Noting that normal dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint during dynamic activities is critical for effective propulsion, researchers evaluated the effects of two custom-made foot orthoses on the stiffness of the rearfoot, midfoot, and first metatarsophalangeal joint during walking in patients with structural hallux limitus.
The study used a repeated-measures design with 24 participants with structural hallux limitus. Two custom orthoses—a cut-out and an anterior forefoot stabilizer element—were compared under three conditions using minimalist Saguro neoprene shoes: shod, shod with cut-out custom-made foot orthosis, and shod with anterior forefoot stabilizer element foot orthosis. Kinematic data was captured using a modified Bruening model.
The researchers found significant differences in dynamic stiffness only between the anterior forefoot stabilizer element orthosis and the patient shod during the propulsion phase at the first metatarsophalangeal joint. No significant differences were observed for dynamic stiffness in any other phase of the stance period across all conditions.
The increased rigidity may enhance energy efficiency in patients with structural hallux limitus by compensating for excessive pronation, the authors concluded.
The open-access study, “Effect of different custom-made foot orthotics on foot joint stiffness in individuals with structural hallux limitus: A quasi-experimental study,” was published in Clinical Biomechanics.
