Influence of arch support heights on the internal foot mechanics of flatfoot during walking: A muscle-driven finite element analysis

Different arch support heights of the customized foot orthosis could produce different effects on internal biomechanics foot. However, quantitative evidence is scarce. Therefore, we aimed to investigate and quantify influence during walking stance. We reconstructed a finite element model from volunteer with flexible flatfoot. The enabled three-dimensional representation plantar fascia its interactions surrounding osteotendinous structures. walked in (low, neutral, high). Muscle forces gaits were calculated by multibody used drive model. contact pressures strains regions compared among insole conditions at first second vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) peak VGRF valley instants. results indicated that decreased balanced standing as height increased. midfoot increased all simulated Meanwhile, high loading 5%–15.4% proximal but middle distal regions. Although generally decrease pressure loading, excessive may induce loadings central portion fascia. consideration fascia-soft tissue interaction modeling improve prediction towards design optimization for orthoses. • Muscle-driven flatfoot orthosis. Featuring interacting bulk soft tissue. Internal mechanics reported. Increasing strain. Excessive elevated loading.