Efficacy of Vibro-Medical Foot Orthoses on Gait, Postural Control, and Muscle Activity in Physically Active Young Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

IntroductionYoung participants engage in various motor tasks relying on sensory signals from the foot sole. Utilizing vibro-medical foot orthoses presents a potential strategy to enhance somatosensory input from the nerve endings. Our systematic review aimed to assess the effects of vibro-medical foot orthoses on gait, postural control, and lower limb muscle activity in physically active young individuals. MethodsArticles focusing on the purpose of this study were retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, PEDro, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and ClinicalKey. We used the Physiotherapy Evidence Database checklist to evaluate the included studies. Data extraction encompassed population, intervention, and outcome characteristics. A narrative synthesis of all data elements was performed and was also discussed in the form of text. ResultsIn our initial search, 183 articles were identified. Following the PRISMA flowchart steps, 10 articles met the predefined inclusion criteria. It was observed that vibro-medical foot orthoses have the potential to enhance stride width variability, stride length long-range correlation, and interval. Moreover, these interventions were associated with a reduction in toe clearance variability, mean absolute deviation of stride interval, and foot trajectory. Center of pressure path, area, velocity, and hexagonal agility completion time showed a decrease, while vertical jump height exhibited an increase. Additionally, changes were observed in the electromyography of the rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, lateral gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles. ConclusionsVibro-medical foot orthoses may improve gait (spatiotemporal and kinematic variables), postural control (center of pressure sway and agility variables), and muscle activity (electromyography of the rectus femoris and extrinsic foot muscles) in physically active young subjects. Clinical RelevanceThe Vibro-medical foot orthoses have the potential to enhance the motor output of young individuals and can probably be used as a means of preventing musculoskeletal injuries in active young people.