Foot Arch Research Articles (Page 1)

Pediatric pes planovalgus (flatfoot) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition characterized by the flattening of the medial arch of the foot. Despite its common occurrence, there is a lack of standardized diagnostic and therapeutic protocols. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis on the 100 most-cited papers on pediatric flatfoot to identify major research trends, including publication years, countries of origin, contributing institutions, prevalent keywords, common surgical treatments, and authorship patterns. This bibliometric analysis utilized the Web of Science Core Collection database by Clarivate Analytics to identify articles related to pediatric flatfoot using keywords. The 100 most-cited articles were manually selected and analyzed using the VOSviewer software to create network visualization maps. The 100 most-cited articles were published between 1951 and 2019, with the number of citations ranging from 26 to 299. The number of influential papers published increased in the 2000s, and the majority were published in the 2010s (57%). The USA was the most productive country (31 publications), the University of South Australia was the most productive institution (eight publications), and Evans AM was the most productive author (seven publications). Calcaneal osteotomy was the most studied procedure (14 publications, 782 citations), predominantly in North America. Subtalar arthroereisis was the focus of seven publications (462 citations), mostly coming from Europe. There was a notable expansion in research on pediatric flatfoot in recent years. There were major geographic differences in the approach to treatment for calcaneal osteotomy vs. subtalar arthroereisis.

Background/Objectives: The medial longitudinal arch (MLA) is initially masked by a fat pad that makes the foot appear flat. In preschool age, this fat pad resorbs, and the arch becomes more defined. The exact age at which the arch attains its final form remains uncertain due to high inter-individual variability and differing assessment methods, which complicates the distinction between physiological development and potential abnormalities. Moreover, commonly used classification terms such as “flat” or “normal” do not adequately reflect the developmental progression and may be misleading in young children. This study aimed to describe the MLA developmental patterns and propose an adjusted classification terminology to improve clinical differentiation between feet undergoing normal developmental changes and cases requiring intervention. Methods: The present study employs both cross-sectional (285 children aged 4.00–8.99 years) and longitudinal (50 children measured annually between ages 4–6) designs. Foot dimensions were assessed using standard anthropometry, and the MLA was assessed via podograms using the Chippaux–Smirak index (CSI). To better reflect the developmental nature of the MLA, the arch was categorized as “formed” and “unformed”. Cross-sectional data were analyzed with ANOVA and visualized using LOESS regression, longitudinal data with linear mixed models, and relationships between CSI and foot dimensions with Spearman’s correlation. Results: MLA development showed significant changes up to age 6, with the most pronounced changes occurring between ages 4 and 5 and slowing thereafter. Children with an unformed arch at age 4 exhibited a steeper developmental trajectory than those with an already advanced arch form. Correlations between arch shape and foot dimensions were statistically significant but weak. No significant between-sex differences were observed. Conclusions: The timing of the most pronounced phase of medial longitudinal arch (MLA) development varies between individuals and is typically completed by 6 years of age, with no sex-dependent differences. Age 6 therefore represents a practical milestone for reliable clinical assessment, since earlier classifications risk misinterpreting normal developmental variation as pathology.

Taking Zhaozhou Bridge, an outstanding ancient Chinese stone arch bridge, as the research object, this study aims to verify the rationality of its double-sided four-hole open-spandrel arch design. The study used SolidWorks to construct four three-dimensional models, including Zhaozhou Bridge, a single large-hole bridge, a single small-hole bridge, and a non-hole bridge, and conducted static structural load analysis based on ANSYS Workbench. During the analysis, the structural self-weight and a uniformly distributed live load simulating pedestrians and vehicles were taken into account, with a focus on two key indicators: equivalent stress and total deformation. The results show that the Zhaozhou Bridge model achieves uniform stress transmission and symmetrically distributed total deformation. In contrast, the single large-hole bridge has increased stress at the arch feet and asymmetric deformation; the single small-hole bridge exhibits uneven stress distribution and weak load dispersion capacity; and the non-hole bridge has increased self-weight, excessive stiffness redundancy, and concentrated deformation. The results of this study confirm the scientificity of the four-hole design of Zhaozhou Bridge.

