The Association between Foot Morphology and Dynamic Balance Performance as Measured by the Star Excursion Balance Test

Lubetzky Anat

doi:10.15226/2374-6904/2/3/00132

Abstract

The purposes of this descriptive study were to explore the association between foot morphology, severity of past injuries and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) performance in recreational runners. We interviewed 20 healthy recreational runners (aged 23-58 years) about their running habits and history of injuries. We calculated arch height index, a measure of foot morphology, from their static footprint. Participants performed the SEBT. Participants with lower medial longitudinal foot arch reached significantly farther on all SEBT directions except for anterolateral. The Spearman correlation (Rs) between arch index and those 7 directions ranged from 0.455 to 0.617 (p values ranging from 0.01 to 0.05). Severity of injuries in the past was not associated with SEBT performance. Assessing parameters that are associated with balance performance can help therapists to understand the underlying impairments leading to decreased or enhanced dynamic balance performance. Researchers and clinicians need to be aware of potential differences in dynamic balance performance in individuals with different foot morphologies.

Highlights

IntroductionThere are several underlying factors that can explain improved or decreased balance performance
Balance is complex, and there are several underlying factors that can explain improved or decreased balance performance
It is plausible to expect that variation in the morphology of the foot may influence postural control in general and dynamic balance in particular [2]

Summary

Introduction

There are several underlying factors that can explain improved or decreased balance performance. Interventions aimed to enhance postural control ability and prevent falls should be directed at the specific diagnosis of the underlying impairment(s) causing the postural control dysfunction. A specific intervention is expected to improve balance performance more than a ‘general balance training’ approach [1]. One such potential parameter that may contribute to balance performance is foot morphology. The foot provides a narrow base of support on which the body maintains balance. It is plausible to expect that variation in the morphology of the foot may influence postural control in general and dynamic balance in particular [2]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion