Dynamic arch stabilization and rehabilitative shoe midsole/insole device

Abstract

An insole device as provided which has a sole shaped body defining an upwardly extending dome in a midfoot section thereof. A biofeedback catalyst is mountable in the dome so as to be moveable at least longitudinally relative to the sole shaped body. The catalyst is positionable to cause the dome to engage an anatomical apex of the sole face of the arch of a wearer's foot. The catalyst has an ellipsoidal or spherical shape, being dimensioned and having a resiliency sufficient to promote dynamic proprioceptive stimulation of mechanical receptors and nocioreceptors in the skin of the wearer's sole at said apex. Cooperating engagement means extend between the body and the catalyst for connecting the catalyst to the body to locate the catalyst in the dome while allowing the movement of the catalyst relative to the body.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. provisional application no. U.S. 61 / 457,252 filed Feb. 10, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to an insole for a shoe. In particular, the present invention relates to an insole device that can rehabilitate a foot by stimulating a proprioceptive reflex response in the wearer's foot.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Professionals dealing with gait related pathologies generally accept that a large majority of persons will, at some time in their lives, suffer some form of gait related pain or dysfunction. It is also well accepted that, in the majority of cases, the mechanism underlying the pathology, injury, or dysfunction is biomechanically related to the foot's musculoskeletal capabilities during the interface between the foot and the ground, during the initial contact, support, and propulsion phases of the gait cycle.[0004]It ha...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a device made of resilient materials that can be used to treat foot pain and improve running performance. The device has the unique ability to stimulate the body's natural reflex mechanisms, which align and stabilize the foot's muscles and arch system. This alignment helps to manage the forces generated during running activities with the most efficient use of energy and the least amount of stress. The device can provide rehabilitative, preventive, and performance enhancing benefits.

Problems solved by technology

The catalyst is an asymmetrically domed hump, which creates a mild to strong discomfort to initially stimulate the Golgi tendon organ.

However, it has been found that the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,659 does not function as described, and that the majority of users find the device too uncomfortable to use.

A device built according to these dimensions and deflection capabilities results in an overly high arch height, and can cause severe discomfort, and possible injury, to a wearer.

This is clearly wrong, since different wearers will have different comfort thresholds and arch heights.

Users would find the device too hard to use successfully, and rather than stimulating a proprioceptive response, the device would cause pain and discomfort at each step.

However, it has been found that the devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,659, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,807, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,457 have a number of limitations that inhibit the devices' optimal positioning and the degree of stimulus provided to the plantar surface of the foot while the foot is interfacing with the ground, during the initial contact, support, and propulsion phases of the multidirectional bipedal activity gait cycles.

This less than optimal location of the stimulus to the sole of the foot results in a less than optimal proprioceptive reflex response and a less stable musculoskeletal arch system and ankle.

In addition, the devices disclosed do not allow for any degree of adjustability in the relative positioning of the dome shaped catalyst to accommodate users who have feet of identical length but have variances in foot type.

Therefore, the devices disclosed would fail to provide stimulus at the optimal location for one of the individuals.

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