Pressure sensitive insoles are an emerging and promising technology that has always been interesting for gait and planar pressure related applications. This technology can be especially valuable for monitoring, movement, and rehabilitation purposes where the pressure sensing insoles could be utilized to assess for abnormalities in order to treat or prevent complications. This thesis project explores the use of graphene coated resistive textiles based smart insoles with the purpose of constructing a functional, easy to fabricate prototype that is viable for plantar pressure and gait cycle applications. This project follows a double diamond, co-productive approach with multiple stakeholders involved during the discovery, definition, development, and delivery of the project to co-create knowledge of value for society. The results of the thesis project present three functional prototypes with 3, 4 and 6 pressure sensors with the 4-sensor prototype indicating to be the most feasible out of the three. The highlight of the prototypes features is that it is capable of detecting and measuring pressure, operates with durable and thin properties and low accuracy. Through proper calibration with an ADC tool, the prototype was able to detect and measure movement during testing. Furthermore, several areas with a room for improvement have been identified with potential for further automating the production process as well as unlocking barriers for certain applications with a cost effective approach. In conclusion, this thesis project contributes to the advancement of smart insoles by presenting a functional, easy to fabricate method for the production of smart insoles for low accuracy gait cycle and plantar pressure applications.

Title: The effects of the application of insoles in sports shoes on aerobic capacity of soccer players Objectives: Effects of insoles Bootmatetsi on aerobic capacity of football players. Methods: The research sample included a soccer player in the U16 category (n = 19). The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 was used to verify the interventional effect of the Bootmatetsi insoles. For the subjective perception of physical activity during the pretest and posttest was used a 15-degree Borg scale of 6 - 20. A five-point Likert scale was used to evaluate the comfort of Bootmatetsi insoles. The data was processed using Microsoft Office Excel 2010. Results: The application of Bootmatetsi insoles to football boots has provided a significant improvement in aerobic performance compared to original insoles (d = 1.1). Performance improved on average by 24%, i.e average improvement VO2max by 2,43 ml.min-1.kg-1. At the same time, research group claims that Bootmatetsi insoles have been rated as comfortable. Keywords: insoles, Bootmatetsi, aerobic capacity, VO2max

Gait assessments can help identify individuals at an elevated risk of falling. Gait variability and local dynamic stability (LDS) are considered the most valid measures to assess gait stability and predict gait-related falls. Specifically, LDS of the trunk is most often used to assess gait stability given its important contribution to the centre of mass and the ability to discriminate between fallers and non-fallers using its kinematics. Reliable wearable sensors can be implemented in real-world gait assessments to actively screen for fall risk. Instrumented insoles are an example of unobtrusive wearable technology that can perform accurate gait assessments in real-world settings; however, they have not been validated for gait stability assessments, and cannot directly measure trunk LDS. The purpose of this thesis was to develop a framework to estimate gait stability using instrumented insoles. Fifteen participants were recruited to walk on a treadmill for seven minutes at their preferred walking speed while wearing instrumented insoles and a full-body inertial measurement unit suit. The reliability of foot LDS calculated from instrumented insole data was evaluated against the inertial measurement unit suit using intraclass correlation coefficients. Trunk LDS, measured via the IMU suit, was then predicted by applying linear regressions to the insole-derived metrics. A simple linear regression was used to establish the base amount of variance in trunk LDS that could be explained by foot LDS. Subsequently, a multiple linear regression model consisting of the standard deviation of stride time, standard deviation of double support time, mean single support time, mean yaw variability, and median absolute deviation of yaw variability was used to estimate trunk LDS. Results show that instrumented insoles can reliably measure foot LDS (ICC₃,₁ = 0.860). Moreover, the multiple linear regression explained 47.7% more variance than the simple linear regression (adjusted R² of 0.845 versus 0.368). This thesis demonstrates that instrumented insoles are an appropriate measurement tool for foot stability and that they can be used to predict trunk LDS with good accuracy during gait.

