Sensory feedback from the plantar surface of the feet can influence locomotor patterns (Zehr et al. 1999). It has been proposed that movement responses to different footwear interventions are influenced by sensory feedback systems (Nigg et al. 1999). However, the role of cutaneous feedback from the plantar surface of the feet is not understood for a) normal walking, and b) the response to shoe inserts. This thesis addressed a number of issues concerning the role of sensory feedback from cutaneous receptors in the feet on human movement patterns.

Sensory feedback from cutaneous receptors in the feet is important during walking. When sensory feedback from the feet was impaired with an ice intervention, significant differences were found in plantar pressures and muscle activity. These effects were shown to be specific to the area of the foot where feedback was impaired. Textured shoe inserts were used in an attempt to facilitate sensory feedback from the feet. Significant changes in movement patterns were found, particularly in muscle activity and joint moments.

Sensory feedback from the plantar surface of the feet is important in the response to different footwear interventions. It was found that the effects of medial wedge shoe inserts were dependent on sensory feedback. These results were found both when sensory feedback was impaired with an ice intervention, and when sensory feedback was thought to be facilitated by adding a textured surface to a medial wedge shoe insert.

The movement response to different shoe inserts differed for people with different plantar sensitivities. In one study, significant correlations were found between sensory thresholds and plantar pressures. In another study, sensation thresholds on the plantar surface of the foot were found be significantly correlated to the changes in movement patterns that occurred while wearing inserts that differed in shape and texture.