The biomechanical effects of 3D printed and traditionally made foot orthoses in individuals with unilateral plantar fasciopathy and flat feet

• Published in: Gait & posture Vol. 96; pp. 257 - 264
• Main Authors: Ho, Malia, Nguyen, Julie, Heales, Luke, Stanton, Robert, Kong, Pui W., Kean, Crystal
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier B.V 01.07.2022
• Subjects: 3D motion analyses; 3D-printed; Biomechanical Phenomena; Biomechanics; Fasciitis, Plantar; Flatfoot; Foot Orthoses; Gait; Heel pain; Humans; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Shoes; Walking; Biomechanics; 3D-printed; Walking; Gait; 3D motion analyses; Foot orthoses; Heel pain
• ISSN: 0966-6362; 1879-2219
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2022.06.006

Foot orthoses (FOs) are used to manage foot pathologies such as plantar fasciopathy. 3D printed custom-made FOs are increasingly being manufactured. Although these 3D-printed FOs look like traditionally heat-moulded FOs, there are few studies comparing FOs made using these two different manufacturing processes. How effective are 3D-printed FOs (3D-Print) compared to traditionally-made (Traditional) or no FOs (Control), in changing biomechanical parameters of flat-footed individuals with unilateral plantar fasciopathy? Thirteen participants with unilateral plantar fasciopathy walked with shoes under three conditions: Control, 3D-print, and Traditional. 2 × 3 repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVAs) with Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used to compare discrete kinematic and kinetic variables between limbs and conditions. Waveform analyses were also conducted using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). There was a significant condition main effect for arch height drop (p = 0.01; ηp2 =0.54). There was 0.87 mm (95% CI [−1.84, −0.20]) less arch height drop in 3D-print compared to Traditional. The SPM analyses revealed condition main effects on ankle moment (p < 0.001) and ankle power (p < 0.001). There were significant differences between control condition and both 3D-print and Traditional conditions. For ankle moment and power, there were no differences between 3D-print and Traditional conditions. 3D-printed FOs are more effective in reducing arch height drop, whist both FOs lowered ankle plantarflexion moment and power compared to no FOs. The results support the use of 3D-printed FOs as being equally effective as traditionally-made FOs in changing lower limb biomechanics for a population of flat-footed individuals with unilateral plantar fasciopathy. •3D-printed foot orthoses are effective in reducing arch height drop.•Traditionally-made foot orthoses lowered ankle power generation.•Both foot orthoses improved ankle plantarflexion moments symmetry.•Both orthoses are suitable for individuals with unilateral plantar fasciopathy.