The Effect of Lateral Wedge Insole on Mediolateral Static Balance in Patients with Mild to Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis

• Published in: Function and disability journal 2018-01, Vol.1 (1), p.58-67
• Main Author: Zangi, Mahsa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: foot orthoses; knee osteoarthritis; lateral wedge; static balance
• ISSN: 2588-6304; 2588-6304
• DOI: 10.30699/fdisj.01.1.58

Background and Objectives: Balance has reported to be impaired in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Lateral wedged insoles, have shown positive effect on parameters like knee adduction moment and pain. As a result, the factors that have been shown to reduce the parameters associated with knee osteoarthritis are anticipated to be effective in improving balance. The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate and four-week effects of lateral wedged insoles on static balance in patients with mild and moderate osteoarthritis of knee medial compartment.  Methods: 18 patients (mean age=53±6.07) and body mass index (26/1±2.1 kg/m2) with painful mild and moderate knee osteoarthritis according to the Kellgren-Lawrence grading were recruited. Static standing balance was assessed while standing for 60 seconds on a force plate in three different footwear and two vision conditions: barefoot, wearing shoes without lateral wedged insoles and wearing shoes with lateral wedged insole in open and closed eye conditions. Pain intensity and static standing balance in the mediolateral direction (through the displacement and velocity of center of pressure) were investigated immediately and 4 weeks later.  Results: Lateral wedged insoles had no immediate effect on the center of pressure mediolateral displacement (P=0.70) and velocity (P=0.08). Using the lateral wedged insoles for 4 weeks resulted in significant improvement of pain (P