The analysis of human movement is important for diagnosis of as wellas planning and evaluating treatments of disorders or injuries affectingmovement. Optical motion capture combined with force plates provideaccurate measurements, but are confined to laboratory settings limiting theirpotential usefulness in clinical applications. Efforts are made to movemeasurements out of the laboratory making them more accessible, cheaperand easier to use for healthcare providers. This work aimed to assess thefeasibility of doing motion analysis with a wearable system consisting ofIMUs and pressure insole sensors, while also developing a methodology thatcould be used for subsequent validation. Six subjects performed walking, sideskipping, squats, chair stands and a balance exercise, while data was collectedsimultaneously from the wearable system and optical motion capture withforce plates. For demonstration, data from one example subject was analysedand included in this work. The wearable system showed promising results formeasuring ground reaction force. Center of pressure errors were relativelyhigh, likely influenced by the choice of method for coordinate transformationbetween the systems. Joint angle errors varied from low to very high fordifferent trials. Ankle dorsiflexion angle showed low errors and pelvis tiltangle high errors for all motion types. There is a need to investigate thecause for these high errors before more measurements are conducted. Themethodology presented in this work can, with a few recommended changes,be used for future validation of the wearable motion analysis system.

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate if additive manufacturing (AM) is an appropriate manufacturing method for insoles in comparison to vacuum forming (VF) and subtractive manufacturing (SM) in regards of material properties such as abrasion resistance. Background: Traditionally insoles are manufactured with either VF or SM. AM has been around for some decades but implementation into orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) business has not been accomplished yet. Therefore, the quality of the products produced with AM must be tested in comparison with traditional methods. Method: A comparison of samples for the mentioned manufacturing methods was done with the help of an abrasion testing machine with the standard ASTM G133. Two samples were produced from each manufacturing method and respectively tested for one and two hours. All the samples were weighed before and after the tests with the help of a four decimal scale. The difference in weight before and after the test and coefficient of friction was evaluated. The weight difference was analyzed to see how much material had been removed from the sample. The percentage of wear loss was calculated for each specific sample, both for one hour and two hours of testing. No statistical analysis could be made due to the limited amount of samples and testing time. Result: No statistically significant could be found for either wear loss or the coefficient of friction as mentioned above. Conclusion: A conclusion whether which material having the best abrasion resistance for respectively manufacturing method could not be drawn due to limited results. This study can be seen as a pilot study where the methodology can be used in further studies. Further research on AM needs to be conducted.

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No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Adriane Barbosa Gomide - 2013.pdf: 1351297 bytes, checksum: 7345fc7d8a1ef694167b6aba1bf83c01 (MD5) license_rdf: 23748 bytes, checksum: b92763cfc0af52c7c868455edfaf3266 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-09-27 / Introduction: The usual physiological and biomechanical changes during aging lead to the appearance of pain in different places, in addition to musculoskeletal disorders and to increased instability in posture maintenance, which increases the risk of falling off. Objectives: the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the proprioceptives insoles in tonic postural equilibrium and reprogramming postural of the elderly. Methods: In this work, were evaluated 19 elderly, one evaluation was done before use proprioceptives insoles and one revaluation was done 3 months after the begin of the use of the insoles. It was traced, initially, the antropometric and