This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Percy, M. L. Articles by Menz, H. B. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Percy, M. L. Articles by Menz, H. B.

Effects of Prefabricated Foot Orthoses and Soft Insoles on Postural Stability in Professional Soccer Players

Matthew L. Percy, BAppScPod(Hons)^* and Hylton B. Menz, BPod(Hons)

^* Private practice, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 1300, Australia.
Associate Lecturer, School of Exercise and Health Sciences, Campbelltown Campus, Bld 24, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith DC, New South Wales 1797, Australia.

Abstract

Postural stability is an important component of skilled athletic activity. However, the effects of foot orthoses on stability have not been adequately addressed. This study measured postural sway in 30 asymptomatic professional soccer players in three standing positions and four underfoot conditions. The results revealed that the underfoot condition had no significant effect on sway in the mediolateral or anteroposterior planes; however, there was a trend toward less mediolateral sway when subjects stood in a unipedal position with prefabricated orthoses. These results suggest that insoles and foot orthoses have no significant beneficial or detrimental effects on postural stability in asymptomatic subjects. Clinically, this suggests that no improvements in balance performance could be expected with prophylactic use of insoles or orthoses but that clinicians may prescribe insoles and foot orthoses without fear of impairing postural performance in elite athletes. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 91(4): 194-202, 2001)

This article has been cited by other articles:

				D. H. Richie Jr. Effects of Foot Orthoses on Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability J Am Podiatr Med Assoc, January 1, 2007; 97(1): 19 - 30. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				K Rome and C L Brown Randomized clinical trial into the impact of rigid foot orthoses on balance parameters in excessively pronated feet Clinical Rehabilitation, June 1, 2004; 18(6): 624 - 630. [Abstract] [PDF]