ABSTRACT Underground Loess Caves (ULCs) are common in loess regions, but how soil cover thickness affects their vertical load-bearing capacity, deformation, and soil arching—key to stability—remains unclear. This study addressed this by first analyzing ULC seismic performance, then conducting static vertical loading tests on four ULC models with varying soil cover thicknesses. Elastic mechanics and soil mechanics theories were integrated to explore soil arch formation and ULC component stress. Test results showed shear failure at the loading zone edge, causing ULC top settlement and internal soil peeling. Convergence at proportional limit load decreased with thicker soil cover. Mechanistic analysis revealed soil arching in ULCs stems from stress redistribution under self-weight/external loads, relying on soil shear stress-friction synergy, which forms a stable system via arched stress transmission utilizing loess compressibility. The soil arch reduced roof vertical compressive stress (non-uniform distribution) and side wall stability was affected by horizontal pressure and arch foot diagonal pressure. The arch effect area boundary function was derived, providing a method to determine arch dead load. A recommended ULC arch top maximum deflection was proposed, with thicker soil reducing deflection. These findings inform ULC design and stability analysis under vertical loads.

To explore the application of precast concrete construction methods in underground stations, a combined precast and cast in situ construction method was adopted for a long-span column-free underground subway station. To study the stability of large-span underground arch structures under asymmetric loading, a full-scale test was conducted using the displacement-force control method. Steel blocks were used to simulate the overlying soil and additional loads on the upper surface of the arch, while the displacement of the arch foot was applied by adjusting the tension of the cables. The maximum tensile stress and maximum compressive stress of the steel bars appeared at the midpoints of the left and right arches, which were less than the yield stress of the steel bars. The results show that the structural stability meets the design requirements and provides a considerable safety margin. A comprehensive analysis of the arch structure under asymmetric loading was carried out through on-site monitoring, numerical simulation, and analytical solutions. The results are in good agreement: compared with the experimental results, the calculated values increase the maximum deflection of the arch by 13.67%, which verifies the reliability of the numerical simulation and analytical solution methods under the same boundary conditions. However, restricted by test conditions, the loading in this study was only applied on one side of the arch crown, which differs from the actual working condition involving full loading first followed by unloading on one side.

Starting point: Flexible flatfoot (FFF) is a common musculoskeletal condition, particularly in children, characterized by a decreased medial longitudinal arch that dynamically collapses under load. While often asymptomatic, FFF can contribute to pain, altered biomechanics, and functional limitations. Exercise therapy is frequently recommended as a conservative intervention, but the level of evidence supporting specific exercise strategies remains unclear. Objective: This narrative review aims to summarize the current evidence on exercise-based interventions for FFF, focusing on their efficacy in improving foot structure, function, and symptomatology. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science to identify randomized controlled trials examining exercise therapy for FFF. Studies were analyzed based on intervention types, outcome measures, and overall effectiveness. Results: The findings suggest that short foot exercise, toe exercises, foot supination exercises, sensorimotor training, plantar and dorsal flexion exercises, general lower limb exercises and core exercises may contribute to improved arch height, foot posture, and functional outcomes. Conclusions: Exercise therapy appears to be a promising conservative approach for managing FFF, with potential benefits for foot function and posture. However, further high-quality randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols and long-term follow-up are needed to establish optimal exercise regimens and their long-term effects.

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic, neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both males and females equally, causing a broad range of physical, cognitive, and behavioural challenges. Patients exhibited symptoms including low muscle tone, hyperphagia, and increased risk of obesity. PWS has three different molecular genetic classes. The most common cause is the deletion of the paternal copy of chromosome 15q11-q13. Healthcare providers are likely to observe mild cognitive impairment and behavioural problems, such as self-injury, compulsions, and sudden outbursts during diagnosis. Currently, there are no approved therapeutics for managing PWS; however, controlling hyperphagia and improving food-related complications are proposed as effective strategies. A ten-year-old Arab male diagnosed with PWS attended the orthodontic clinic, presenting with concerns about the appearance of his teeth. Clinical examination revealed a high palatal arch, dysmorphic features, a slightly arched foot, and extremely fisted fingers, indicative of developmental abnormalities. The patient underwent an EEG, which revealed epileptiform discharges in the frontal-temporal region, and an EMG for seizure evaluation. Additionally, dental examination revealed severe tooth wear on the maxillary permanent central incisors and the mandibular molars bilaterally.

