• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.45-54
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• 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of foot strengthening exercise program and functional insoles on joint angle and plantar pressure in elderly women. Thirteen elderly women who were enrolled in a university senior citizens academy of a metropolitan city in 2017 were divided into two groups: exercise group with functional insole (n=7) and exercise group without functional insole (n=6). Method: Three-dimensional motion analysis and Pedar-X were performed to compute the joint angle and the foot plantar pressure, respectively. Two-way repeated measure ANOVA was conducted to compare dependent variables within and between groups. The significance level was set at ${\alpha}=.05$. Results: The range of motion (ROM) of the ankle, knee, and hip joints in the exercise group with functional insole increased significantly more than the exercise group without functional insole. In both the experimental group and the comparison group, the maximum foot plantar pressure and the mean foot plantar pressure were decreased, but the comparison group without functional insole showed more decrease. Since the experimental group demonstrated greater pressure than the comparison group in the contact area (forefoot, midfoot), it was distributed over a greater area. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that participation in foot strengthening exercises and using a functional insole has more positive effects than foot strengthening exercises alone on the joint angle and plantar pressure in elderly women. Increased foot plantar pressure led to an increased contact area (forefoot, midfoot) for distribution of the foot plantar pressure, but the effect of reducing the maximum and average plantar pressures was incomplete. However, wearing functional insoles along with exercise, could help in improving the stability of the joints, by increasing the range of motion, and could help the elderly in movement of the muscles more effectively, leading to an improvement in gait function.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.80-90
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• 2013

Recently, functional insoles of wedge-type it is for the young to raise their height inserted between insole and heel cause foot pain and disease. Additionally, these have a problem with stability and excessively load-bearing during gait like high-heel shoes. In this study, we compared the changes in biomechanical characteristics of foot with different insole thickness then we will utilize for the development of the insole with the purpose of relieving the pain and disease. Subjects(male, n = 6) measured COP(center of pressure) and PCP(peak contact pressure) on the treadmill(140cm/s) using F-scan system and different insole thickness(0~50 mm) between sole and plantar surface during gait. Also, we computed changes of stresses at the foot using finite element model with various insole thickness during toe-off phase. COP moved anterior and medial direction and, PCP was increased at medial forefoot surface, $1^{st}$ and $2^{nd}$ metatarsophalangeal, ($9%{\uparrow}$) with thicker insoles and it was show sensitive increment as the insole thickness was increased from 40 mm to 50 mm. Change of the stress at the soft-tissue of plantar surface, $1^{st}$ metatarsal head represents rapid growth($36%{\uparrow}$). Also, lateral moments were increased over the 100% near the $1^{st}$ metatarsal as the insole thickness was increased from 0 mm to 30 mm. And it is show sensitive increment as the insole thickness changed 10 mm to 20 mm. As a result, it was expected that use of excessively thick insoles might cause unwanted foot pain at the forefoot region. Therefore, insole thickness under 30 mm was selected.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.12 no.12
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• pp.117-123
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• 2021

The purpose of this study is to convergence comparison the ankle joint angle change during walking of college students in their 20s with flat foot according to the heel height of insole shoes. Qualisys Track Manager Software ver. 2.8 (Qalisys Track Manager) was used for 15 college students. Functional shoes with insoles were manufactured, and the heel heights of the shoes were set to 3cm and 7cm. The subjects wore shoes with two high heels and gaited by attaching a reflex marker to the side of the ankle joint. The angle change of the ankle joint was measured in the gait stance phase. The angle of the ankle joint significantly decreased both heel strike, foot flat, midstance, and toe off to the heel height increased when the subjects with flat feet wore insole shoes. Therefore, it is thought that flat feet should wear low shoes when wearing insoles to reduce the fatigue of the soles and to walk comfortably.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.113-122
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• 2015

Objective : The purpose of this study was to analyze the foot-pressure distribution of 2D(2 dimensional form) & 3D(3 dimensional form; a customized arch-fit for posture correction) insoles for assessing their biomechanical functionality. Background : Recently there has been increased interest in both foot health and foot pain patients. Analysis of the plantar pressure was often used to solve the problems of the foot displayed by such people as rheumatoid arthritis patients. Method : Subjects who participated in this study were 17 female university students who had no previous injury experience in lower limbs and a normal gait pattern. The shoe size of all subjects was 240 mm. Two models of insoles of 2D(typical flat insole - 2 dimensional form) and 3D(special production - 3 dimensional form) were selected for the test. Using the Pedar-X system and Pedar-X insoles, 4.0 km/h of walking speed, and a compilation of 50 steps walking stages were used to analyze foot-pressure distribution. Results : Results of the foot-pressure distribution and biomechanical functionality on each insole were as follows; analyses of mean plantar pressure, maximum plantar pressure, maximum vertical GRF, and plantar pressure curve shape all showed overall low plantar pressure and GRF. Conclusion : This can be evaluated as an excellent insole for low levels on the plantar pressure and GRF. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that according to this analysis the 3D Customized Arch-fit Insole was better than 2D insole on the basis of these criteria.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.21 no.10
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• pp.196-203
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• 2004