sociodemographic profile of elderly and a Visual Analogic Scale was applied to evaluate the pain before and after the use. Thereafter, were submitted an evaluation to the posturology in the sagittal, frontal and horizontal plan for the best option of the insoles for each volunteer. Then, all elderly performed three trials in which they maintained a quasi-static posture lasting 60 s in each trial, both with open and closed eyes. Were analyzed arrows of sagittal plan variables – envelope occipital arrow (OCC), cervical arrow (CA), lumbar arrow (LA) and gluteo plan (PG) – and stabilometric variables – 80% power frequency (F80), root mean square (RMS), and mean velocity (MV), both for the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) displacements of the pressure center (COP), and the COP area. Results: The pain evaluated by EVA had a significant improvement, although as the evaluations performed in the sagittal plane for the variables OCC, CA and PG. There wasn’t found significant difference before and after the use of the insoles in condition of OA. By the way, in condition of OF, a significant improvement was observed in the variables RMS ML and MV ML. In comparison between OA and OF before of the use of proprioceptive insoles, it was observed significant differences in the following variables: F80, AP; RMS AP; MV AP; and COP area, however, after use of insoles the difference was significant only F80ML and MV ML. Conclusion: The use of proprioceptive insoles had significant influence in the improvement of the pain frame and static posture, mainly in the sagittal plane. When the visual information was withdrawn after the use of the insole, there wasn’t difference in several significant variables. This could suggest that the use of insoles promoted an improvement of the results in tonic postural balance of elderly. / Introdução: As alterações fisiológicas e biomecânicas comuns durante o envelhecimento levam ao surgimento de algum quadro álgico, além de desordens posturais e instabilidade da manutenção da postura ereta quasiestática, isso pode aumentar risco de quedas. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficiência das palmilhas proprioceptivas no equilíbrio tônicopostural e na reprogramação da postura dos idosos. Metodologia: Neste estudo foram avaliadas 19 idosas, sendo feita uma avaliação antes do uso das palmilhas proprioceptivas e uma reavaliação após 3 meses de uso das palmilhas. Inicialmente, foi traçado o perfil antropométrico e sociodemográfico das idosas, sendo aplicada a Escala Visual Analógico (EVA) para avaliar a dor antes e após o uso, por conseguinte, foram submetidas a uma avaliação da postura, sendo avaliadas nos planos sagital, frontal e horizontal para melhor escolha da palmilha para cada participante. Em seguida, foram submetidas à tarefa de manutenção da postura ereta quasi-estática, em três ensaios distintos, cada um com a duração de 60s, tanto com olhos abertos (OA) quanto com olhos fechados (OF). Foram analisadas as variáveis das flechas formadas no plano sagital – flecha occipital (OCC), flecha cervical (FC), flecha lombar (FL) e plano glúteo (PG) – e estabilométricas – frequência de 80% (F80), valor quadrático médio (RMS, do inglês Root Mean Square) e velocidade média (VM), tanto para deslocamentos do centro de pressão (COP) nas direções ântero-posterior (AP) quanto médio-lateral (ML), e área do COP. Resultados: As dores avaliadas pela EVA tiveram uma melhora significativa, assim como a avaliação realizada no plano sagital para as variáveis OCC, FC e PG. Não foi encontrada diferença significativa antes e após o uso das palmilhas na condição de OA. Já na condição de OF, foi observado melhora significativa das variáveis RMS ML e VM ML. Na comparação entre OA e OF antes do uso das palmilhas proprioceptivas, foram observadas diferenças significativas para as seguintes variáveis estabilométricas: F80 AP; RMS AP; VM AP; e Área do COP, no entanto, após o uso das palmilhas ocorreu diferença significativa apenas F80ML e VM ML. Conclusão: O uso da palmilha proprioceptiva teve influência significativa na melhora do quadro álgico e na postura estática, principalmente no plano sagital. Ao retirarmos a informação visual após o uso da palmilha, não houve diferença significativa em diversas variáveis, pode-se sugerir que o uso das palmilhas promoveu melhora dos resultados no equilíbrio tônico postural das idosas.

