LAUSR

BACKGROUND Orthotic insole is one popular physiotherapy for flatfoot. However, the effects and if flexible flatfoot needs the treatment are not clear and how the plantar pressure change while walking upstairs and downstairs had not been studied. This study observed the plantar pressure of different walking condition to find out the answers. METHODS Fifteen adults with flexible flatfoot and fifteen adults with normal foot were examined while walking on a level surface, walking up and down 10 cm and 20 cm stairs before treatment. The max force and the arch index were acquired using the RSscan system. Then the subjects with flexible flatfoot were instructed to wear the orthotic insoles for 3 months and the plantar pressure were measured again after treatment. The repeated measure was performed to analyze the data. RESULTS Both max force and arch index of flatfoot after treatment were significantly decreased under different walking conditions (p<0.01). When walking down 10 cm and 20 cm stairs, the plantar data of both normal foot and flatfoot were significantly increased (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Orthotic insoles could effectively improve the plantar pressure of flatfoot under different walking conditions. In addition, the arches of both normal foot and flatfoot were obviously influenced when walking downstairs. It is therefore necessary to wear orthotic insoles for flexible flatfoot to prevent further deformation.