Effects of laterally wedged insoles on static balance in patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis

Background Patients with knee OA usually present with major involvement in the medial compartment characterized by joint inflammation, loss of cartilage and joint space and experience increased loads across this compartment. These contribute to pain, changes in muscle control and may interfere with balance and postural control [1,2]. Laterally wedged insoles or footwear components have been used in different forms to alter the knee adduction moments that are associated with knee pain and progression of knee OA. They have generally been shown to have immediate beneficial effects on knee loading, pain and physical performance during walking and stair climbing [3,4]. The effects on standing balance and posture control have not been reported, nor have different designs of lateral wedge components (insole vs. shoe sole modification) been compared. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of four different designs of lateral wedges on static balance in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods 18 patients (age 59.6 ± 5.8 years) with painful knee OA confirmed by an orthopaedic surgeon were recruited. Static balance was assessed using a force plate (AMTI, 1000 Hz) during 60s double leg standing. Movement of the center-of-pressure (COP) was measured under five shod randomised conditions: (1) no wedge; (2) 8.5 ° lateral heel wedge (inside shoe); (3) 8.5 ° lateral heel and forefoot wedge (inside shoe); (4) 8.5 ° lateral heel wedge (shoe sole); (5) 8.5 ° lateral heel and forefoot wedge (shoe sole). Balance control was quantified using the amplitude and velocity of centre of pressure (COP) data in the middle 20s. The results were statistically analyzed using the nonparametric Fridman test followed by Wilcoxon Signed Rank.