This study will evaluate the immediate effects of wearing textured insoles on gait, postural control, and sensorimotor function in adults with plantar fasciopathy. Researchers will compare functional performance while participants wear textured insoles to determine whether this intervention may improve stability, movement and future studies of longer-term treatment.
Plantar fasciopathy is a common condition that causes heel pain and is associated with impaired sensorimotor function, altered gait, reduced balance and decreased physical function. Current treatments primarily target symptom relief and do not directly address sensorimotor impairments. Textured insoles provide sensory stimulation to the plantar surface of the foot and may improve balance, gait mechanics and functional performance by enhancing plantar cutaneous input. This study will investigate the acute effects of textured insoles on gait, postural control and sensorimotor function in adults with plantar fasciopathy. Results will provide preliminary evidence regarding the feasibility and potential effectiveness of textured insoles as a treatment strategy and inform future studies evaluating longer-term outcomes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
26
A textured shoe insole designed to provide plantar sensory stimulation by increasing cutaneous input to the foot during standing and walking.
A smooth shoe insole without surface texture used as a control device for comparison with the textured insole.
University of Kentucky - Sports Medicine Research Institute
Lexington, Kentucky, United States
Change in Postural Control
Postural control will be assessed while participants complete standardized balance testing under each study condition. Performance will be compared between the textured insole and smooth insole conditions to evaluate the acute effects of textured insoles on postural control.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately following completion of each intervention condition during the study visit
Change in Gait Characteristics
Gait characteristics will be assessed during walking trials under each study condition and compared between the textured and smooth insole conditions.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately following completion of each intervention condition during the study visit.
Change in Plantar Sensation
Plantar sensation will be assessed with the Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. The detection threshold will be the lightest weight monofilament (grams of force (gf)) that can be perceived by the participant. Lower values indicate better plantar sensation.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately following completion of each intervention condition during the study visit.
Change in Pressure-Pain Threshold
Pressure-pain threshold will be assessed with an algometer. The pressure-pain threshold will be measured in kg/cm2. Higher values indicate better pressure-pain threshold.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately following completion of each intervention condition during the study visit.
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