Correlation between Different Methods to Diagnose Foot Posture Condition

Joel Marouvo,Carlos Santos,Filipa Sousa,Maria António Castro

doi:10.3390/j4030019

Abstract

Background: Authors refer to different methods to assess subjects’ foot posture. All methods present several limitations depending on the examiner or the chosen test. This study aims to investigate the relationship between different tests and Footprints parameters to diagnose subjects with a flat and neutral foot. Methods: The sample consisted of 37 participants, where 16 were included in the flatfoot group and 21 in the neutral foot group. Only subjects who presented a Navicular Drop Test value of >9 mm were included in the flatfooted group. All participants were submitted to Resting Calcaneal Stance Position and plantar pressure platform assessment for Footprints analysis. Associations between all tests and Footprints parameters were determined by Pearson’s correlation analysis. Results: Regarding both groups, significant correlations between tests were moderate to nearly perfect to identified both conditions of foot posture. All correlations were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The diagnosis accuracy of foot posture condition can be compromised depending on the used test. The Navicular Drop Test and the Resting Calcaneal Stance Position were shown to mislead foot posture condition assessment, unlike Footprints parameters that can be important evaluation tools in a clinical environment.

Highlights

The body requires sensitive inputs of lower limbs proprioceptive receptors relative to several environmental alterations [1,2,3] as several sensorimotor receptors’ feedback, namely plantar pressure, visual system, and vestibular alterations to maintain postural stability [1,4,5,6]
The foot complications are related to impaired mobility and postural stability, having a detrimental impact on the quality of life [2,8], and are related to inadequate footwear use [9]
Those alterations are reported as a common concern in the community [2,8] as static and dynamic postural controls are required during daily living activities and can be impaired [10,11]

Summary

Introduction

The body requires sensitive inputs of lower limbs proprioceptive receptors relative to several environmental alterations [1,2,3] as several sensorimotor receptors’ feedback, namely plantar pressure, visual system, and vestibular alterations to maintain postural stability [1,4,5,6]. The foot complications are related to impaired mobility and postural stability, having a detrimental impact on the quality of life [2,8], and are related to inadequate footwear use [9] Those alterations are reported as a common concern in the community [2,8] as static and dynamic postural controls are required during daily living activities and can be impaired [10,11]. Foot posture is usually classified into three categories, neutral (NF), cavus (CF), and flatfoot (FF), with respectively normal high and low medial longitudinal arch height. This last one is often characterized by calcaneus plantarflexion.

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Discussion

Conclusion