Abstract
Background the aim of the present study was to assess plantar pressure distribution and musculoskeletal symptoms following the use of customized insoles among female assembly line workers.
Methods twenty-nine female assembly line workers (age: 29.76 ± 5.79 years; weight: 63.79 ± 12.11 kg) with musculoskeletal symptoms and who work predominantly while standing participated in the study. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was administered for the sample selection. Plantar pressure was determined using a computerized plantar pressure feedback system. A control group (13 individuals) used ethylvinylacetate insoles (Podally) that were individually heat-molded and heat-glued. The intervention group (14 individuals) also used the insoles and a strip of the same material was added to the site of greatest plantar pressure, as determined by the electronic feedback device. After five weeks, the plantar pressure data were collected again and the questionnaire was administered second time.
Results there was no significant difference between groups with regard to pain in any anatomic site. Within each group, however, the lumbar region exhibited a reduction in symptoms in the intervention group (p<0.05) and the feet exhibited a reduction in symptoms in both groups (p<0.05). Mean plantar pressure increased and plantar surface decreased in the intervention group (p<0.05).
Conclusions insoles increased the feet comfort in both groups and added strip did not either significantly modified the plantar pressure or the other symptoms in female workers.
- Received June 29, 2015.
- Revision received January 11, 2016.
- Accepted February 19, 2016.
