Effectiveness of valgus insole on pain, gait parameters and physiological cost index of walking in flat feet in 5–15 years

This clinical trial was carried out to find the prevalence of flat feet in 5–15 years children and to compare the effect of valgus insole on the pain, gait parameters and PCI in flat feet children.

80 children with flat feet were included in the study.

All subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups after screening for flat feet- an experimental group which received a valgus insole and a control group without a valgus insole. Both groups were assessed for pain, gait parameters and physiological cost index of walking before and after the use of valgus insole. The primary outcome measures were pain and PCI with gait parameters being secondary outcome measure.

The characteristics of and outcome measurements for the subjects in the 2 groups were similar at baseline. Significant improvements were found in pain and PCI in experimental group with no significant change in gait parameters.

The result of this study support the use of valgus insole in children with flat feet as it helps reduce the pain and improve PCI.