Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Biomechanics

Background: Although leg length discrepancy is a physical problem that affects all populations, its measurement and correction is difficult. Purpose: This study investigated the effect of using shoe insole for leg length discrepancy correction on frontal and transverse plane spino-pelvic alignment and dynamic balance. Methods: Thirty one patients with true discrepancy of 5-20mm were randomly divided into two groups; experimental group that used shoe insole and control group. Their mean±SD age, mass and height were 31.5±10y, 77.8 ± 10.4kg and 1.69±0.08m respectively. Spino-pelvic alignment (pelvic tilt, pelvic torsion, surface rotation and lateral deviation) was assessed using raster-stereography, while dynamic balance was assessed using Star Excursion Balance Test. Patients were assessed twice (the baseline assessment and follow-up assessment) with an interval of eight weeks in-between. Results: Mixed Design MANOVA showed significant decrease in the mean values of all spino-pelvic alignment measures and significant increase in the mean balance test score with insole use (p<0.001) in the experimental group with opposite results being reported for the controlgroup.In addition, the experimental group showed similar results when compared with the control group during the follow up assessment (p<0.001)

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