Effect of Flat Feet on Static and Dynamic Balance in Adults

Abstract

Background: The foot is the most distal segment in the lower extremity chain and represents a smallBOS upon which the body maintains balance. Minor biomechanical alterations in the support surfacecan influence postural-control strategies. However, the implications of a flat foot on balance havereceived little attention to date.Aimof the present study was to Evaluate the static and dynamic balancein individuals with flat feet.Method: A total of 40 subjects were recruited. Participants were assigned to 2 groups case groupand control group depending on foot type, as defined by the foot ink print method. Subjects weredivided into case groups and control groups. The static and dynamic balance were measured throughthe Unipedal stance test and star excursion balance test respectively.There was a significant correlation between single-leg stance time (with eyes opened and closed) andflat feet (p-value = < .01). There was a significant correlation between reach distance in some direction(AM, MR, PM, P, AL, LL) with a flat foot (p-value <0 .05).Conclusion: This study suggests that both static (single leg stance test) and dynamic (SEBT) balanceare affected in individuals with flat feet.