Background: Semi-custom foot orthoses (SCO) are thought to be a cost-effective alternative to custom-made\r\ndevices. However, previous biomechanical research involving either custom or SCO has only focused on rearfoot\r\nbiomechanics. The purpose of this study was therefore to determine changes in multi-segment foot biomechanics\r\nduring shod walking with and without an SCO. We chose to investigate an SCO device that incorporates a heatmoulding\r\nprocess, to further understand if the moulding process would significantly alter rearfoot, midfoot, or\r\nshank kinematics as compared to a no-orthotic condition. We hypothesized the SCO, whether moulded or nonmoulded,\r\nwould reduce peak rearfoot eversion, tibial internal rotation, arch deformation, and plantar fascia strain as\r\ncompared to the no-orthoses condition.\r\nMethods: Twenty participants had retroreflective markers placed on the right limb to represent forefoot, midfoot,\r\nrearfoot and shank segments. 3D kinematics were recorded using an 8-camera motion capture system while\r\nparticipants walked on a treadmill.\r\nResults: Plantar fascia strain was reduced by 34% when participants walked in either the moulded or nonmoulded\r\nSCO condition compared to no-orthoses. However, there were no significant differences in peak rearfoot\r\neversion, tibial internal rotation, or medial longitudinal arch angles between any conditions.\r\nConclusions: A semi-custom moulded orthotic does not control rearfoot, shank, or arch deformation but does,\r\nhowever, reduce plantar fascia strain compared to walking without an orthoses. Heat-moulding the orthotic device\r\ndoes not have a measurable effect on any biomechanical variables compared to the non-moulded condition.\r\nThese data may, in part, help explain the clinical efficacy of orthotic devices
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