The height of the longitudinal arch of the foot is an indicator reflecting the smallest distance between the lower edge of the articulation of the navicular and medial cuneiform bones and the support. It is used to detect the lowering of the longitudinal arch of the foot in orthopedic foot diseases. An urgent task is to predict the height of the longitudinal arch based on plantographic and podometric indicators using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to reduce radiation exposure during diagnosis and the selection of orthopedic products. To predict the height of the longitudinal arch of the foot, an artificial intelligence model based on plantographic indicators was developed and evaluated. The study included 37 people who underwent computer plantography and radiography of their feet under load. Correlation analysis was used to select significant features, and a comparative analysis of AI models was conducted to determine the optimal machine learning algorithm. According to the results of the correlation analysis, a significant (p≤0.05) relationship with the height of the longitudinal arch was identified, and the following indicators were selected for further AI model training: the length of the foot from the most prominent point of the heel rounding to the center of the base of the second toe, the linear index of arch height, the coefficient of spreading of the forefoot, the maximum width of the forefoot, and the angle of deviation of the first toe. The best performance in predicting the height of the longitudinal arch of the foot was demonstrated by the Random Forest model with a mean square error (MSE) of 6.4359, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 2.1674, a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.6932, a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 7.6152 %, and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.5369. The developed Random Forest model demonstrates a high predictive accuracy for the height of the longitudinal arch of the foot based on plantographic and podometric indicators, justifying its use for diagnosis, selection, and design of orthopedic products for the correction and compensation of foot deformities.

Footwear recommendations for Runners: Influencing factors and professional perspectives.

With the rapid development of urban underground spaces, newly constructed tunnels are being constructed increasingly closer to existing ones. In such cases, blasting may cause overbreak and underbreak, potentially compromising both the structural stability of the new tunnels and the operational safety of adjacent tunnels. In this study, we investigated the double-track tunnel project in Chongqing University Town; the blasting operation was classified into the blasting action period (from the beginning to load termination of blasting) and the overbreak period (from blasting termination to surrounding rock deformation stability). Overbreak and underbreak distribution data were acquired through self-developed blasthole detection devices and laser profile scanners. Using numerical models constructed with LS-DYNA and ANSYS, this study systematically analyzed the dynamic response characteristics of the blasting process of the newly-built tunnel and its effect on the structural stability of adjacent tunnels. Finite element simulation results using intelligent detection data matched the measured excavation contour with over 85% accuracy, revealing the correlation between the blasthole position offset and overbreak position and amount. During the formation period of overbreak in the newly-built tunnels, the section displacement attenuated gradually, and irregular contours increased the tensile stress concentration and rockfall risk. Moreover, uniform overbreak of the entire contour of the section decreased the stress concentration. During the blasting period of the adjacent tunnel, the overbreak and underbreak positions significantly affected the internal force on the lining of the adjacent tunnel. A prominent stress response of the vault and arch bottom was observed. The vibration velocity of the lining of the adjacent tunnel was positively correlated with the contour radius, and was regulated by the loading state at different positions. Therefore, blasting operations in new tunnels should take into account the void position of the adjacent tunnel base. During the formation period of overbreak of the adjacent tunnel, overbreak had a weak influence on the lining displacement, and excavation unloading dominated surrounding rock displacement. The peak stress was concentrated at the center and lower side of the arch foot, and the inner side of the arch bottom experienced tensile stress over a large area. Thus, the positions adjacent to the arch foot and arch bottom of the tunnel should be carefully considered in the construction of new tunnels.