A hanseníase é doença crônica causada pelo Mycobaterium leprae e possui como característica a alteração de sensibilidade cutânea, causando deformidades de mãos e pés. O tratamento compreende o uso de medicamentos (PQT) e o Ministério da Saúde (MS) preconiza o uso de palmilhas tipo Plataforma para Tarso (PT) como tratamento complementar. Há na literatura muitos artigos sobre o uso de palmilhas para melhora do equilíbrio e redistribuição da pressão plantar em pacientes neuropáticos, mas não foram encontrados estudos que incluíssem as palmilhas PT. Neste estudo comparou-se o equilíbrio do paciente hanseniano com valores de normalidade pré-definidos e também comparou-se prospectivamente a influência da palmilha PT no paciente com hanseníase, por meio de testes de equilíbrio estático e dinâmico realizados com o aparelho Balance Master (NeuroCom Int. Inc.) antes e após 3 meses de uso. Foram selecionados 40 pacientes em tratamento no HCFMRP, dos quais 19 mantiveram o seguimento à pesquisa (68,4% do sexo masculino, com média etária de 51,95), e todos com mesma classificação operacional Multibacilar. Os testes delinearam o comportamento destes pacientes com relação aos controles involuntário de equilíbrio (sistemas sensoriais-teste modifCTSIB) e voluntário de excursão do Centro de Gravidade Corporal (COG; teste LOS), bem como a estabilidade da marcha (teste WA). Os resultados obtidos com o modifCTSIB mostraram que os pacientes com hanseníase, para o controle do equilíbrio (de acordo com a relação entre testes com olhos abertos e fechados, e para superfície estável e instável; valor p<0,01 para todas as correlações aplicadas), são mais dependentes do sistema visual que do somatossensorial, em relação à normalidade. As palmilhas PT não influenciaram na modulação dos sistemas sensoriais (p>0,05). No entanto o uso das palmilhas interferiu negativamente no teste LOS, para as variáveis distância final percorrida e máxima excursão do COG somente no ponto para frente e para esquerda (p<0,01), e favoreceu o controle direcional do COG no mesmo ponto (p=0,02). Na análise dos prontuários foram identificados déficits sensitivos com maior frequência nos antepés esquerdos. O teste WA revelou que os pacientes apresentaram a marcha mais lenta em relação ao padrão de normalidade, e aumentaram a velocidade de marcha (p=0,04) e o comprimento do passo (p=0,04) após o uso das palmilhas. Concluiu-se que as palmilhas tipo PT favoreceram a estabilidade para a marcha e para o controle voluntário do equilíbrio. E ainda foi observado que os pacientes tornaram-se dependentes das palmilhas, fator importante a ser considerado pelo serviço de Saúde após a alta medicamentosa / Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by the Mycobacterium leprae with sensitivity impairment as a characteristic that could lead to deformities of hands and feet. The Ministry of Health of Brazil (MS) recommends the use of platform for Tarsus (PT) insoles as a complementary treatment to the Multi-drug Therapy (MDT). Many articles in literature discussed the use of insoles for improving balance and redistribution of plantar pressure in neuropathic patients, but there are no studies that included PT insoles. This study compared the balance control values for the leprosy patient with normal standards and also prospectively compared the influence of PT insole in patients with leprosy, by means of static and dynamic tests performed with the Balance Master (NeuroCom Int. Inc.) device, before and after 3 months. 40 patients following treatment in HCFMRP were selected, of which 19 completed the follow-up to the survey (68.4% male, mean age 51.95), all classified operationally as Multibacillary. The tests outlined the behavior of these patients with regard to involuntary balance control (modifCTSIB sensory test) and voluntary excursion of the Body Center of Gravity (COG; LOS test) as well as the gait stability (WA test). The results obtained with the modifCTSIB showed that patients with leprosy are more dependent on the visual system than the somatosensation for balance controlwhen compared to normal values (according to the relationship between tests with open and closed eyes, and stable and unstable surface; p <0.01 for all applied correlations). The insoles PT did not influence the modulation of the sensory systems (p> 0.05). However the use of insoles interfered negatively in the LOS test for the variables end point and maximum excursion of the COG only on the forward to left position (p <0.01), and favored the directional control of COG at the same position (p= 0.02). The analysis of the patients file revealed that sensitivity deficits were identified more frequently in the left forefeet, which might explain the observed differences for the excursion of the COG only in this region. The WA test showed that patients have slower walking patters compared to normal values but had their walking speed (p = 0.04) and the length of their step increased (p = 0.04) after the use of the insoles. It was concluded that the PT insoles favored gait stability and voluntary control of body balance. It was also observed that patients become dependent on the insoles, an important factor to be considered by the Health service after the PQT discharge

