The Effects of Arch Support Insole on Ground Reaction Force, Impulse and Loading Rate during Double- Leg Landing

The amount and distribution of ground reaction force during landing are linked with risk factor of the injuries related to lower limb joints. Insole may alter the amount of these forces. The objectives of this study were to analyze the effects of insole on GRF and their time-to peak of each reaction force, impulse, and loading rate during landing in normal individuals.
Thirteen healthy male subjects with mean age, mass and height of (21.9±1.6 years), (67.1±12.6 kg), and (175.3±4.9 cm), respectively, participated in this study. Using a Kistler force plates (1000Hz), GRF during landing with and without shoe insole were measured. Then, maximum GRF and their related time-to-peak, impulse and loading rate were obtained. Repeated measure ANOVA was used to analyze the data (α=0.05).
Wearing insole decreased the peak vertical GRF on heel contact of body weight (P=0.006), the loading rate (P=0.01), and the vertical impulse (P=0.0032).
Reduction of the vertical GRF and loading rate by means of insole may reduce the risk of lower extremity injuries due to impulse during landing.