Abstract Taking the tunnel in the underlying soft soil layer as an example, the dynamic analysis models of tunnel underlain soft soil layer and emerged in the homogeneous stratum are established based on the finite difference software, and nonlinear time-history analyses are carried out. Considering the uncertainty of the input seismic wave, the seismic vulnerability analysis of the typical underlying soft soil tunnel is carried out with the bending moment bearing capacity of the lining section as the damage index. The corresponding structural vulnerability curve is obtained and compared with the vulnerability curve of the homogeneous stratum. The results show that the structural dynamic response of the tunnel in the underlying soft soil layer is significantly higher than the seismic response of the tunnel in the homogeneous stratum, and the maximum bending moment of the tunnel appears at the left arch foot of the tunnel. The amplification effect of peak acceleration in soft soil layer and surface is the most significant, where the maximum acceleration amplification coefficient is 1.4. The peak acceleration of the surface is 1.6 times larger than that of the bedrock. The probability of slight damage in the tunnel under 0.2 g peak acceleration is less than 50% when the peak acceleration of the ground motion is 0.4 g, the tunnel has a probability of more than 80% of slight damage, and more than 30% of the probability of serious damage, and more than 5% of the probability of serious damage. The slight damage and moderate damage probabilities can be affected mainly when the tunnel underlain a soft soil layer and the incremental ratio of tunnel underlain soft soil layer is significant in slight damage status and the maximum incremental ratio is 26.5% when the peak acceleration is 0.4 g.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common rheumatic diseases that leads to degeneration of hyaline cartilage, synovial inflammation, and structural changes in joints. The main risk factors for developing OA are obesity, age, genetic predisposition, injury, and mechanical overload. Diagnosis of OA is based on clinical symptoms, examination data, and X-ray signs, but the early stages of the disease often remain unrecognized. A clinical case of a 52-year-old patient with primary OA of the knee joints, interphalangeal joints of the hands and feet is presented. A combination of burdened heredity, morbid obesity, menopause, prolonged wearing of high-heeled shoes, changes in the arches of the foot (flat feet), irrational intense sports activity led to the manifestation of OA. Comprehensive treatment included long-term administration of chondroitin sulphate at a dose of 1 000 mg/day, individually tailored therapeutic exercises, foot orthotics, and the development of a healthy diet, which led to a reduction in fat mass and an increase in muscle mass. After 1.5 years of therapy, improvement was achieved: a 23 kg reduction in body weight, complete relief of joint pain syndrome, normalisation of the initially elevated level of oligomeric matrix protein in the cartilage, and no radiographic progression of OA. It was this comprehensive personalised therapy at the stage of OA manifestation that made it possible to achieve good results in managing the disease at an early stage and prevent its further progression.

Although through tied-arch bridges exhibit strong structural robustness, collapse incidents triggered by the progressive failure of hangers still occasionally occur. Given that such bridges are unlikely to collapse due to the damage of a single or multiple hangers under the serviceability limit state, this study focuses on the failure safety limit state. Using the Nanfang’ao Bridge with inclined hangers and the Liujiang Bridge with vertical hangers as case studies, this paper investigates the dynamic response and failure modes of the residual structures when single or multiple hangers fail and initiate progressive collapse of all hangers. The results demonstrate that the configuration of hangers significantly influences the distribution of structural importance coefficients and the load transmission paths. Under identical failure scenarios, the Nanfang’ao Bridge with inclined hangers remains stable after the failure of four hangers without experiencing progressive collapse, whereas the Liujiang Bridge with vertical hangers undergoes progressive failure following the loss of only three hangers, which indicates that inclined hanger configurations offer superior resistance to progressive collapse. Based on the aforementioned analysis, the LS-DYNA Simple–Johnson–Cook damage model was employed to simulate the collapse process. The extent of damage and ultimate failure modes of the two bridges differ significantly. In the case of the Nanfang’ao Bridge, following the progressive failure of the hangers, the bridge deck system lost lateral support, leading to excessive downward deflection. The deck subsequently fractured at the mid-span (1/2 position) and collapsed in an inverted “V” shape. This failure then propagated to the tie bar, inducing outward compression at the arch feet and tensile stress in the arch ribs. Stress concentration at the connection between the arch columns and arch rings ultimately triggered global collapse. For the Liujiang Bridge, failure initiated with localized concrete cracking, which propagated to reinforcing bar yielding, resulting in localized damage within the bridge deck system. These observations indicate that progressive stay cable failure serves as the common initial triggering mechanism for both bridges. However, differences in the structural configuration of the bridge deck systems, the geometry of the arch ribs, and the constraint effects of the tie bar result in distinct failure progression patterns and ultimate collapse behaviors between the two structures. Thereby, design recommendations are proposed for through tied-arch bridges, from the aspects of the hanger, arch rib, bridge deck system, and tie bar, to enhance the resistance to progressive collapse.

