Navicular Drop Test Research Articles

Comparison between the effects of tibialis posterior versus fibularis longus Kinesio taping on foot posture, physical performance, and dynamic balance in young women with flexible flatfoot.

The purpose of the study is to compare the effectiveness of the tibialis posterior Kinesio taping and fibularis longus Kinesio taping on the foot posture, physical performance, and dynamic balance in young women with flexible flatfoot. Twenty-four subjects were recruited for the study. They were randomly divided into groups (A = 12, B = 12). In group A, Kinesio taping was applied on the tibialis posterior, and in group B, Kinesio taping was applied on the fibularis longus and remained for 30min. Outcome measures were the navicular drop test (NDT), foot posture index (FPI), timed up and go (TUG) test, and Y-balance test. The pre- and post-treatment results were compared for each group; between-group differences were determined as well. For group A, NDT, FPI, and TUG test changed significantly (P = 0.01, P = 0.001, P = 0.006, respectively). For group B, the FPI score decreased (P = 0.03), and the Y-balance test in the anterior direction improved significantly (P = 0.01). Any variables have not shown a significant difference between groups (P > 0.05). Kinesio taping of the tibialis posterior and fibularis longus can improve foot posture in young women with flexible flatfoot. Also, physical performance and dynamic balance improved by Kinesio taping of the tibialis posterior and the fibularis longus, respectively. In addition to the tibialis posterior, we found that the fibularis longus muscle can be considered a therapeutic target for managing flexible flatfoot in healthy young women.

THE EFFECT OF MEDIAL LONGITUDINAL ARCH SUPPORTING DYNAMIC® TAPE APPLICATION ON PLANTAR PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION IN ADOLESCENT VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

Low medial longitudinal arch (MLA), which is accepted as one of the predisposing factors leading to overuse injuries, changes the plantar pressure distribution by disrupting the load distribution. While there are studies investigating the effects of Kinesio® and rigid taping methods on plantar pressure distribution in the literature, there are no studies found investigating the effect of Dynamic® taping (DT) on foot load distribution. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of arch-supportive DT on plantar pressure distribution in adolescent volleyball players with low MLA. Twenty-five female volleyball players with a navicular drop of 8 mm and above and a mean age of 15.44 ± 1.68 years participated in this study. The distance of navicular drop was evaluated by navicular drop test, and the plantar pressure distribution was evaluated by the pedobarographic analysis method. After the first measurements were taken, Dynamic® tape was applied. The athletes were then reassessed using the same procedure. After taping, the navicular drop was significantly reduced for both feet (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the peak pressure values before and after taping (p>0.05). Total forefoot and hindfoot surface contact areas decreased significantly (p <0.05). Our study results showed that DT did not affect the peak plantar pressure, but could be effective in decreasing the surface contact area and increasing the MLA height. Dynamic® tape can be used as a practical, easy-to-apply treatment agent that supports the arch in asymptomatic athletes.

Correlation Between Body Mass Index, Navicular Drop and Q-Angle in Different Position Among College Students - Correlation Study

INTRODUCTION: The Q-Angle is an index of the vector of the combined pull of the knee extensor mechanisms and the patellar tendon. The Navicular Drop Test, is one of the clinical tests most commonly used to study Medial longitudinal arch. It has been found that the different weight of individual may alter the Q-angle. AIM: To find out the correlation between BMI, Q-Angle and Navicular Drop in different position in college going student. METHODOLOGY: The participants were taken from Apollo Institute of Physiotherapy and informed written consent was taken from all the participants. Body Mass Index was calculated by standard formula [weight(kg.)/height2(meter)]. Navicular Drop was measure by using a scale and card method and Q-Angle was measure in standing and supine position by using Standard Goniometer. RESULT: The study showed a weak correlation of right Q-Angle supine with right Navicular Drop (r= 0.14, p=0.31) and no correlation of right Q-Angle standing with right Navicular Drop (r=0.02, p=0.85). Also, there is no correlation of left Q-Angle supine with left Navicular Drop (r= 0.08, p=0.54) and weak correlation of left Q-Angle standing with left Navicular Drop (r=0.11, p=0.43). There is weak correlation between BMI with Q-Angle (in different positions) and Navicular Drop. CONCLUSION: Thus, this study concluded that there is weak correlation between BMI, Q-Angle and Navicular Drop. Also suggested that change in the position may alter Q-Angle and Navicular Drop. Keywords: Body Mass Index, Q-Angle, Navicular Drop, College Students.

