The Effects on Subtalar Neutral Angle in Non‐Weight Bearing Position on Postural Stability

Abstract

Study ObjectivePS can be classified into static and dynamic balance which is affected by muscle strength as well as the body alignment. The skeletal structure serve as leavers and joints serve as fulcrums of the body which affect the mechanical advantage of the skeletal muscles in order to maintain PS. Apart from that, the foot is the most distal segment of the body which may influence the individual's ability to balance. Hence, this study is done to study the subtalar neutral angle in non‐weight bearing position and its relationship to PS.Methodology216 healthy participants age between 15 to 24 years were recruited for this study using convenience sampling methods. Their subtalar neutral angle were measured in non‐weight bearing position using the technique proposed by Everu and colleagues. Their static and dynamic stability were measured using Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) respectively. The results will be recorded and interpreted using correlation methods with SPSS version 22 software.ResultsThere is a strong negative correlation between the subtalar neutral angle in non‐weight bearing position and dynamic balance in medial direction (P < 0.01) and posterior direction (P = 0.01). There are negative correlation between subtalar neutral angle in non‐weight bearing position and dynamic balance in lateral direction and anterolateral direction (P < 0.05) and posteromedial direction (P = 0.05). There are no correlation between subtalar joint neutral angle in non‐weight bearing position and static balance and dynamic balance in anterior, anterior medial and posterolateral (P > 0.05).ConclusionIndividuals with more valgus subtalar neutral angle in non‐weight bearing position have better dynamic postural stability in medial, posterior, lateral, anterolateral, and posteromedial direction. However, this angle does not affect the static balance and dynamic balance in anterior, anterior medial and posterolateral direction.Support or Funding InformationNo funding