[Sensorimotor insoles for musculoskeletal disorders : An evidence-based rapid review]

Sensorimotor foot orthoses (SMFOs) are designed to modulate afferent input through targeted plantar stimuli and thereby influence neuromuscular control mechanisms. This review aimed to provide an evidence-based assessment of their clinical effectiveness across different musculoskeletal conditions.

We conducted a rapid review of randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. We evaluated the available evidence for different orthotic concepts on an indication-specific basis using the GRADE approach.

The strongest evidence was for symptomatic flexible pes planovalgus and patellofemoral pain syndrome, although no consistent superiority of SMFOs over conventional supportive foot orthoses was demonstrated. In patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome, randomized data showed significant improvements in pain and function with both SMFOs and conventional foot orthoses. For chronic ankle instability, the evidence regarding sensorimotor interventions is largely limited to mechanistic and indirect outcomes. Interpretation is further complicated because the textured insoles used in many studies do not match what is traditionally understood as SMFOs in German-speaking orthopedic practice. Evidence for SMFOs in nonspecific low back pain is even more limited and is characterized by heterogeneous findings.

Based on the current literature, no clear superiority of sensorimotor orthotic concepts can be demonstrated for any specific diagnosis. However, this should not be interpreted as evidence of general ineffectiveness. SMFOs represent a therapeutic option within multimodal treatment strategies and should be prescribed according to the individual indication and patient-specific treatment goals.