Are prefabricated foot orthoses still effective in reducing plantar pressures after 12 months of wear?
2011

Effectiveness of Prefabricated Foot Orthoses Over Time

Sample size: 31 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Cronkwright Dean G, Spink Martin J, Landorf Karl B, Menz Hylton B

Primary Institution: La Trobe University

Hypothesis

Do prefabricated foot orthoses remain effective in reducing plantar pressures after 12 months of wear?

Conclusion

Older adults' prefabricated foot orthoses are just as effective at reducing plantar pressures after a year as new ones.

Supporting Evidence

  • Both new and old orthoses significantly reduced peak pressures at the heel compared to shoes only.
  • There were no significant differences in effectiveness between old and new orthoses.
  • The study suggests limited deformation of orthoses over a 12-month period.

Takeaway

This study found that older people can keep using their foot orthoses for a year without losing effectiveness.

Methodology

Plantar pressure data was recorded from 31 adults aged over 65 while they walked with new and old orthoses.

Participant Demographics

31 adults aged over 65 years (21 females, 10 males, mean age 75.4 years).

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1757-1146-4-S1-O13

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