The effect of customized 3d insoles on physical activity level, balance and functional performance in pes planus patients

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of insoles on physical activity level, balance and functional performance that specially designed for patients with pes planus. 38 individuals were randomly divided into 2 groups as experimental (n=20) and control (n=18). Medial longitudinal arch support, medial foot wedge, medial heel wedge and transverse arch support were given to the insoles of the experimental group according to each individual's needs. Placebo insoles was given to the control group. With the evaluations made after first and eight-week, normal joint range of motion in inversion and eversion directions, dorsiflexion + inversion, plantar flexion and eversion movements' muscle strength were measured, flamingo balance test and Y-banace test, long jump test, 10 meters walking test, heel raise test and IPAQ questionnaire were applied. All evaluations were made by a physiotherapist non part of research team, so the study was double-blinded. It was observed that the muscle strength in the side of plantar flexion and eversion was increased after using of insoles in the each of experimental and control groups (p<0.05). There was no healing in static balance in both of groups (p>0.05) but there was significant improvement in dynamic balances of both groups (p<0.05). Gait speeds healed in both groups (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in explosive power of both groups (p>0.05). Shuttle run test healed significantly in the control group (p<0.05), but no significant heal was observed in the experimental group (p>0.05). Significant improvements were observed in both groups in the heel raise test (p<0.05). While a significant improvement was observed in the physical activity levels of control group (p<0.05), the physical activity level decreased in the experimental group (p>0.05). Our results showed that the use of insoles is effective in many parameters, but it should be an appropriate prescription for insoles design. Large-scale studies and reseaches are needed on this subject.