The Effect of Insole to Flexible Flat Foot on Dynamic Balance and Ankle Muscle Activity during the Y-Balance Test
10.18857/jkpt.2022.34.5.218
- Author:
Sue Min LEE
1
;
Sung Min SON
;
Yoon Tae HWANG
;
Seol PARK
Author Information
1. Physical Therapy Major, Department of Emergency Medical Rehabilitation, Kangwon National University, Samcheok, Republic of Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:
Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
2022;34(5):218-223
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:This study sought to identify the effects of an insole applied for the flexible flat-foot condition on dynamic balance and ankle muscle activities during the Y-balance test (YBT).
Methods:Thirteen flexible flat-footed adults and an equal number of normal-footed adults were enrolled. The dynamic balance of the subjects was measured using the YBT, which is a reach test. While they were reaching forward with their foot, the percentage maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the tibialis anterior, peroneus longus and medial and lateral gastrocnemius were measured and analyzed. The flat-footed group then applied the ready-made insoles and underwent the YBT again. A comparison of the distance and muscle activity was conducted using YBT, not only between the flat-footed and control group, but also between the flat-footed group before and after the application of the insole.
Results:Between the groups, the anterior reach distance in the flat-footed group was significantly lower, but there were no significant differences observed in the posteromedial and posterolateral directions. With the insole, the reach distance of the flat-footed group was significantly increased in the anterior and posterolateral direction compared to the control group. With the insole, the lateral gastrocnemius activity significantly decreased compared to trials without the insole in the flat-footed group, but there were no significant differences in the other muscles.
Conclusion:The insole for flat-footed subjects can maintain the medial arch of the foot, and it may help enhance functional and mechanical dynamic balance in people with flat feet.
