The Effects of a 6-Week Intrinsic Foot Morphology, Kinematics, and Kinetics in Individuals with Pes Planus

Abstract

CONTEXT: The intrinsic foot muscles are vital in supporting the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. Individuals with pes planus have poor foot morphology, strength, and biomechanics, warranting an intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: At pre-intervention, foot posture and arch height were assessed via the Foot Posture Index-6 and the Navicular Drop test, respectively. Cross-sectional area of the abductor hallucis was assessed using ultrasound as an indirect measure of strength. Biomechanical measures, including peak rearfoot eversion, peak tibial internal rotation, peak rearfoot eversion moment, and center of pressure excursion, were collected using 3D-motion capture and an instrumented treadmill. At post-intervention, these morphological and biomechanical measures were repeated. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each dependent variable by group and time. A repeated measures ANOVA was conducted for each dependent variable with the within subjects factor time and between subjects factor group.