Background
Although structural leg length discrepancy is a physical problem that affects all populations, its measurement and correction is difficult.
Objectives
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of using a shoe insert for correcting mild structural leg length discrepancy on frontal and transverse plane spino-pelvic alignment and dynamic balance.
Study design
Pre-test post-test control group design (randomized controlled study).
Methods
Thirty one patients with structural discrepancies of 5–20 mm were randomly divided into two groups, those who used a shoe insert (group(A)) and those who formed a control group (group(B)). Their mean age, mass, and height were 31.5 ± 10y, 77.8 ± 10.4 kg, and 1.69 ± 0.08 m respectively. Spino-pelvic alignment measures (pelvic tilt, pelvic torsion, surface rotation, and lateral deviation) were assessed using rasterstereography, while dynamic balance was assessed using Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Patients were assessed pre- and post-intervention over the eight-week study duration.
Results
Mixed Design MANOVA showed significant decreases in the mean values of all spino-pelvic alignment measures and significant increases in the mean (SEBT) scores with insert use (p < 0.01) in group(A) with opposite results being reported for group(B). In addition, group(A) showed significant decreases in all spino-pelvic alignment measures and significant increases in the balance test scores when compared with group(B) eight weeks post insert use (p < 0.01).
Conclusions
Using shoe insole for leg length discrepancy correction appears to assist in improving postural symmetry and dynamic balance. (Clinical trial registry www.pactr.org number PACTR201611001888975).
Implications for practice
•Insert use for LLD correction may assist with improving spinal alignment.
•Insert use for LLD correction may assist with improving pelvic alignment.
•Insert use for LLD correction may assist with improving dynamic balance.
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