In this study, the authors focused on the malfunction of the foot alignment with both the flat foot and high arch adults. In order to correct and prevent these abnormal alignments, the authors developed two types of inner socks. In advance to our assessment, the authors conducted a pilot study for the categorization of the subject's foot type by using foot pressure sensor. As a result, three types of subjects were selected, such as flat foot, high arch foot and normal foot. In order to evaluate the load stress and the joint moment of the lower extremities quantitatively, the authors conducted first experiment stage for these subjects groups. In this stage, each subject involved in the normal walking test and the step down test from the 40cm height stair. We adopted the joint moment with the hip, knee and ankle joint as the load of the subjects lower extremity in this study. With first experimental results and the athletic taping method, the authors developed type A and type B socks for both the flat foot and the high arch subjects. For the performance assessment of these two types of socks, the second experiment was conducted. As a result of walking test in the second experiment, type A socks contributes to decrease the magnitude of joint moments with the ankle plantar flexion/inversion and the knee flexion/abduction. However, type B sock for the high arch foot subjects, there is no evidence to reduce any joint moments on their lower extremity.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.30/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE