Table 2 Prevention studies: summary of included studies

Fauno, 1993

Soccer referees in 5 day competition

121 majority male Age: 35.90 ± 9.95 Randomised: 121 Analysed: 91

Prefabricated shock absorbing heel insoles, 8 mm thick vs No insole

Referees wore inserts in shoes for average of 870 minutes over 5 days

0.7

68%

Larsen, 2002

New military recruits starting training in a Danish regiment

145 male, 1 female Age: 18–24 Randomised: 146 Analysed: 121

Prefabricated (heat moulded) semi rigid orthoses vs No insole

Conscripts told to wear orthoses whenever wearing military boots

12

79%

Mattila, 2011

New military recruits starting service in Finland

All male Age: 19(18–29) Randomised: 220 Analysed: 220

Prefabricated polyethylene (heat moulded) ¾ length orthoses vs No insole

Participants told to use insoles in their ankle boots during daily service time

24

86%

Milgrom, 2005

New military recruits without a history of low back pain during basic training

All male Age: 18.80 ± 0.70 Randomised: 404 Analysed: 179

Custom semirigid biomechanical orthoses vs Custom soft biomechanical orthoses vs Simple shoe inserts (placebo)

Recruits monitored for compliance, but usage not stated in article

14

75%

Schwellnus, 1990

New military recruits doing standard training

All male Age: 18.50 ± 1.20 Randomised: 1511 Analysed: 1388

Prefrabricated flat neoprene insoles vs No insole

Recruits given instructions to wear insoles daily in the standard footwear

9

68%

Tooms, 1987

Senior nursing students whose work required prolonged standing or walking

Sex unknown Age: 22.85 ± 5.35 Randomised: 100 Analysed: 100

Prefrabricated viscoelastic insoles vs No insole

Participants requested to wear insoles in their regular work shoes

5

64%