The effect of pes planus on the biomechanics of the lower extremity, balance, fall risk, and performance

IntroductionWe compared of lower extremity dominancy, subtalar angle, balance, fall risk, and performance in younger adults with and without pes planus.MethodsA total of 80 physically active subjects participated. 39 patients with flexible pes planus, 41 asymptomatic participants. Arch height of subjects was assessed by the navicular drop test, the subtalar joint angles were assessed by the goniometer, balance assessments were performed by the Biodex Balance System, and performance assessments were performed by the single-leg jump, and vertical jump tests. Furthermore, the strength of the gluteus medius muscles was measured by a dynamometer.ResultsA significant difference was demonstrated for the subtalar angles (right and left), single-leg jump, and vertical jump tests of asymptomatic subjects and subjects with pes planus (<i>p</i> < 0.05).ConclusionsIt can be concluded that there was a decrease in subtalar angle and performance in young adults with pes planus compared with asymptomatic subjects. These suggest we take prophylactic measures before the effects are seen in young adults.

Dynamic knee valgus prevalence in children and its association with pain intensity, foot mobility, and sex— A cross-sectional study

IntroductionKnee pain can impact the performance of activities and sports participation in children. Dynamic knee valgus is a movement pattern commonly related to health conditions that may be associated with sex and foot kinematics in children. ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of dynamic knee valgus and its relationship with foot mobility, sex, and knee pain in children. MethodA cross-sectional observational study was carried out with 144 children (10–18 years old). The pain level was investigated using the Visual Analog Pain Scale and categorized into no pain/minor pain (≤2 cm), moderate pain (3–4,9 cm), and severe pain (≥5.0 cm). Foot mobility was assessed using the adapted navicular drop test and categorized into poor/adequate foot mobility (0.0 cm–0.9 cm) and greater foot mobility (≥1.0 cm). The dynamic knee valgus presence was checked using the step-down test. The association analysis was performed using simple tabulation considering the cluster effect. The Prevalence Ratios and the respective confidence intervals (95%) were estimated from Multiple Poisson Regression with robust variance. A significance level of 5% was adopted. ResultsThe dynamic knee valgus prevalence was 26.3% and 26.9% in the right and left lower limbs, respectively. Females presented greater dynamic knee valgus frequency in the left lower limb than males. The dynamic knee valgus presence in males was associated with foot mobility in right (p = 0.001) (Prevalence Ratio: 9.33 Confidence Interval: 2.93–29.72) and left lower limbs (p = 0.003) (Prevalence Ratio: 6.25 Confidence Interval: 1.7–22.62). ConclusionMale and female children showed different relationships of the analyzed factors, suggesting that characteristics related to sex may impact the aspects linked to dynamic knee in children.

Quadriceps Femoral Angle (Q Angle) Variations in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

Background: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease most commonly occur in females, aged and obese population. Knee osteoarthritis is most common. Repetitive stress or some trauma to joint or some genetic disorder may be the cause of osteoarthritis. Q angle is the quantifying value between patellar angle and quadriceps. There is valuable rise in the value of Q angle in knee OA patients because of increased medial tibial torsion. Standard value of Q angle is 17 for females and 14 for males. Objectives: To find out the variations of value of Q angle in knee OA. To find how BMI, age, gender affects the value of Q angle? Is there any effect of increased value of Q angle on foot arches? Materials and Methods: This study is a cross sectional study that has been conducted from December 2015 to June 2016. Data from 200 subjects was collected that had knee osteoarthritis (male and females) of different era. The data was collected from hospitals of Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Wah cantt. With the help of self created questionnaire. Different measuring devices including goniometer for measuring q angle measuring tape for sit to stand navicular drop test, are used weighing machine for weight measurement. Further analysis on collected data was made through SPPS.. Results: The study results showed the significant increment in value of Q angle was linked to weight and gender of the subjects. Value of Q angle was higher for overweight and obese females. Increased BMI was linked to increased risk of knee osteoarthritis. Chi-square test with cross tabulation was applied for the association of osteoarthritis and Q angle which were categorized in to 3. Category 1 was ranged from 14-20, category 2 was ranged from 20.1 to 25 and category 3 was ranged from 25.1 to 30 degrees. Chi square test results have shown p value is less than 0.005. This value is significant. Conclusion: The study concluded there was a marked rise in Q-angle in patient with knee OA who were obese ,overweight as compare to the normal BMI.OBESE PERSONS are prone to knee OA. The obese women normally have increased Q angle. Over-pronated feet or different position of foot also puts extra strain on the Q angle because of massive internal rotation of the tibia. Keywords: Osteoarthritis, Q angle

Association between Medial Longitudinal Arch with Static and Dynamic Balance among Recreational Badminton Players

