The Effect of Insole to Flexible Flat Foot on Dynamic Balance and Ankle Muscle Activity during the Y-Balance Test

Abstract

Purpose: This study sought to identify the effects of an insole applied for the flexible flat-foot condition on dynamic balance and ankle muscle activities during the Y-balance test (YBT). Methods: Thirteen flexible flat-footed adults and an equal number of normal-footed adults were enrolled. The dynamic balance of the subjects was measured using the YBT, which is a reach test. While they were reaching forward with their foot, the percentage maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the tibialis anterior, peroneus longus and medial and lateral gastrocnemius were measured and analyzed. The flat-footed group then applied the ready-made insoles and underwent the YBT again. A comparison of the distance and muscle activity was conducted using YBT, not only between the flat-footed and control group, but also between the flat-footed group before and after the application of the insole. Results: Between the groups, the anterior reach distance in the flat-footed group was significantly lower, but there were no significant differences observed in the posteromedial and posterolateral directions. With the insole, the reach distance of the flat-footed group was significantly increased in the anterior and posterolateral direction compared to the control group. With the insole, the lateral gastrocnemius activity significantly decreased compared to trials without the insole in the flat-footed group, but there were no significant differences in the other muscles. Conclusion:The insole for flat-footed subjects can maintain the medial arch of the foot, and it may help enhance functional and mechanical dynamic balance in people with flat feet.

Effect of foot orthoses on balance among individuals with flatfoot: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Although the short-term use of FOs has shown immediate improvements in balance [10][11][12], long-term results are mixed, with some studies reporting benefits after approximately 4 weeks of use [5,14], while others found no significant effects, especially when compared to other interventions [5,[13][14][15]. Despite the potential of FOs to enhance kinesthetic awareness and improve balance, the efficacy of this intervention remains a topic of ongoing debate [9,16,17].…”