The peak pressure of the metatarsals 2-4 and the contact area of the midfoot in the arch-support insole were significantly greater than in the flat insole on all surfaces (all p< 0.05).

The peak pressure of the big toe in the arch-support insole was significantly greater than in the flat insole on the uphill (p<0.05 ES = 0.53) and level surfaces (p<0.05 ES = 0.71).

On the level surface, the stance time in the arch-support insole was significantly shorter than in the flat insole (p<0.05 ES = 0.48). The effect size (ES) was calculated as a measure of the practical relevance of the significance using Cohen's d. The significance level α was set to 0.05.

Parameters were compared between wearing flat and arch-support insoles using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA with on an incline, decline, and level surface, respectively. A wireless plantar-pressure system was used to measure the stance time, cadence, plantar pressure, and contact area. As the midfoot is responsible for shock absorption, persons with flatfoot experience increased risk of injuries such as thumb valgus, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, metatarsal pain, knee pain, lower-back pain with prolonged uphill, downhill, and level walking, depriving them of the physical and mental health benefits of walking as an exercise.įifteen female college students with flatfoot were recruited. Pes planus (flatfoot) is a common deformity characterized by the midfoot arch collapses during walking.

Flat foot insoles