Textured Insoles to Restore Sensorimotor Function in Patients With Plantar Fasciopathy
Jennifer Xu
Summary
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.
Description
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…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of plantar fasciopathy for at least 3 months * Able to walk continuously at a self-selected pace for at least 20 minutes * Able and willing to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Concomitant lower extremity injury (example fracture) * History of lower extremity injury within the previous 6 months * History of hip, knee, or ankle surgery involving bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, or cartilage. * Any condition other than plantar fasciopathy that affects balance or plantar cutaneous sensation. * Neurological deficits, vestibular disorders, visual di…
Interventions
- OtherTextured Insole
A textured shoe insole designed to provide plantar sensory stimulation by increasing cutaneous input to the foot during standing and walking.
- OtherSmooth Insole
A smooth shoe insole without surface texture used as a control device for comparison with the textured insole.
Location
- University of Kentucky - Sports Medicine Research InstituteLexington, Kentucky