Abstract
PURPOSE: Compared to individuals with normal arch structure (NA), those with a high arch (HA) may be at increased risk for specific overuse injuries, including stress fractures. A high medial longitudinal arch may influence rigid foot mechanics due to decreased shock-absorbing properties. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relationship between arch structure and dynamic foot function in male high school athletes. METHODS: 26 subjects (age 17.4±0.4 yrs) underwent measurements of static foot structure and dynamic function during self-selected barefoot walking. Arch height was determined with the arch height index measurement system (AHIMS) on both feet (10 HA, 16 NA). Novel emed-x system was used to measure the distribution of pressure under the foot in 10 regions during walking. Force time integral (FTI) and maximum force (MF) were calculated. ANOVA was used to determine the difference in plantar loading between HA and NA athletes (p<0.05). RESULTS: HA exhibited increased FTI in the medial forefoot (p = 0.014) and lateral heel (p = 0.014) compared to NA. In addition, increased MF was observed in the same regions (medial forefoot, p < 0.001 and lateral heel, p = 0.008) in HA compared to NA (Figure 1). MF or FTI were not statistically different between groups in any other foot region (p>0.05).Figure 1CONCLUSION: Differences in arch type are associated with multiple aspects of foot function during walking, specifically greater MF and impulse (FTI) in regions commonly involved in impact and push-off during walking. These data support evidence in the literature that indicates an association between HA structure and altered foot function. The relationships between foot structure, function and risk of injury should be further investigated.
Published Version
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