Variations in damper configuration strategies have a direct impact on the seismic damage patterns of long-span deck-type concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) arch bridges. This study developed an analysis and evaluation framework to identify the damage category, state, and progression sequence of structural components. The framework aims to investigate the influence of viscous dampers on the seismic response and damage patterns of long-span deck-type CFST arch bridges under near-fault pulse-like ground motions. The effects of different viscous damper configuration strategies and design parameters on seismic responses of long-span deck-type CFST arch bridges were systematically investigated, and the preferred configuration and parameter set were identified. The influence of preferred viscous damper configurations on seismic damage patterns of long-span deck-type CFST arch bridges was systematically analyzed through the established analysis and evaluation frameworks. The results indicate that a relatively optimal reduction in bridge response can be achieved when viscous dampers are simultaneously installed at both the abutments and the approach piers. Minimum seismic responses were attained at a damping exponent α = 0.2 and damping coefficient C = 6000 kN/(m/s), demonstrating stability in mitigating vibration effects on arch rings and bearings. In the absence of damper implementation, the lower chord arch foot section is most likely to experience in-plane bending failure. The piers, influenced by the coupling effect between the spandrel construction and the main arch ring, are more susceptible to damage as their height decreases. Additionally, the end bearings are more prone to failure compared to the central-span bearings. Implementation of the preferred damper configuration strategy maintains essentially consistent sequences in seismic-induced damage patterns of the bridge, but the peak ground motion intensity causing damage to the main arch and spandrel structure is significantly increased. This strategy enhances the damage-initiation peak ground acceleration (PGA) for critical sections of the main arch, while concurrently reducing transverse and longitudinal bending moments in pier column sections. The proposed integrated analysis and evaluation framework has been validated for its applicability in capturing the seismic damage patterns of long-span deck-type CFST arch bridges.

Pes planus is a common postural deformity related to the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. Radiographic examinations are important for reproducibility and objectivity; the most commonly used methods are the calcaneal inclusion angle and Mery angle. However, there may be variations in radiographic measurements due to human error and inexperience. In this study, a deep learning (DL)-based solution is proposed to solve this problem. Lateral radiographs of the right and left foot of 289 patients were taken and saved. The study population is a homogeneous group in terms of age and gender, and does not provide sufficient heterogeneity to represent the general population. These radiography (X-ray) images were measured by 2 different experts and the measurements were recorded. According to these measurements, each X-ray image is labeled as pes planus or non-pes planus. These images were then filtered and resized using Gaussian blurring and median filtering methods. As a result of these processes, 2 separate data sets were created. Generally accepted DL models (AlexNet, GoogleNet, SqueezeNet) were reconstructed to classify these images. The 2-category (pes planus/no pes planus) data in the 2 preprocessed and resized datasets were classified by fine-tuning these reconstructed transfer learning networks. The GoogleNet and SqueezeNet models achieved 100% accuracy, while AlexNet achieved 92.98% accuracy. These results show that the predictions of the models and the measurements of expert radiologists overlap to a large extent. DL-based diagnostic methods can be used as a decision support system in the diagnosis of pes planus. DL algorithms enhance the consistency of the diagnostic process by reducing measurement variations between different observers. DL systems accelerate diagnosis by automatically performing angle measurements from X-ray images, which is particularly beneficial in busy clinical settings by saving time. DL models integrated with smartphone cameras can facilitate the diagnosis of pes planus and serve as a screening tool, especially in regions with limited access to healthcare.

Impact of systemic sclerosis on foot skin hydration: A case-control study.

Objectives Is to improve the function of the arch of the foot in primary school children who have flat feet by means of adaptive physical rehabilitation during classes using sets of physical exercises. Methods The study was conducted during the school year at a comprehensive school in Russia. The pedagogical experiment involved 88 elementary school children who are diagnosed with flat feet. All physical education classes were held according to the school schedule twice a week for 40 minutes. The control group studied according to the regular school physical education program, and the experimental group studied according to the experimental program, which included combined developing exercises, special exercises for corrective purposes for the arch of the foot, and outdoor games. Flat feet in children were determined using the Friedland index, jumping ability and fast muscle strength of legs were determined by the long jump, and muscle strength of the foot and lower leg was determined by the calf raise test. The reliability of differences in indicators was considered significant at the significance level of p<0.05. Results After the end of the pedagogical experiment, the indicators of children in the control group improved in the Friedland index from 26.93±0.3 to 27.29±0.5 (p>0.05), the strength of the foot and lower leg muscles increased by 7.9% (p>0.05), and the jumping ability and fast strength of the leg muscles increased by only 4.7% (p>0.05). In the experimental group, the Friedland index improved from 26.95±0.4 to 29.13±0.3 (p<0.05), the strength of the foot and lower leg muscles increased by 24.6% (p<0.05), and the jumping ability and fast strength of the leg muscles increased by 10.8% (p<0.05). Conclusion The experimental program proved its effectiveness. If special corrective exercises for the prevention or treatment of flat feet are used during each physical education class for 20 minutes, the results of podometry tests, calf raise and standing long jumps will improve significantly. BJMS, Vol. 24 No. 03 July’25 Page : 898-905

