Evaluating insole design with joint motion, plantar pressure and rating of perceived exertion measures

This study compared a newly-designed insole with two commercially available insoles. The response measures included joint motion, plantar pressure and rating of perceived exertion. Thirty healthy female students were paid to participate in this study. The results showed that significant differences among the three insoles were found in plantar pressure and rating of perceived exertion. There were no significant differences among three different insoles in join motion measures. When wearing the newly-designed insole, the plantar pressure under heel area would transfer to midfoot area, and resulted in lower subjective discomfort ratings in midfoot and heel areas. The barefoot condition showed the worst performances in most of the response measures. The findings of this study provide very useful information for ergonomic insole design.