Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of excessive feet arching (symmetrical and asymmetrical) on plantar pressure distribution and on the alignment of pelvis, spine and shoulder girdle. Eighty-one women (20–40 years old, 61 +/− 12 kg, 165 +/− 5 cm) were divided into 3 groups based on the foot arch index (Group 1 - with normally arched feet, Group 2 with one foot properly arched and the other high-arched, Group 3 with both feet high-arched). Plantar pressure distribution between the right and left foot for the forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot, respectively and body posture were assessed. A slight increase in longitudinal arch of the foot caused changes in the distribution of feet loads both between limbs and between the forefoot and rearfoot and also influenced the whole body. Asymmetrical high-arching of the feet resulted in asymmetry of lower limb load and in the height of the shoulder girdle. We have suggested that any alteration of the foot arch may be harmful to body tissues and should not be considered as correct. Due to the fact that slight increases in longitudinal arch of the foot are very common, they should be considered as a foot defect, and appropriate corrective exercises should be used to prevent forefoot overload and alterations in body posture.
Highlights
IntroductionThe aim of this study was to examine the effect of excessive feet arching (symmetrical and asymmetrical) on plantar pressure distribution and on the alignment of pelvis, spine and shoulder girdle
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of excessive feet arching on plantar pressure distribution and on the alignment of pelvis, spine and shoulder girdle
If excessive foot arching is permanent, the inappropriate foot posture may lead to changes in the load distribution, and through the myofascial system, abnormal tension in the soft tissues of the feet can spread to upper parts of the body[11,26]
Summary
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of excessive feet arching (symmetrical and asymmetrical) on plantar pressure distribution and on the alignment of pelvis, spine and shoulder girdle. Such a study protocol did not allow to observe true changes in foot load distribution because this artificial foot arching was unnatural for study participants, those observations should be considered with caution Those studies showed, that instantaneous changes in foot arch which may even create some force alterations throughout the tissues are local, and cannot affect immediately distant body parts such as the thoracic or cervical spine and/or shoulder girdle[12]. If excessive foot arching is permanent, the inappropriate foot posture may lead to changes in the load distribution, and through the myofascial system, abnormal tension in the soft tissues of the feet can spread to upper parts of the body[11,26]. Deeper analysis of the influence of foot arch asymmetry may lead to more accurate treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunctions
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