As palmilhas posturais são órteses plantares e foram desenvolvidas por Bourdiol um pouco antes de 1980. Seu princípio está fundamentado na ação de peças podais, as quais são chamadas de elementos, barras, cunhas e calços, que são colocados sob a pele e os músculos plantares, reprogramando a postura. Na avaliação postural são observadas as variáveis descritas no protocolo CNT (assimetria dos membros superiores, assimetria das cristas ilíacas, assimetrias das Espinhas Ilíacas Póstero- Superiores - EIPS, etc.). A postura corporal é descrita como um processo de inter-relacionamento relativo das partes do corpo, havendo equilíbrio entre os ossos, músculos, tendões e ligamentos, estruturas que sustentam e protegem o corpo contra agentes externos ou internos. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar os efeitos das palmilhas posturais sobre a postura corporal de escolares. Os objetivos específicos foram descrever as características posturais dos participantes durante a utilização das palmilhas posturais e verificar as alterações da pressão plantar dos escolares, durante a utilização das palmilhas. Foram avaliados 6 alunos da 3° série do ensino fundamental da Rede Particular da cidade de Porto Alegre – RS, todos do sexo masculino. Para a coleta de dados foi utilizada a avaliação postural através do Programa computacional para avaliação postural (PCAP) e através de um baropodômetro eletrônico. Os escolares foram avaliados pelo protocolo CNT, e através desta avaliação foram definidas quais peças podais seriam utilizadas na confecção das palmilhas. Os escolares foram avaliados primeiramente sem usar as palmilhas posturais, e em seguida fazendo uso das palmilhas, para fins de comparação. Os resultados da avaliação postural demonstraram alterações na postura corporal dos escolares em relação ao protocolo CNT ao utilizar as palmilhas posturais. E os resultados obtidos através do teste de Wilcoxon, com o nível de significância de 5% apontaram diferença significativa na avaliação da pressão plantar na região posterior do pé esquerdo ao utilizar as palmilhas posturais. Conclui-se que a utilização das palmilhas posturais provoca alteração na postura corporal de escolares, e que a pressão plantar apresenta mudanças ao utilizar as palmilhas posturais, com diferença estatisticamente significativa na região posterior do pé esquerdo (p=0,028). As outras regiões do pé apresentaram uma melhor distribuição das pressões, porém seus dados não foram estatisticamente significativos. / Postural insoles are plantar orthosis developed by Bourdiol some time before 1980. Its principle is based on the action of podal pieces, which are called elements, bars, wedges and chocks that are placed under the skin and the plantar muscles, reprogramming the body posture. In postural evaluation, the variables described in CNT protocol are observed. The body posture is described as a process of relative inter-relationship of the body parts, balancing bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments, structures that support and protect the body against external or internal agents. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of postural insoles on the body posture of schoolchildren. The specific objectives had been to describe the postural characteristics of the subjects before and after the use of postural insoles and to verify the alterations on the plantar pressure of schoolchildren, before and after the use of the insoles. Six male pupils attending the third grade of elementary school from the city of Porto Alegre - RS had been evaluated. For the data collection, postural evaluation was analyzed through a computational program for postural evaluation (CPPE) and through an electronic baropodometer. The schoolchildren were evaluated by CNT protocol, and through this evaluation were defined which podal pieces would be used in the confection of the insoles. The schoolchildren had been first evaluated without the use of postural insoles, and after that making use of the insoles, for comparison reasons. The results of the postural evaluation demonstrate body posture alterations on schoolchildren when using the insoles. The results obtained through the Wilcoxon test, with 5% of significance, point statistical difference in the evaluation of the plantar pressure in the posterior region of the left foot when using the postural insoles. One can conclude that the use of postural insoles causes alteration in the body posture of schoolchildren. Also, that the plantar pressure presents changes when postural insoles are used, with statistical significance in the posterior region of the left foot (p=0,028). Other regions of the foot had presented a better pressure distribution, however its data had not been statistical significant.

