Foot orthosis with add-on rearfoot postings can alter foot kinematics

Foot orthoses (FOs) are commonly used to alleviate several pathologies. Their design will affect differently lower limb kinematics. Additive manufacturing, 3D printing, makes it easier to provide innovative geometries of customized FOs in accordance to patient-specific needs. This study aimed at estimating the impact of 3D printed FOs and extrinsic rearfoot postings on foot kinematics. In-shoe multi-segmental foot kinematics was assessed during walking in 15 participants with normal foot posture. Results showed that adding posting to FOs can enhance their impact on rearfoot eversion. In addition, based on their design, postings alter forefoot transverse plane kinematics in a different way. FOs, through 3D printing and postings, could therefore be modulated depending on pathologies as well as throughout treatment.