Comparison of plantar pressure variables during walking with and without immediate use of textured insoles in blind subjects

Background: Efficient walking requires the interaction of the three sensory systems for a good maintenance of the balance. In blind people, lack of visual input can harm for walking mechanics. The aim of this study was to compare plantar pressure variables during walking with and without immediate use of textured insoles in blind subjects.

Methods: The design of the present study was self-controlled study. 12 blind men (age: 29.66±4.39 years) volunteered to participate in this study. A foot scan system (sampling rate: 300 Hz) was used for measuring plantar pressure variables during walking with and without textured insoles. Paired sample t-test was used for statistical analysis. Alpha level was set at p< 0.05.

Results: Stance time duration did not show any significant difference between both walking with and without insole conditions (p>0.05). Results demonstrated that the medio-lateral displacement of the center of pressure during walking with insoles was lower than that walking without insoles by 35.51% (p= 0.001). First metatarsal peak plantar pressure and force during walking with insoles decreased by 25.69% (p= 0.020) and 64.30% (p= 0.004), respectively. While, peak plantar pressure in second and third metatarsals during walking with insoles increased by 20.03% (p= 0.041) and 28.9% (p= 0.023), respectively. Also, peak force in second metatarsal during walking with insoles was greater than that during walking without insoles by 19.70% (p= 0.010).

Conclusion: Textured insoles improved medio-lateral postural control during walking. Therefore, it could be recommended for blind individuals. However, further study is warranted.