Effect of foot orthoses on lower limb muscle activation: a critical review

Foot orthoses can be a valuable component of musculoskeletal rehabilitation, improving lower limb alignment, controlling motion and providing shock absorbency. Recent evidence suggests foot orthoses may also have a significant effect on lower limb muscle activation in young, healthy adults. This review examines the evidence for changes in muscle activation patterns when wearing orthoses, and explores the proposed mechanisms by which foot orthoses may bring about changes in lower limb muscle activity. Based on the current results it is proposed that different mechanisms may occur by which orthoses affect muscle activity, due to their differing construction and design.