Effect of the use of foot orthoses for over-pronation of the subtalar joint on the shock-absorbing capacity of the knee joint

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effect of the use of a foot orthosis on the shock-absorbing capacity of the knee joint for over-pronation of the subtalar joint. The arch height ratio and Q-angle in the static standing posture, the knee extensor muscle activity during level walking as a movement task, and the shock-absorbing capacity of the knee joint were compared with and without the intervention of a foot orthosis. The results showed that the use of a foot orthosis improved the arch height ratio and Q-angle and tended to increase muscle activity, but did not show an immediate effect on shock-absorbing capacity.