• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.33 no.1
• /
• pp.25-33
• /
• 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in static arch height and ankle stability according to the preference for insole height and hardness in the arch area. Method: The study participants were 20 adult males (age: 22.7 ± 1.8 yrs., height: 175.3 ± 4.3 cm, body weight: 72.5 ± 7.7 kg). First, the arch heights of all subjects were measured in static postures (sitting and standing). The inversion and eversion movements of the ankle joint were analyzed during walking (1.3 m/s & 1.7 m/s) and running (2.7 m/s & 3.3 m/s). The variables (static arch height, and inversion and eversion angle of ankle joint) were compared by classifying groups according to the preference for the height and hardness of the arch of the insole. First, it was divided into a high arch insole preference group (HAG, n=8) and a low arch insole preference group (LAG, n=12) according to the preference for the arch height of the insole. Second, it was divided into a high hardness insole preference group (HHG, n=7), medium hardness insole preference group (MHG, n=7), and low hardness insole preference group (LHG, n=6), according to the preference for the arch hardness of the insole. Results: First, the range of motion (ROM) of inversion-eversion at the ankle joint during walking was statistically smaller in HAG than in LAG (p<.05). Second, the arch height change of HHG was statistically greater than that of MHG and LHG (p<.05). Conclusion: In the case of flexible flat feet with a large change in arch height, providing a high hardness arch insole that can disperse foot pressure can improve comfort. It was found that people with high medial and lateral sway of the ankle joint preferred a low arch insole, but it is necessary to differentiate and compare the insole heights of the arch part in detail. In addition, in the case of fast motion such as running, the preference for the arch height and hardness of the insole was not related to the static arch height and ankle stability.