The study purpose was to examine the association between the Medial Longitudinal Arch (MLA) and balance among recreational badminton players.
 Materials and methods. Total of 48 recreational badminton players aged 18–40 (24 males and 24 females) were recruited. Navicular Drop Test (NDT), Single Leg Stance Balance Test (SLSBT) and Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT) were assessed on both dominant and non-dominant leg. Participant’s foot type was categorized using NDT scores according to difference of navicular height in weight bearing and relax sitting; static balance was grouped based on the time (seconds) the players were able to maintain balance during the SLSBT; and dynamic balance was grouped based on the percentage of distance reached in mSEBT.
 Results. The study results revealed a significant association between the MLA of dominant (p<0.05) and non-dominant leg (p=0.02) with static balance among recreational badminton players. However, there is no significant association between the MLA of dominant (Anterior: p=0.39; Posteromedial: p=0.34; Posterolateral: p=0.98) and non-dominant leg (Anterior: p=0.39; Posteromedial: p=0.54; Posterolateral: p=0.07) with dynamic balance.
 Conclusions. The current study concludes that there is a significant association between the MLA and static balance. However, no changes were seen in dynamic balance. Thus, coaches and trainers may look into the MLA of players to improve their static balance, which can further improve their sports performance. Future studies are recommended to examine the effects of dynamic balance in more depth with increased sample size.

Effects of the Short-Foot Exercise on Foot Alignment and Muscle Hypertrophy in Flatfoot Individuals: A Meta-Analysis.

This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to examine the effects of the short-foot exercise (SFE) compared to foot orthosis or other types of interventions. Eligibility criteria involved participants with flatfoot engaging in the SFE compared to other forms of intervention or control groups without specific intervention. Relevant studies published before the end of June 2022 were identified from databases. A meta-analysis was performed by calculating the mean differences (MD) and standard MD (SMD) using the random effects model. Six trials with 201 patients (out of 609 records) that met selection criteria were reviewed. Five of the six trials implemented distinct interventions in the control group such as shoe insoles and muscle strengthening exercises, while in the remaining trial, controls received no intervention. The SFE group significantly reduced the navicular drop test (NDT) values (MD: −0.23; 95% confidence interval: −0.45 to −0.02; p = 0.04) and the foot posture index (FPI-6) score (MD: −0.67; 95% confidence interval: −0.98 to −0.36; p < 0.0001) when compared to the control group. The muscle hypertrophy did not differ significantly between the groups. The SFE may contribute more benefits than other intervention as it affects flatfoot individuals’ foot alignment. Hence, the SFE is recommended as a beneficial dynamic support when facing flatfoot problems.

The Effect Of Pronated Versus Non-pronated Feet On Jump Parameters In Female Collegiate Athletes

Foot pronation is characterized by a reduced or absent medial longitudinal arch. The presence of pronated feet is thought to contribute to alterations in ankle-foot complex and hip and knee joint kinematics. There is little evidence analyzing the role of pronated feet in jump performance. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of pronated (PR) and non-pronated (NP) feet on jump performance. METHODS: Thirty female collegiate athletes (20.2 ± 1.3 yrs, 70.4 ± 12.2 kg, 172.9 ± 8.8 cm, BMI 23.4 ± 2.6 kg/cm2) from various sports completed a pre-screening questionnaire and 7 subjects were excluded due to a history of lower-limb injury within the past year. Twenty-three subjects underwent ankle-foot evaluation and drop-countermovement jump (CMJ) testing using a force plate and integrated software. The subjects were categorized as either NP (n = 8) or PR (n = 15) based on the navicular drop (ND) test. Participants with ND > 10 mm were classified as having PR feet. Subjects with at least one foot classified as pronated formed the PR group while those with neither foot classified as pronated formed the NP group. Subjects performed a total of 9 drop-CMJ tests [3 bilateral (BL), 3 unilateral left limb (LL), 3 unilateral right limb (RL)]. RESULTS: With respect to BL CMJ performance, no significant differences (p > 0.05) between groups were observed for peak force (2412 ± 751 vs 2172 ± 467 N), propulsive impulse (340 ± 86 vs 339 ± 55 N/s), rate of power development (28009 ± 18705 vs 20270 ± 16647 W/s), take-off velocity (8.65 ± 1 vs 8.37 ± 0.6 ft/s) and peak positive power (3206 ± 795 vs 2966 ± 869 W). Significant correlations (p ≤ 0.05) between body weight (BW) and jump performance were observed for BL peak force (r = 0.59), RL peak force (r = 0.74), BL propulsive impulse (r = 0.83). LL propulsive impulse (r = 0.74), RL propulsive impulse (r = 0.80), BL peak positive power (r = 0.83), LL peak positive power (r = 0.80), RL peak positive power (r = 0.83). CONCLUSIONS: We observed no differences between the groups on BL jump performance. However, moderate to strong positive correlations between BW and CMJ performance were observed. The observed correlations between BW and CMJ performance may reflect an underlying relationship between lean mass and CMJ performance. Further investigation of the effect of foot posture on other components of sport performance is needed.

