Pediatric flexible flat foot (PFFF) is often associated with pain along the medial longitudinal arch and potential disability. With that in mind, researchers compared the effects of the University of California Biomechanics Laboratory (UCBL) orthosis and custom-made semirigid insoles on pedobarographic and radiologic parameters in PFFF through a retrospective chart review of 143 children with PFFF.
The results showed that the custom-made semirigid insole was more effective in improving the deviation of the center pressure curve and calcaneal pitch angle than the UCBL. The custom-made semirigid insole may help relieve foot instability during gait and improve the medial longitudinal arch in children with PFFF, the study’s authors concluded.
Data for 27 children with PFFF who were prescribed foot orthoses between the age of four and 12 years old were retrospectively reviewed. Medical charts were retrospectively reviewed, and pedobarographic and radiological parameters assessed before and one year after application of orthoses were reviewed.
The results indicated that the difference in the calcaneal pitch angle and the center of pressure excursion index (CPEI) were significantly improved in the custom-made semirigid insole group compared to that in the UCBL group. The contact area ratio of the midfoot and toe and CPEI at one year after wearing the insole was significantly improved in the custom-made semirigid insole group compared to that in the UCBL group. The calcaneal pitch angle and CPEI were significantly improved one year after application of the insole in the custom-made semirigid insole group, according to the study.
The study, “Comparing the effects of University of California Biomechanics Laboratory and custom-made semi-rigid insole on pedobarographic parameters in pediatric flexible flat foot,” was published in Prosthetics and Orthotics International.
