinetics, plantar pressure, and perceived comfort during walking and running. Methods: Twenty-one (16 female, 5 male) participants walked and ran with their regular running shoes and with two types of prefabricated insoles. A motion capture system and force platforms were used to collect kinematic and kinetic data. Pressure inserts were used to collect plantar pressures, and a comfort questionnaire was used to measure levels of perceived comfort. Results: The Currex insole reduced ankle eversion and peak midfoot pressure during walking, while reducing peak toe and average whole foot pressure during running. However, the regular running shoe was still preferred over the Currex insole by a higher percentage of participants, 55% to 35%. The PowerStep insole also reduced ankle eversion and peak midfoot pressure during walking, while reducing Achilles tendon load and ankle inversion moment during running. However, the PowerStep insole had lower comfort ratings than the regular running shoe and Currex insole. Conclusion: In a combined evaluation of kinematic, kinetic, and plantar pressure data with comfort scores, there was a mix of potential benefits, drawbacks, and perceptions of insole use. These conflicting results may indicate that prefabricated insoles are most likely to be beneficial when matched to an individual’s biomechanical needs, comfort preferences, and intended use.
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