Abstract

Aim and scope. The aim of this study was to identify the effects of laterally wedged insole and laterally wedged subtalar strapping application on muscle strength, functional state; and to compare their effects in women with knee osteoarthritis (OA).
Materials and Methods. Sixty women (aged between 45-65 years) with OA were enrolled in this study. Lateral wedged insole was used in 20 women (Group 1), laterally wedged subtalar strapping in 20 women (Group 2) and women in Group 3 only received physical therapy program. Isokinetic testing for knee and ankle muscles, 50-foot walking test, 5-time repeated sit to stand test, WOMAC were performed prior to treatment and 8 weeks after treatment. 
Results. Knee and ankle muscle strength, functional test results and WOMAC scores improved in Groups I and II (pre- vs. post-treatment) (p<0.05). In Group III, despite the improvement in all the other test results, muscle strength was found not to have increased (p>0.05). The most significant improvement between the 3 groups is shown in group I.
Conclusion. Our results show that application of laterally wedged insole and laterally wedged subtalar strapping leads to increasing knee and ankle muscle strength in addition to their positive effects on pain intensity, physical function.