EFFECT OF FOOT POSTURE ON PLANTAR SUPPORT DURING GAIT OF ADULT BEGINNERS IN RUNNING

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Running is a sport activity that has been growing worldwide. However, most beginner runners are affected by injuries, with the foot type and plantar overload being the main risk factors for its appearance. The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of foot posture on the plantar load distribution of beginning runners. METHODS: 114 novice runners from sports clubs in the state of São Paulo, with a rearfoot running pattern, were evaluated. The type of foot posture was evaluated using the plantar arch index recorded by the podoscope. Thus, runners were divided into three groups: cavus feet (CF, n=47), normal feet (NF, n=34) and flat feet (FF, n=33). Plantar pressure distribution was assessed using the pressure platform (Loran®,Italy), considering the feet regions (forefoot, midfoot and medial and lateral rearfoot). The variables measured were: maximum force and peak pressure. Analysis of Variance, followed by Tukey's post-hoc was performed, considering differences p<0.05. RESULTS: Runners with cavus feet (high plantar arch) had higher peak pressure in the forefoot area and lateral rearfoot, such as maximum force on lateral rearfoot, in relation to groups with normal and flat feet, but decreased in the midfoot area. In the medial rearfoot, there were no differences observed between the groups. However, runners with flat feet reduced peak pressure over the forefoot and rearfoot areas (medial and lateral), but increased over the midfoot, when compared to cavus and normal feet. CONCLUSION: Beginner runners with cavus feet posture increase the plantar load over the forefoot and lateral reartfoot regions while flat feet increase over the midfoot. These findings help to understand the need for gait training to improve the plantar load distribution pattern.