The aim of this prospective, randomized, single-group interventional study is to use quantitative methods to investigate the acute effects of using lateral-wedge insoles on lower extremity biomechanics, muscle activation patterns, and knee adduction moment during walking and running activities in healthy individuals aged 18-40. The primary research questions it seeks to answer are as follows: * Do lateral wedge insoles cause a significant change in knee adduction moment? * Do lateral wedge insoles change lower extremity biomechanics during walking and running? * Do lateral wedge insoles change the activation patterns of lower extremity muscles during walking and running? To compare the effectiveness of lateral wedge insoles, participants will randomly use insoles with 0 (neutral), 5, and 10-degree angles. Participants will do the following: * Put on the shoes and insoles provided to you in the motion analysis laboratory and complete the walking and running protocols, each taking 1 minute, on the treadmill. * While walking at your normal walking speed, step so that your dominant leg is positioned over the force plate. * Repeat all of this for the insoles at the other two angles.
Lower extremity biomechanics plays a significant role in the balance of joint loads and muscle activation patterns during walking. Lateral wedge insoles are an orthotic intervention designed to both correct foot-ankle alignment and alter load distribution in the frontal plane at the knee joint. However, findings regarding the effects of these insoles on lower extremity kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activation patterns in healthy individuals are limited. The aim of this study is to investigate the acute effects of using lateral wedge insoles on knee adduction moment, lower extremity biomechanics, and muscle activation levels in healthy individuals. The study will utilize a three-dimensional motion analysis system, a force platform, and surface electromyography (EMG). Participants will undergo walking and running tests under three different conditions in a randomized order: a 0° neutral insole, a 5° inclined lateral wedge insole, and a 10° inclined lateral wedge insole. The data obtained aim to elucidate changes in mechanical loading and muscle activation associated with lateral wedge insoles, thereby strengthening the biomechanical foundations of design principles in insole prescription. Additionally, the reference data obtained from healthy individuals may provide a scientific basis for personalized insole design and rehabilitation protocols applicable to conditions such as knee osteoarthritis in future stages.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
30
Qualysis optoelectronic motion capture system (Gothenburg, Sweden) with 8 high-speed cameras will be used to record kinematic data at 2000 Hz. 32 reflective markers will be placed on anatomical landmarks. For the walking test, the participant will be asked to walk on a treadmill at a speed of 4 km/h on a 0° incline for 1 minute. For the running test, the participant will be asked to run at a speed of 8 km/h on a 0° incline for 1 minute. During walk and run, the following parameters will be measured and recorded using this gait analysis system: changes in tibial rotation, the degree of anterior-posterior and lateral pelvic tilt, pelvic height, pelvic rotation, changes in range of motion at the knee, hip, and ankle joints, and changes in the dynamic Q angle.
An integrated force plate device (BERTEC FP4060, ABD) will be used to measure ground reaction forces (GRF) at 1200Hz to calculate joint moments through inverse dynamics. The knee adduction moment will be calculated in Newton-meters (Nm) as the product of the GRF's horizontal force and the length of the moment arm. The highest value of the knee adduction moment during walking will be recorded as the 'peak knee adduction moment' (pKAM).
The study will evaluate how EMG values change during walking and running protocols when the participant uses insoles. The Noraxon Ultium EMG (Noraxon, USA) device will be used for this purpose. The selection, localization, and application method of the electrodes to be used in surface EMG will be carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the Surface EMG for Non-invasive Muscle Assessment (SENIAM) guidelines. For EMG, wireless surface electrodes will be placed on the semimembranosus, biceps femoris, rectus femoris, lateral head of the gastrocnemius, soleus, tibialis anterior, erector spinae, and multifidus muscles at the L5 level on the dominant side. Participants will be fitted with 1 cm wide Ag/AgCl EMG/ECG electrodes. The activation values of these muscles will be recorded as mV values using the SEMG method.
Laboratories of the Center for Applied Sports Sciences and Research
Erzurum, Yakutiye, Turkey (Türkiye)
Laboratories of the Center for Applied Sports Sciences and Research
Erzurum, Yakutiye, Turkey (Türkiye)
Peak External Knee Adduction Moment (Peak KAM)
The peak external knee adduction moment in the frontal plane will be calculated during walking. Kinematic data will be captured using a 3D motion analysis system, and kinetic data will be obtained via integrated force plates. The peak value will be extracted using inverse dynamics software. Unit of Measure: Nm/kg.
Time frame: İmmediately after the intervention (In every insole intervention)
Lower Extremity Joint Kinematics
Joint kinematics and surface electromyography (sEMG) will be recorded simultaneously to assess the dynamic changes during walking and running. A 3D motion analysis system will capture the peak angular displacements and total range of motion (ROM) of the ankle (e.g., inversion/eversion), knee (e.g., flexion/extension, varus/valgus, tibial rotation), hip joints ( e.g., internal/external rotation) and pelvic movements (e.g., pelvic tilt) in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes.
Time frame: İmmediately after the intervention (In every insole intervention)
Muscle Activation
In conjunction with joint kinematic measurements, a wireless sEMG system will be used to record peak muscle activation in the semimembranosus, biceps femoris, rectus femoris, lateral head of the gastrocnemius, soleus, tibialis anterior, erector spinae, and multifidus muscles (at the L5 level). Unit of Measure: Degrees for joint angles, and Percentage of MVIC (%MVIC) for muscle activation.
Time frame: İmmediately after the intervention (In every insole intervention)
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