Proprioceptive effects on gait with mechanical stimulation with an Internal and External Heel Wedge

NewsBot · Aug 24, 2020

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Proprioceptive effects on gait and postural stability through mechanical stimulation with an Internal and External Heel Wedge: An interventional single-arm study
Alessandria Marco, Gollin Massimiliano
J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2020 Jul;24(3):195-201

Background: Previous studies have shown that the stimulation of the foot sole can provide important information about the body's position and locomotion. However, these studies do not clarify how the position of the mechanical stimulation on the foot sole affects the gait cycle.

Aims: This interventional single-arm study aims to verify if the insertion of an Internal Heel Wedge (IHW) and External Heel Wedge (EHW) can modify the stabilometric and podobarometric variables, the functional changes during the gait cycle, the different responses between the dominating lower limb and the non-dominating lower limb, and the potential temporal summations of the proprioceptive stimulation.

Method: Twenty-three healthy subjects (age 31 ± 5 years; weight 62 ± 1 kg; height 168±6 cm), with a right dominating lower limb, were recruited. The IHW and EHW were created out of half-moon-shaped cork pieces having a 1.5 mm thickness, 6 cm length and 3 cm height. The sequence of tests foresaw trials without IHW or EHW (Baseline), trials with IHW or EHW (Acute), trials after an adaptation period of 15 min on a treadmill with IHW or EHW (after 15').

Results: Data showed statistically significant variations in the Step Rate, Duration of the cycle of the left step and Single Right Support phase for the IHW, Duration Single Right support and Single Left Support phase for the EHW.

Conclusion: Data showed that a thin proprioceptive stimulation of the plantar arch was enough to induce changes in the gait cycle and that, upon changing the position of the proprioceptive stimulation, the functional response of the feet was inverted. These results can help health professionals provide a correct interpretation of the clinical data during follow-ups, avoiding undesirable and harmful effects on the patients' recovery.
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Brian A. Rothbart · Aug 31, 2020

Placing any geometry underneath the feet will change the proprioceptive signals sent to the cerebellum. This in turn, will alter the posture (potentially for the worse).

At this point in time, enough data has been accumulated and published on, that the link between Postural Distortions and the development of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain is acquiring greater and greater recognition.

What may not be so widely recognized is the link between postural distortions and visceral dysfunctions. This link has not been well received on this forum (just check the comments on my prior posts). However, I believe the future of Podiatry will evolve into general medicine issues, as the link between foot function and general health is more fully understood.

Just food for thought.

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Brian A. Rothbart Well-Known Member

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