Review Article
Year: 2020 | Month: July | Volume: 10 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 132-138
The Influence of Foot Orthotic Interventions on Workplace Ergonomics
Umang Parashar1, Sarah Khalid1, Yashika Kumar2
1Student, Master of Prosthetics and Orthotics, ISIC – Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070
2Assistant Professor (P&O), Master of Prosthetics and Orthotics, ISIC – Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070
Corresponding Author: Umang Parashar
ABSTRACT
Background: Work related musculoskeletal disorders and overuse injuries due to prolonged standing and walking activities are a common occurrence, leading to foot pain and disorders, owing to the repetitive stress on the bones, joints and soft tissues. Prevention of such injuries involves the strategic use of management strategies integrating physical and psychosocial requirements with human characteristics. Several footwear designs and foot orthotic interventions have shown to influence this relationship between musculoskeletal systems and work-place ergonomics.
Objective: The objective of this study is to summarize and highlight the use and impact of various foot orthotic interventions and shoe design features on the ergonomics of the lower limb and foot, specifically during long standing and work-place activities.
Method: A computerized search was conducted using Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, Cochrane Library and reference lists from all retrieved articles, using various search strategies.
Result: The use of various orthotic modifications such as heel cups, arch supports, metatarsal pads and total contact inserts showed promising results, with respect to peak plantar pressure in the foot and lower limb dynamics. Shoe fit, design and its characteristics like heel height, toe box along with sole contouring and thickness are some of the important elements that influence foot comfort and activation of the lower limb muscles.
Conclusion: Ergonomically designed footwear and the appropriate orthotic interventions increase comfort and prevent injuries by optimally aligning the feet and improving the functional balance and muscular functions of the lower limb, for prevention and protection against workplace injuries.
Key words: Overuse Injuries, Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, Foot Orthoses, Footwear, Ergonomics