The effect of wearing insoles with a toe-grip bar on occupational leg swelling and lower limb muscle activity: A randomized cross-over study

Abstract

Objective Sitting or standing for hours decreases the blood flow in the legs and results in increased pressure on the veins, leading to the development of chronic venous disease. This study aimed to investigate the effects of insoles with a toe‐grip bar on occupational leg swelling and lower limb muscle activity. Methods This randomized cross‐over study enrolled 12 healthy men who work in a sitting or standing position. They were randomly divided into groups A (wore shoes with insoles with a toe‐grip bar for 8 hours each) and B (wore shoes with regular insoles for 8 hours each). After 1 week, groups A and B wore shoes with regular insoles and shoes with insoles with a toe‐grip bar, respectively, for 8 hours each. Lower leg volume was measured before and after each intervention, and lower limb muscle activity was measured at the start of each intervention. Results Occupational leg swelling was significantly smaller in men wearing insoles with a toe‐grip bar ( P < .05). Moreover, the integrated electromyogram value of the tibialis anterior muscle and medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles during the stance phase of walking, and tibialis anterior muscle during the swing phase of walking was significantly greater in men wearing insoles with a toe‐grip bar (all P < .05). Conclusion Insoles with a toe‐grip bar contribute to increased lower limb muscle activity, attenuating occupational leg swelling.

Phlebological insole: Can it help in the lymphoedema treatment? A scoping review

“…The aim of the study conducted by Nakano-Murata et al 11 was to investigate the effects of toe-grip bar insoles on oedema and muscular activity of the lower limbs, [12][13][14] in a sample of healthy subjects working for 8 hours in a seated or standing position. The sample consisted of 12 men randomised into two groups.…”

Effects of Insole with Toe-Grip Bar on Barefoot Balance and Walking Function in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…In the terminal stance of walking, the toes perceive the toe-grip bar and the reflex toe-grip movement increases. Previous studies have reported that exercise of toe-grip movement is effective for increasing toe-grip strength in older people [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Our results suggest that toe-grip movement occurs subconsciously when the individual walks, resulting in improved balance and walking function related to toe-grip strength [ 19 , 20 , 39 , 44 ].…”

“…The participants belonging to the intervention group wore shoes with insoles having a toe-grip bar [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. The middle and rear parts of the insole were made of synthetic resin foam and the toe section was made from synthetic fibers with high repulsion properties (known as three-dimensional mesh).…”

“…In recent years, insoles with a toe-grip bar have been developed to improve toe-grip strength by walking, and they have proven to be effective [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. These insoles can improve the toe-grip strength and toe flexibility, increase lower limb muscle activity during walking, and change spatiotemporal gait parameters in healthy individuals [ 22 , 23 ].…”

“…However, if this training is not performed regularly, it may be difficult to maintain the beneficial effects. As a solution to this problem, insoles with a toe-grip bar have been developed recently to improve the toe-grip strength while the individual is walking [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ].…”