As palmilhas posturais são órteses plantares e foram desenvolvidas por Bourdiol um pouco antes de 1980. Seu princípio está fundamentado na ação de peças podais, as quais são chamadas de elementos, barras, cunhas e calços, que são colocados sob a pele e os músculos plantares, reprogramando a postura. Na avaliação postural são observadas as variáveis descritas no protocolo CNT (assimetria dos membros superiores, assimetria das cristas ilíacas, assimetrias das Espinhas Ilíacas Póstero- Superiores - EIPS, etc.). A postura corporal é descrita como um processo de inter-relacionamento relativo das partes do corpo, havendo equilíbrio entre os ossos, músculos, tendões e ligamentos, estruturas que sustentam e protegem o corpo contra agentes externos ou internos. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar os efeitos das palmilhas posturais sobre a postura corporal de escolares. Os objetivos específicos foram descrever as características posturais dos participantes durante a utilização das palmilhas posturais e verificar as alterações da pressão plantar dos escolares, durante a utilização das palmilhas. Foram avaliados 6 alunos da 3° série do ensino fundamental da Rede Particular da cidade de Porto Alegre – RS, todos do sexo masculino. Para a coleta de dados foi utilizada a avaliação postural através do Programa computacional para avaliação postural (PCAP) e através de um baropodômetro eletrônico. Os escolares foram avaliados pelo protocolo CNT, e através desta avaliação foram definidas quais peças podais seriam utilizadas na confecção das palmilhas. Os escolares foram avaliados primeiramente sem usar as palmilhas posturais, e em seguida fazendo uso das palmilhas, para fins de comparação. Os resultados da avaliação postural demonstraram alterações na postura corporal dos escolares em relação ao protocolo CNT ao utilizar as palmilhas posturais. E os resultados obtidos através do teste de Wilcoxon, com o nível de significância de 5% apontaram diferença significativa na avaliação da pressão plantar na região posterior do pé esquerdo ao utilizar as palmilhas posturais. Conclui-se que a utilização das palmilhas posturais provoca alteração na postura corporal de escolares, e que a pressão plantar apresenta mudanças ao utilizar as palmilhas posturais, com diferença estatisticamente significativa na região posterior do pé esquerdo (p=0,028). As outras regiões do pé apresentaram uma melhor distribuição das pressões, porém seus dados não foram estatisticamente significativos. / Postural insoles are plantar orthosis developed by Bourdiol some time before 1980. Its principle is based on the action of podal pieces, which are called elements, bars, wedges and chocks that are placed under the skin and the plantar muscles, reprogramming the body posture. In postural evaluation, the variables described in CNT protocol are observed. The body posture is described as a process of relative inter-relationship of the body parts, balancing bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments, structures that support and protect the body against external or internal agents. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of postural insoles on the body posture of schoolchildren. The specific objectives had been to describe the postural characteristics of the subjects before and after the use of postural insoles and to verify the alterations on the plantar pressure of schoolchildren, before and after the use of the insoles. Six male pupils attending the third grade of elementary school from the city of Porto Alegre - RS had been evaluated. For the data collection, postural evaluation was analyzed through a computational program for postural evaluation (CPPE) and through an electronic baropodometer. The schoolchildren were evaluated by CNT protocol, and through this evaluation were defined which podal pieces would be used in the confection of the insoles. The schoolchildren had been first evaluated without the use of postural insoles, and after that making use of the insoles, for comparison reasons. The results of the postural evaluation demonstrate body posture alterations on schoolchildren when using the insoles. The results obtained through the Wilcoxon test, with 5% of significance, point statistical difference in the evaluation of the plantar pressure in the posterior region of the left foot when using the postural insoles. One can conclude that the use of postural insoles causes alteration in the body posture of schoolchildren. Also, that the plantar pressure presents changes when postural insoles are used, with statistical significance in the posterior region of the left foot (p=0,028). Other regions of the foot had presented a better pressure distribution, however its data had not been statistical significant.

