The effect of medial longitudinal arch height and medial longitudinal arch-support insoles on postural balance in perimenopausal women

Abstract

Background and aim: In the perimenopausal period, changes in balance and postural control have been reported. We aimed to invastigate the effect of medial longitudinal arch height and medial arch-support insoles on postural sway and balance in middle aged women in perimenopausal period. Materials and Methods: 29 women with normal arches and 29 women with low arches were included in the study. Foot arch of the participants was determined by "arch height index". The static balance index (SBI) measured by Kinesthetic Ability Trainer 3000 and Functional Reach Test were used to evaluate postural balance. Measurements were obtained from all participants with and without medial arch-support insoles. Results: The SBI-total scores without the insoles were found to be significantly higher in the lower arch group than the normal arch group. SBI-total, SBI-anteroposterior, and SBI-mediolateral scores significantly improved in the low arch group in the presence of insoles, whereas the usage of insoles resulted in no difference in the normal arch group. In the presence of insoles, the reach distances to left and right sides increased in both groups, while the forward functional reach distances decreased. Conclusion: Medial longitudinal arch height and medial arch-support insoles affect the balance parameters in perimenopausal women.