Influence of custom foot orthoses on venous status: A quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Background Customized foot orthoses (CFO) have been widely accepted to reduce the frequency of foot problems and postural disorders. The purpose of the research was to compare the influence of CFO utilization on the venous status among healthy females and males.

Methods This was a quasi-experimental study (NCT03329430), which included 20 healthy subjects that completed all the stages of the process. The subjects showed an age mean of 20.00 ± 1.62 years and were recruited in a foot and ankle specialist center. Self-reported data were medical records and venous function which were evaluated by plethysmography with or without utilization of CFO.

Results A sample of 40 feet was studied, showing statistically significant differences between venous filling time (P < 0.001) and in the ejection fraction (P < 0.001) with CFO utilization versus without use of CFO.

Conclusions Healthy people who utilize CFO evidenced an increased venous return in the feet.