As palmilhas posturais são órteses plantares e foram desenvolvidas por Bourdiol um pouco antes de 1980. Seu princípio está fundamentado na ação de peças podais, as quais são chamadas de elementos, barras, cunhas e calços, que são colocados sob a pele e os músculos plantares, reprogramando a postura. Na avaliação postural são observadas as variáveis descritas no protocolo CNT (assimetria dos membros superiores, assimetria das cristas ilíacas, assimetrias das Espinhas Ilíacas Póstero- Superiores - EIPS, etc.). A postura corporal é descrita como um processo de inter-relacionamento relativo das partes do corpo, havendo equilíbrio entre os ossos, músculos, tendões e ligamentos, estruturas que sustentam e protegem o corpo contra agentes externos ou internos. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar os efeitos das palmilhas posturais sobre a postura corporal de escolares. Os objetivos específicos foram descrever as características posturais dos participantes durante a utilização das palmilhas posturais e verificar as alterações da pressão plantar dos escolares, durante a utilização das palmilhas. Foram avaliados 6 alunos da 3° série do ensino fundamental da Rede Particular da cidade de Porto Alegre – RS, todos do sexo masculino. Para a coleta de dados foi utilizada a avaliação postural através do Programa computacional para avaliação postural (PCAP) e através de um baropodômetro eletrônico. Os escolares foram avaliados pelo protocolo CNT, e através desta avaliação foram definidas quais peças podais seriam utilizadas na confecção das palmilhas. Os escolares foram avaliados primeiramente sem usar as palmilhas posturais, e em seguida fazendo uso das palmilhas, para fins de comparação. Os resultados da avaliação postural demonstraram alterações na postura corporal dos escolares em relação ao protocolo CNT ao utilizar as palmilhas posturais. E os resultados obtidos através do teste de Wilcoxon, com o nível de significância de 5% apontaram diferença significativa na avaliação da pressão plantar na região posterior do pé esquerdo ao utilizar as palmilhas posturais. Conclui-se que a utilização das palmilhas posturais provoca alteração na postura corporal de escolares, e que a pressão plantar apresenta mudanças ao utilizar as palmilhas posturais, com diferença estatisticamente significativa na região posterior do pé esquerdo (p=0,028). As outras regiões do pé apresentaram uma melhor distribuição das pressões, porém seus dados não foram estatisticamente significativos. / Postural insoles are plantar orthosis developed by Bourdiol some time before 1980. Its principle is based on the action of podal pieces, which are called elements, bars, wedges and chocks that are placed under the skin and the plantar muscles, reprogramming the body posture. In postural evaluation, the variables described in CNT protocol are observed. The body posture is described as a process of relative inter-relationship of the body parts, balancing bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments, structures that support and protect the body against external or internal agents. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of postural insoles on the body posture of schoolchildren. The specific objectives had been to describe the postural characteristics of the subjects before and after the use of postural insoles and to verify the alterations on the plantar pressure of schoolchildren, before and after the use of the insoles. Six male pupils attending the third grade of elementary school from the city of Porto Alegre - RS had been evaluated. For the data collection, postural evaluation was analyzed through a computational program for postural evaluation (CPPE) and through an electronic baropodometer. The schoolchildren were evaluated by CNT protocol, and through this evaluation were defined which podal pieces would be used in the confection of the insoles. The schoolchildren had been first evaluated without the use of postural insoles, and after that making use of the insoles, for comparison reasons. The results of the postural evaluation demonstrate body posture alterations on schoolchildren when using the insoles. The results obtained through the Wilcoxon test, with 5% of significance, point statistical difference in the evaluation of the plantar pressure in the posterior region of the left foot when using the postural insoles. One can conclude that the use of postural insoles causes alteration in the body posture of schoolchildren. Also, that the plantar pressure presents changes when postural insoles are used, with statistical significance in the posterior region of the left foot (p=0,028). Other regions of the foot had presented a better pressure distribution, however its data had not been statistical significant.