In this study, a new gait phase detection system using both FSR(Force Sensing Resister) sensors and a gyrosensor was developed to detect various gait patterns. FSR sensors were put in self-designed shoe insoles and a gyrosensor was attached to the posterior aspect of a shoe. An algorithm was also developed to determine eight different gait transitions among four gait phases: heel-strike, foot-flat, heel-off and swing. The developed system was compared with the conventional gait phase detection system using only FSR sensors in various gait experiments such as level walking, fore-foot walking and stair walking. In fore-foot walking and stair walking, the developed system showed much better accuracy and reliability to detect gait phases. The developed gait phase detection system using both FSR sensors and a gyrosensor will be helpful not only to determine pathological gait phases but to apply prosthetics, orthotics and functional electrical stimulation to patients with gait disorders.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.145-150
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• 2005

A new gait detection system using both FSR (force sensing resistor) sensors and a gyrosensor was developed to detect various gait patterns. FSR sensors were put in self-designed shoe insoles and a gyrosensor was attached to the heel of a shoe. An algorithm was also developed to determine eight different gait transitions during four gait phases: heel-strike, foot-flat, heel-off and swing. The developed system was evaluated from nine heathy mans and twelve hemiplegic patients. Healthy volunteers were asked to walk in various gait patterns: level walking, fore-foot walking and stair walking. Only the level walking was performed in hemiplegic patients. The gait detection system was compared with a optical motion analysis system and the outputs of the FSR sensors. In healthy subjects, the developed system detected successfully more than $99\%$ for both level walking and fore-foot walking. For stair walking, the successful detection rate of the system was above$97\%$. In hemiplegic patients, the developed system detected approximately 98% of gait transitions. The developed gait phase detection system will be helpful not only to determine pathological gait phases but also to apply prosthetics, orthotics and functional electrical stimulation for patients with various gait disorders.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.233-242
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in foot contact area and pressure when walking with a functional insole that emphasizes the Hallux point as compared to a general insole. Methods: In this study, an experiment was conducted to investigate changes in plantar pressure and contact area for a functional insole that emphasized the Hallux point as compared to a general insole. A lower extremity robot was used for walking reproduction. First, the gait sequence according to the two insoles was determined through a randomized controlled trial comparison. According to the sequence procedure, the insole was attached to the shoe and then worn on the right side of the lower extremity robot for gait reproduction at a normal gait speed of 20 steps per minute. After programming the robot to walk, the experiment was carried out. The result value was determined by averaging the pressure and area data of the fore and rear foot measures after walking at 20 steps per minute. Results: The functional insole that emphasized the hallux point significantly increased the forefoot and rearfoot contact area (p < 0.05) and significantly decreased the forefoot and rearfoot contact pressure (p < 0.05) compared to the general insole. Conclusion: A functional insole that emphasizes the hallux point does not collapse the medial longitudinal arch during gait, increasing foot stability and reducing fatigue. Thus, this functional insole needs to be widely used clinically.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.49-57
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• 2015

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to identify whether static and dynamic balance in young men were influenced by the different height of insoles in their shoes. Methods : Eighteen healthy young men (mean $20.61{\pm}1.38years$) were recruited for this study. The subjects' static and dynamic balance were assessed while wearing three different height' insoles (0cm, 2cm, 3cm) in their tennis shoes. Anterioposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) sway velocity was measured for 20 seconds using a force plate (Good balance system, Finland) under four conditions including normal standing with eyes open and with eyes closed, and tandem standing with eyes open and with eyes closed. The Functional Reach Test (FRT) and Timed Up & Go (TUG) were also performed for each subject under each condition. Results : 1) ML and AP sway velocities in young men were significantly different according to the height of the insole in normal standing with eyes open and eyes closed. 2) ML and AP sway velocities in young men were not different according to the height of the insole in tandem standing with eyes open. 3) ML sway velocities in young men were significantly different according to the height of the insole in tandem standing with eyes closed, whereas AP sway velocities did not differ by height of the insole in tandem standing with eyes closed. 4) FRT scores in young men were significantly different according to the height of the insole. 5) TUG scores in young men were not significantly different according to the height of the insole. Conclusions : This study's results indicate that the static and dynamic balance in young men can be influenced by shoe insole height.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.89-97
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to analyze the foot-pressure distribution of Tennis Shoes for assessing their functionality. 10 university male students (shoe size: 265mm) who had no history of injury in the lower extremity and a normal gait pattern participated in this study. Four types of tennis shoes, most popular in Korea (A, B, C & D company), were selected and tested. Using the PEDAR-X system and PEDAR-X insoles, 4 different motion stages were analyzed for the foot-pressure distribution: (a) straight running; (b) c-cut($45^{\circ}$ left turn running; (c) forehand stroke; and (d) backhand stroke. Results revealed that in all stages, there were no statistically significant differences among the types of shoes; however, descriptive statistics indicated that functionality of shoe types was somewhat different depending on the type of stages. The order in functionality found was C>A>B>D.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.218-223
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• 2022

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.