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Journal of Foot and Ankle Research
Published in: Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research

Effect of knee unloading shoes on regional plantar forces in people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis – an exploratory study

Authors: Joyce A. C. van Tunen, Kade L. Paterson, Tim V. Wrigley, Ben R. Metcalf, Jonas B. Thorlund, Rana S. Hinman

Published in: Journal of Foot and Ankle Research | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Knee ‘unloading’ footwear can reduce the external knee adduction moment in people with knee osteoarthritis, yet effects of these shoes on regional plantar forces are unknown. We evaluated the effects of unloading shoes on in-shoe regional plantar forces, and whether measures of foot posture and/or mobility moderate these effects in people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

In this exploratory study 21 participants underwent testing while wearing knee unloading shoes (ASICS GEL-Melbourne OA) and conventional shoes in random order. Peak total forces were compared across conditions for: lateral heel, medial heel, lateral forefoot, and medial forefoot. Arch index, centre of pressure position and medial-lateral heel peak force ratio were also evaluated. Foot posture, foot mobility magnitude and navicular drop were separately added to the mixed linear model to investigate if these modified the effect of footwear on outcomes.

Results

Unloading shoes significantly increased lateral heel and lateral forefoot force (12.9 and 20.2% respectively, all P < 0.001), with concurrent decreases in the medial heel (8.9%, P = 0.001) and medial forefoot (9.9%, P = 0.005). Unloading shoes significantly shifted the centre of pressure anteriorly (4.7%, P < 0.001) and laterally (5.6%, P = 0.034), but did not affect the arch index (8.7%, P = 0.093). Foot posture, foot mobility magnitude and navicular drop did not moderate the effect of footwear on outcomes.

Conclusion

Compared to conventional shoes, unloading shoes caused a lateral shift in foot pressure and force patterns. Although these effects were not moderated by foot posture, FMM or navicular drop, variability in the individual increases in lateral heel force suggests participant characteristics other than foot posture may play a role.

Trial registration

ACTRN12613000851​763. Registered 02 August 2013.
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Metadata
Title
Effect of knee unloading shoes on regional plantar forces in people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis – an exploratory study
Authors
Joyce A. C. van Tunen
Kade L. Paterson
Tim V. Wrigley
Ben R. Metcalf
Jonas B. Thorlund
Rana S. Hinman
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1757-1146
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13047-018-0278-x

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