The effect of foot orthotics on biomechanics of lower limbs, pelvis and trunk during single legged squats of individuals with and without patellofemoral pain

Abstract

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a knee disorder with multifactorial characteristics which proximal, focal and distal factors to knee could influence its development and/or course. The most important distal alteration presented by PFP individuals is related to rearfoot eversion motion. Therefore, in order to avoid excessive movement of rearfoot eversion, foot orthoses have been used to PFP treatment. However, little has been explored about the possible effects of foot orthoses on the biomechanical dysfunctions of PFP individuals. Thereby, our purpose is to verify the immediate effects of the foot orthoses on biomechanics of lower limbs, pelvis and trunk during a single-leg squat of individuals with PFP and healthy people by a randomized clinical trial. All participants will perform a single-leg squat with both anti-pronating foot orthoses and shoes alone. Kinematics and muscle activation will be evaluated during single-leg squat by Vicon 3D motion analysis system and surface electromyography. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) linear mixed models will be used to compare the effect of foot orthoses between groups and conditions. An alpha level of 5% will be used for all statistical tests. (AU)