Use of custom insoles for redistributing plantar pressure, decreasing musculoskeletal pain and reducing postural changes in obese adults

Abstract

Introduction Insoles are used for different purposes and they can be an additional factor aiding weight loss in obese people due to their contribution in reducing musculoskeletal pain. Objective The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of custom insoles for redistributing plantar pressure, decreasing musculoskeletal pain and reducing postural changes in obese adults. Materials and methods Data was obtained from morbidly obese people, who had a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 35 and < 45 kg/m2, at three moments: before the insole was provided, immediately after insole use began and after two months of use. Anthropometric, postural, musculoskeletal pain and computerized baropodometry data were collected. Results When comparing the stages before the use of the insole and after two months of use, significant (p < 0.05) decreases were observed in the number of people with right lateral postural misalignment, in the intensity of the musculoskeletal pain of the body segments evaluated (except for the right knee), and in the mean of the peak plantar pressure values. In terms of total plantar contact area, the mean increased significantly (p < 0.05) in both right and left feet after the intervention. Conclusion This study demonstrated that the daily use of proprioceptive insoles contributed to reducing peak plantar pressure, musculoskeletal pain and lateral postural deviations. The use of proprioceptive insoles may be an important strategy to encourage obese people to exercise and, consequently, reduce weight.

Análise do equilíbrio postural estático e da intensidade das dores musculoesqueléticas após o uso de palmilhas proprioceptivas por militares do serviço ostensivo

“…In this study, plantar pressure showed statistical difference, similar to studies that agree that insoles reduce pressures 21,22 . These data disagree with Almeida et al 23 , in which there was no significant difference.…”

“…Ferreira et al 22 reported significant reduction in painful sensation in the lumbar spine, legs, feet and left knee after two months of orthosis use. In Almeida et al 23 , a decrease in levels of pain was observed in the feet and lumbar spine.…”

Idiopathic scoliosis: Static analysis of the influence of shim use on postural angles

“…Therefore, it can be seen that there is an ascending alteration in the scoliotic curves, with the lumbar region being most affected (9,15,23).…”

“…The order of conditions was previously selected from the following: without shim; 1 cm low shim which, in addition to preventing the development and compensation of postural deviations, avoids aggravation of degenerative injuries and pain in the body segments (9,23). Faced with the above, the present study was constructed to answer questions on the topic described, as well as fill gaps in the literature on the influence of shim use in the correction of asymmetries in patients with idiopathic scoliosis.…”

“…The information resulting from these neuro-sensors is quickly transmitted to the central nervous system. In response to these stimuli, the central nervous system regulates the tension of the postural muscles and regulates body oscillations through the extrinsic and intrinsic foot muscles (9,10). To produce stimuli in the plantar region, support bases (8), insoles (11 -13), heel elevations (7), and shims (14,15), trigger corrections of some postural variables and seek to correct asymmetries.…”