Background: Pes planus is a condition where the arch of the foot collapses, resulting in the entire sole contacting the ground. The biomechanical implications of pes planus on gait have been widely studied; however, research specific to Black African populations, particularly recreational runners, is scarce. Aim: This study aimed to describe the forefoot centre of pressure (CoP) trajectory during the barefoot gait cycle among Black African recreational runners with pes planus. Methods: A prospective explorative and quantitative study design was employed. Participants included Black African male recreational runners aged 18 to 45 years diagnosed with pes planus. A Freemed™ 6050 force plate was used to collect gait data. Statistical analysis included cross-tabulations to identify patterns. Results: This study included 104 male participants across seven weight categories, with the majority in the 70-to-79 kg range (34.6%, n = 36). Most participants with pes planus showed a neutral foot posture (74.0%, n = 77) on the foot posture index 6 (FPI-6) scale. Flexible pes planus (94.2%, n = 98) was much more common than rigid pes planus (5.8%, n = 6). Lateral displacement of the CoP was observed in the right forefoot (90.4%, n = 94) and left forefoot (57.7%, n = 60). Load distribution patterns differed between feet, with the right foot favouring the medial heel, arch, and metatarsal heads, while the left foot favoured the lateral heel, medial heel, and lateral arch. No statistical significance was found in the cross-tabulations, but notable lateral CoP displacement in the forefoot was observed. Conclusions: The findings challenge the traditional view of pes planus causing overpronation and highlight the need for clinicians to reconsider standard diagnostic and management approaches. Further research is needed to explore the implications of these findings for injury prevention and management in this population.

Feet abnormality such as flat foot resulting from the collapse of the arches of the foot is of great clinical and anatomical importance. The aim of this study was to assess the plantar arch index and determine the prevalence of flat foot among adult Ikwerre residing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria. A total of 100 subjects consisting of 50 males and 50 females were recruited for this study. The bilateral foot prints of the subjects were obtained using stamping ink and A4 plain papers. Convenience sampling technique was used in collecting samples. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS version 23) and Microsoft Office Excel 2019. Staheli's plantar arch index method was adopted and the presence of flat foot was identified from the data collected by calculating the plantar arch index (PAI). If the value of PAI is >1.15, it is considered as flat foot. The result showed that the right plantar arch index of male participants was significantly higher than that of the left. About 4% flat foot on the right feet and 6%flat foot on the left feet were observed in males while no flat foot was recorded in right foot and 10% flat foot on the left foot were recorded in females. The findings in the study suggest a higher prevalence of flat feet in left foot than the right foot with females having higher rate of left flat foot than the males.

The medial longitudinal arch of the foot plays a role in energy storage and release during running; however, the relationship between its dynamic mechanical behavior and energy expenditure remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between changes in the mechanical work of the longitudinal arch and the energy expenditure during prolonged running. 16 male athletes or sports enthusiasts participated in a 60-min treadmill running trial at a constant speed of 10km/h. Biomechanical data were obtained using force-instrumented treadmill and a motion capture system to compute the positive and negative work of the longitudinal arch. Metabolic data, including oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), and heart rate (HR), were simultaneously measured with a Cortex cardiopulmonary function tester. Positive arch work and metabolic variables increased rapidly during the first 10min and then stabilized, with inflection points consistently observed at the 10-min mark (p < 0.001). In contrast, no significant main effect of time was found for negative arch work (p = 0.058). Both positive and negative arch work showed significant positive correlations with energy expenditure (positive work: r = 0.588, p = 0.017; negative work: r = 0.514, p = 0.042), indicating that the dynamic function of the longitudinal arch is linked to metabolic demand, especially when adapting to exercise intensity. These findings highlight the critical mechanical role of the foot's longitudinal arch and surrounding soft tissues in regulating energy expenditure during running. Strengthening the longitudinal arch and implementing timely stretching may help improve running efficiency by optimizing energy utilization.