Effect of 3D printed insoles for people with flatfeet: A systematic review. Issue 2 (4th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Daryabor, Aliyeh; Kobayashi, Toshiki; Saeedi, Hassan; Lyons, Samuel M.; Maeda, Noriaki; Naimi, Sedigheh Sadat
• Is Part Of: Assistive technology. Volume 35:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 169
• Page End: 179
• Publication Date: 2023-03-04
• Subjects: 3D foot scanner -- Custom-made 3D-printed insole -- Customized 3D-printed insoles -- Flatfeet -- Foot orthoses -- Gait -- Pes planus; Self-help devices for people with disabilities -- Periodicals; Medicine, Physical -- Equipment and supplies -- Periodicals; Rehabilitation -- Equipment and supplies -- Periodicals; Biomedical Engineering -- instrumentation -- Periodicals; 617.03305
• DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2022.2105438
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-0435

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This systematic review aimed to evaluate custom-made 3D printed insoles for people with flatfeet. PubMed, Embase, ISI web of knowledge, ProQuest, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, were searched from inception until January 2022. The quality assessment of included studies was performed through the Downs and Black checklist. A narrative analysis was performed since a meta-analysis could not be conducted. Ten studies including 225 subjects with flexible flatfeet were chosen for final evaluation. Although the evidence from selected literature was generally weak, using insoles with 3D printing technology may positively affect pain (comfort score) and foot function, with no significant change in vertical loading rate during walking or running. There were discrepancies among studies for plantar pressures, center of pressure trajectories, 3D ankle joint kinematics and kinetics of gait while wearing these insoles. Dose-response effects of medial posting on 3D printed insoles suggested beneficial effects on lower limb gait biomechanics in people with flatfeet. There was insufficient evidence to conclude the comparison between 3D printed insoles and other types of insoles. In conclusion, using a 3D printed insole may improve comfort score and foot function in people with flatfeet.