Aims: In subjects with flatfoot (also called pes planus), the arch supports (or foot orthoses) are used as a protective treatment. Considering the importance of the compensation of flatfoot in athletes, this study was conducted aiming at investigating and comparing the effect of foot orthoses with and without medial wedge on the energy consumption in runners with flatfoot.

Methods: This quasi-experimental research of convenience non-probability sampling type was done on 20 athletic men suffering from flexible flatfoot on two sides in 2009. Subjects were selected from among the athletes referring to Enqelab sport complex using non-randomized method. Subjects’ feet were examined to determine and diagnose the presence of any flatfoot based on their arcs. Following the preparation of the arch support fitting for each subjects with and without medial wedge, the amount of oxygen consumption, maximum amount of consuming oxygen and the maximum Heart Rate (HR) were measured. Data was analyzed using SPSS 11 software. Moreover, pair T-test was used to compare the results before and after the intervention.

Results: The amount of oxygen consumption using arch support with medial wedge (4488.30±78.31) and without medial wedge (4604.60±67.83) had a significant difference (p=0.038). The maximum amount of consuming oxygen of the subject using arch support with medial wedge (54.37±6.62) and without medial wedge (63.60±6.53) had also a significant difference (p=0.024). The difference of the maximum Heart Rate (HR) with medial wedge (153.24±4.29) and without medial wedge (164.48±6.15) was significant (p=0.018).

Conclusion: Adding medial wedge to foot orthoses can be helpful to decrease energy consumption during running in athletes.