Insole testing (biomechanics and pain rating)

Insoles are commonly used to improve foot function, alleviate pain, and enhance comfort. Understanding their impact on lower limb biomechanics, foot pressure distribution, and self-reported pain and comfort is crucial for optimizing their design and application.

The aim of the study

To assess how insoles affect lower limb biomechanics, foot pressure, and self-reported pain and comfort.

Participation

You are invited to participate in this research study that includes two laboratory testing sessions of one hour each plus wearing an insole for 5 weeks and reporting each of those weeks for 5 minutes.

We will collect some basic information about you, such as your age, height, weight, any clinical conditions you have, and your level of physical activity. During the lab visits, you will undergo several tests, including walking for 10 steps, foot pressure measurement, pain assessment, your standing posture, a scan of your feet, and a comfort evaluation. You can also participate in an additional 3D biomechanics test, which involves walking with markers on the shoes and your lower limbs. Initially, you will complete a set of tests (S1), then you will wear an insole for five weeks, followed by a second set of tests (S2). Throughout the five weeks, you will self-report your pain levels and physical activity each week. This process helps us understand how the insole affects your movement and comfort over time.

Each participant will receive a koha of $20 voucher for each of the pre- and post- in clinic tests (ie, $40 for the study). In addition, there is a prize draw for 20 pairs of Asics shoes for those who complete the 5-week intervention and post-testing session. Each participant gets to keep the pair of insoles from the intervention and the socks used in lab testing.

More details

• Participant information sheet
• Participant consent form

If you would like to participate

Please contact Research Officer Juno Barnett Collins
Phone: 021 028 43954
Email: insole@aut.ac.nz 

Ethics

• Approving committee
  Health and Disability Ethics Committee September 2024; HDEC Reference number HDEC #2024 FULL 21021
• Institutional approval
  Auckland University of Technology Ethics Committee September 2024; AUTEC Reference number AUTEC #24/255.

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