EFFECTS OF THE INSERT TO PLANTAR CONTACT AREA AND PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of inserts that are used for conservative treatment of excessive foot pronation, on plantar contact areas and pressure distribution. Methods: 27 subjects consisting of 6 men and 21 women, mean age 25.88 +/- 5.92, and having excessive foot pronation were included in this study. Demographic data were recorded. Short Form McGill Questionnaire, Navicular Drop Test, Foot Posture Index and Foot Function Index were performed for each subject. Subjects were evaluated with dynamic pedobarography (Rs Scan-Footscan (R)), first barefoot, than with spesific inserts, to assess plantar contact area and pressure distribution. Results: Findings from dynamic pedobarography indicated that there were significant increase at total contact area, contact area percents of midfoot, significant decrease at contact area percents of fore and rearfoot, at maximum plantar pressures on 2., 3., 4. metatars areas of left foot and on 2. and 3. metatars areas of right foot, on medial and lateral heel with insert according to barefoot (p=0.007, p=0.001, p=0.003, p<0.001, p=0.011, p=0.001, p=0.004, p=0.002, p=0.006). There were no significant difference at maximum pressures on toes, 1. and 5. metatars areas and midfoot, between barefoot and with insert conditions (p>0,05). Discussion: Excessive foot pronation, causes pathologic changes on proximal and distal subtalar joint, effects plantar pressures destroying load distribution. Using insert is the most common method to correct this deformity. The results of our study emphasizes, spesific inserts are effective to distribute plantar pressures and prevent excessive loading of specific areas increasing contact area.