The effect of isokinetic hip muscle strength on normal medial longitudinal arch feet and pes planus

Pes planus is a common foot and ankle physiologic deformity. The normal medial longitudinal arch is depressed or flattened due to a lack of strength in associated muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This study aimed to investigate how isokinetic hip muscular strength affected normal medial longitudinal arch feet and pea planus. Forty adult subjects participated in this study: 20 with pea planus and 20 with normal medial longitudinal arched feet. Both groups were similar in age (p=.074), weight (p=.324), height (p=.211), and BMI (p=.541). The navicular drop test determined the differences in navicular height. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to determine hip muscular strength (peak torque and total work) during hip flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction at speeds of 90°/s and 180°/s. A Kruskal-Wallis test was computed to determine the comparison between the normal medial longitudinal arch and pea planus. Subjects with normal medial longitudinal arch had more muscle strength than pes planus. Hip muscle strength did not show any significant difference between both groups. The abductor and adductor group muscles' total work were higher in subjects with pes planus. This study showed that normal medial longitudinal arched foot subjects have higher muscle strength than pes planus. However, the hip abductors were significantly lower in pes planus after measuring the total work, suggesting that individuals with pes planus are easily fatigued, possibly due to the overuse of the muscles that compensate for any changes in lower limb alignment.

Plantar Venous Pump Activity, Generalized Joint Hypermobility, and Foot Mobility in Ballerinas: A Case-Control Study.

The plantar venous pump (PVP) is a vascular network located between the muscles of the foot arch. It has been suggested foot mobility is critical for PVP activation. This study investigates the effect of generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) on foot mobility and PVP activity in ballerinas and to determine how a short-term warm-up exercise impacts these parameters in the presence of GJH. Prospective study. Twelve ballerinas (age = 16.73 [1.8]y) and 15 non-dancer-matched controls (age = 16.31 [2.1]y) were included. When performing weight-bearing activities, venous return parameters (diameter, velocity, and flow volume) from the posterior tibial vein were measured using color and spectral Doppler ultrasonography. Foot mobility was determined using navicular drop test. The participants performed a 10-minute cycling exercise to reveal its effect on reducing tissue stiffness. All measurements were performed synchronously and twice-before and after the cycling exercise. The results showed the navicular height obtained before and after exercise in the ballerinas was significantly different compared with that obtained in the sitting position, and the values obtained in the 3 measurement positions in the nondancer group were significantly different from each other (P < .05). The difference between the venous diameter values measured before and after exercise and the reference value was significant in both groups (P < .001). There was a significant decrease in venous velocity following exercise in the nondancer group (P = .044). The venous volume values obtained after exercise were significantly different between the groups (P = .039). The GJH has no distinctive effect on foot mobility and PVP activity in ballerinas. The presence of GJH did not influence the effect of short-term warm-up exercise on foot mobility and PVP activity. We believe that measuring the navicular drop and venous return with a more precise synchronization may provide additional information regarding the link between arch tension and venous return.

Combined Use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Short Foot Exercise Improves Navicular Height, Muscle Size, Function Mobility, and Risk of Falls in Healthy Older Adults.

Electrical stimulation is an established method that is used to improve muscle strength. The present study compared changes in the navicular drop test (NDT), muscle size, the five times sit to stand (5TSTS) test, the timed up and go (TUG) test, and the risk of falls in response to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) plus short foot exercise (SFE) and SFE alone in 68 healthy elderly participants aged 65–75 years. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: TENS plus SFE and SFE alone (with sham TENS). Measurements of NDT, muscle size, 5TSTS, TUG, and risk of falls were made before and after 4 weeks of training. The NDT was significantly improved by a median of 0.31 mm in the TENS plus SFE group and 0.64 mm in the SFE alone group (p < 0.001). Similarly, there was a significant improvement in Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I), 5TSTS, and TUG for both groups (p < 0.001). The abductor hallucis muscle size increased by 0.23 cm2 in the TENS plus SFE group and 0.26 cm2 in the SFE alone group (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the two groups for any variables (p > 0.05) except TUG, which showed a greater improvement in the TENS plus SFE group (p = 0.008). Our findings demonstrated that TENS plus SFE and SFE alone improved intrinsic foot muscle size. However, TENS plus SFE tended to improve NDT more than SFE alone, particularly in cases of severe muscle weakness. Thus, the combined use of TENS plus SFE could be recommended for muscle strengthening and balance programs for fall prevention in older adults.

