Pilot study demonstrating that sole mechanosensitivity can be affected by insole use

Insoles are known to alter plantar loads and thus plantar sensory input. We therefore hypothesised that plantar somatosensory sensation could be modified over time by use of hard metatarsal pads. A sample of 12 healthy female participants was randomly allocated to either soft metatarsal pads (n = 6, latex foam, Shore A11) or hard metatarsal pads groups (n = 6, thermoplastic, ShoreA65). All wore the same shoe type and pedometers measured daily activities. Using a bespoke actuated device, multiple mechanical stimuli were applied to the forefoot and rearfoot before and after 8 and 30 days of wearing the pads. A control test comprised estimation of multiple auditory sensations at day 0, 8 and 30. Changes in detection of the mechanical and sound stimuli were estimated using the Stevens power function, Ψ = k × Φn (estimate = Ψ; stimulus = Φ). The k coefficient measured the sensitivity, i.e. the lowest detectable load/sound, and the n coefficient the gain in perception over time. After 30 days, hard metatarsal pads group had increased plantar sensitivity in the forefoot but not the rearfoot. The soft metatarsal pads group showed no changes in plantar sensitivity and the detection of auditory sensation remained stable over the 30 days.Metatarsal pads with relatively high hardness increased the perception of the lowest mechanical stimulus in the forefoot compared to soft metatarsal pads. This provides initial evidence of the potential for changes in plantar somatosensory sensation due to choice of orthotic designs in patients with foot-related problems