Biomechanics and Motion Analysis

Foot Mechanics of a Supination Control Orthotic

Principal Investigator: Kenton R. Kaufman, Ph.D.
Co-Investigator: Steven J. Kavros, D.P.M.
Collaborator: John Hagy
Funding Source: Hickory Brands, Inc.

A new orthotic insole has come onto the market. The patent states that it is designed as a corrective foot insole for sufferers of an uncompensated forefoot varus, more commonly known as a flexible flat foot. This study was designed to assess the function of this orthotic. Twelve subjects were studied under four foot conditions and two speeds (walking and running). The four foot conditions that were studied are:

1. Barefoot
2. shod without insole
3. shod with a generic arch support insole and
4. shod with the Flat Foot Insole™ Motion Control Insole

Thus, altogether, eight conditions (two speeds and four foot conditions) were collected for each research participant. A custom biomechanical model of the foot was used to study the research participants. Plantar foot pressure measurements were also collected. The key outcome parameters of interest were hindfoot and forefoot inversion/eversion, forefoot plantar flexion and the center of pressure excursion index.