ARTICLE INFO

Article Type

Original Research

Authors

Sadeghi   M. (1)
Farmani   F. (*)
Saeedi   H. (2)






(*) Department of Orthotics & Prosthetics, University of Welfare & Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
(1) Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Paramedicine, University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
(2) Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Rehabilitation, University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Correspondence

Address: Technical Orthopedics Department, University of Welfare Sciences and Rehabilitation, Daneshjoo Boulevard, Evin, Tehran, Iran.
Phone: +989123238459
Fax: +982122180010
farmani.farzad@yahoo.com

Article History

Received:   July  25, 2010
Accepted:   October 10, 2012
ePublished:   March 10, 2013

ABSTRACT

Aims In subjects with flatfoot (also called pesplanus), the arch supports (or foot orthoses) are used as a protective treatment. Considering the importance of the compensation of flatfoot in athletes, this study was conducted aiming at investigating and comparing the effect of foot orthoses with and without medial wedge on the energy consumption in runners with flatfoot.
Materials & Methods This quasi-experimental research of convenience non-probability sampling type was done on 20 athletic men suffering from flexible flatfoot on two sides in 2009. Subjectswere selected from among the athletes referring to Enqelab sport complex using nonrandomized method. Subjects’ feet were examined to determine and diagnose the presence of any flatfoot based on their arcs. Following the preparation of the arch support fitting for each subjects with and without medial wedge, the amount of oxygen consumption, maximum amount of consuming oxygen and the maximum Heart Rate (HR) were measured. Data was analyzed using SPSS 11 software. Moreover, pair T-test was used to compare the results before and after the intervention.
Findings The amount of oxygen consumption using arch support with medial wedge(4488.30±78.31) and without medial wedge (4604.60±67.83) had a significant difference(p=0.038). The maximum amount of consuming oxygen of the subject using arch support with medial wedge (54.37±6.62) and without medial wedge (63.60±6.53) had also a significant difference (p=0.024). The difference of the maximum Heart Rate (HR) with medial wedge(153.24±4.29) and without medial wedge (164.48±6.15) was significant (p=0.018).
Conclusion Adding medial wedge to foot orthoses can be helpful to decrease energy consumption during running in athletes.

Keywords: Foot Orthoses, Flatfoot, Athletes,

CITATION LINKS

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