Effects of wearing functional foot orthotic on pelvic angle among college students in their 20s with flatfoot

Abstract

[Purpose] This study examined the impact of wearing a functional foot orthotic on the pelvic angle of young adults who have flatfoot. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 15 college students diagnosed with flatfoot were included in the study. Changes in the pelvic angle in the stance period during walking before and after orthotic use were measured using a VICON Motion System (VICON, Hansung, Korea). The data were analyzed using SPSS 12.0 for Windows. [Results] In the experimental group, the pelvic angle during the mid-stance and mid-swing periods of the gait cycle significantly decreased on the left and right sides after wearing the orthotic, compared to the measurements taken before orthotic usage. The pelvic angle change on the left and right sides also decreased after wearing the orthotic, though this difference was not significant. [Conclusion] The pelvic angle of college students with flatfoot decreased after they wore orthotics. This implies that wearing orthotic shoes can greatly benefit individuals during normal walking by promoting passive changes that decrease the pelvic angle.