Effect of cast and noncast foot orthoses on plantar pressure and force during normal gait

A variety of plantar pressure and force measures were explored in 22 health y individuals with excessive pronation. The measures were obtained while th e subjects wore a thin-soled athletic shoe alone, a modified Root foot orth osis made from a neutral cast, and a flat noncast insole with a 6 degrees v arus rearfoot post. The data obtained from subjects wearing the noncast ins ole differed only minimally from those obtained while they were wearing the shoe only. In contrast, the modified Root orthosis had a profound effect o n foot function. Heel forces and pressures were reduced, and the rearfoot c ontact area was increased. Measures of force in the midfoot demonstrated su bstantial increases in load in this region, but the increase in area associ ated with the contoured device resulted in no increase in midfoot pressure measurements. Forefoot pressures were reduced both medially and laterally w ith the cast device in place.