Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 17, 2025
Use of a Foot-Induced Digitally Controlled Resistance Device for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation in Patients with Foot Paresis
Published on: July 7, 2023
The effect of foot orthoses on balance, foot function, and mobility in rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled
Juliana Zonzini Gaino1, Manoel Barros Bértolo1, Caroline Silva Nunes2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas-Unicamp, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
Objectives:
To compare balance, foot function and mobility in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with and without foot orthoses.
Design:
Randomized controlled trial.
Setting:
Outpatient rheumatology clinic.
Subjects:
A total of 94 subjects with rheumatoid arthritis were randomized; of these, 81 were included in the analyses (Intervention group: 40; Control group: 41).
Intervention:
The Intervention Group received custom-made foot orthoses while the Control Group received none intervention.
Main Measure:
The "Foot Function Index," the "Berg Balance Scale," and the "Timed-up-and-go Test" were assessed at baseline an after four weeks. The chosen level of significance was P < 0.05.
Results:
Average (standard deviation) participant age was 56.7 (±10.6) years old and average disease duration (standard deviation) was 11.4 (± 7.2) years. Groups were similar at baseline, except for comorbidity index and race. After four weeks, significant interaction group versus time was observed for Foot Function Index (change: Intervention group: -1.23 ± 1.58; Control group: -0.12 ± 1.16 - P = 0.0012) and for Berg Balance Scale (change: Intervention group: 2 ± 3; Control group: 0 ± 3 - P = 0.0110), but not for the Timed-up-and-go Test (change: Intervention group: -1.34 ± 1.99; Control group: -0.84 ± 2.29 - P = 0.0799).
Conclusion:
Foot orthoses improved foot function and balance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