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

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.

Examination of the Correlation Between Foot Biomechanics, Plantar Pressure and Balance in Adolescent Volleyball Players

Objective: To investigate the relationship between foot biomechanics and pedobarographic evaluation with balance in adolescent male volleyball players.Method: Total of 36 male athletes of adolescent age (average 16.16±1.52 years) who played volleyball in the youth team of the Halkbank Sports Club were included in the study. Demographic information and physical characteristics (age, height, weight and sports age) of the athletes were recorded. The foot biomechanical evaluation of the athletes was recorded with the navicular drop test, metatarsal width, subtalar joint angle and hallux valgus angle. Balance values were recorded using the Biodex Balance Stability System (Biodex Medical Systems, Shirley, NY, USA). Anterior / Posterior Balance Index, Total Balance Index and Medial / Lateral Balance Index values were recorded. In the evaluation of plantar pressure errors and surface contact errors during walking were recorded using freemed® (Sensor Medica Inc., Rome, Italy) pedobarographic device. The data were evaluated using the SPSS 22.0 package program. The relationship between independent variables with each other was analyzed by Spearman Correlation Analysis. The statistical significance level was accepted as p &amp;lt;0.05.Results: As a result of our study, it was found that there was no relationship between foot biomechanical values and balance (p&amp;gt;0.05). When the relationship between the athletes' plantar pressure distribution values and their balance measures was investigated, it was discovered that some pressure distribution values and balance values were related. (p&amp;lt;0.05).Conclusions: According to the results obtained from the study, it was seen that the plantar pressure was related with balance. We think that it is important to perform foot plantar pressure distribution analysis in terms of both improving the balance performance of athletes and preventing foot injuries. We believe that the training programs to be organized with the applications for the changes in the plantar pressure distribution can be more effective for the athletes.

BIOMECHANICAL CHANGES IN THIRD TRIMESTER OF PREGNANT FEMALES IN COMPARISON WITH NON PREGNANT FEMALES OF SAME AGE GROUP

&#x0D; Abstract &#x0D; Background: During pregnancy, women experience several changes in the body’s physiology, morphology, and hormonal system which lead to biomechanical changes for example range of motion at cervical, lumbar, gait patterns and foot position, which is considered as a part of normal postural adaptations.&#x0D; Objective: To determine biomechanical variations between third trimester pregnant women and the non-pregnant women in terms of range of motion at the cervical and the lumbar spine, step length, stride length, speed and number of steps, arch height and anatomic position of foot.&#x0D; Methodology: It was a comparative cross sectional had a sample size 210 comprising of 69 pregnant females and 141 non pregnant females aging between 18 to 35 yrs. Assessment was done by using an iPhone®5S I handy level© app for measuring the range of motion at the cervical and lumbar spine. A 6” by 6” POP sheet for measuring step length, stride length, number of steps and speed and navicular drop test for arch height and anatomic position of foot respectively.&#x0D; Results: In the assessment of cervical and lumbar flexion and extension range of motion the non-pregnant females group had greater range in both flexion and extension than pregnant females with the P value &lt;0.01. Pregnant females presented with the low arch height, pronated foot, decreased step length, stride length and speed than non-pregnant having P &lt;0.001.&#x0D; Conclusion: Pregnant females had reduced range of motion at cervical and lumbar spine, a drop in arch height, pronated foot position, a decrease in speed, step and stride length was observed in comparison to the non-pregnant females of the same age group.

Evaluating the Function of the Foot Core System in the Elderly.

As a complex structure to link the body and the ground, the foot contributes to postural control in human static and dynamic activities. The foot core is rooted in the functional interdependence of the passive, active, and neural subsystems, which combine into the foot core system controlling foot motion and stability. The foot arch (passive subsystem), responsible for load, is considered the functional core of the foot, and its stability is necessary for normal foot functions. The functional abnormalities of the foot have been widely reported in the elderly, such as weakness of toe flexor muscles, abnormal foot postures, and decreased plantar sensory sensitivity. In this paper, a comprehensive approach is introduced for evaluating the foot function based on foot core subsystems. The strength and morphology of the foot intrinsic and extrinsic muscles were used to evaluate the foot muscle (active subsystem) function. The doming strength test was applied to determine the function of foot intrinsic muscles, while the toe flexion strength test focused more on the function of extrinsic muscles. The navicular drop test and foot posture index were applied to evaluate foot arch (passive subsystem) function. For the neural subsystem, the plantar light touch threshold test and two-point discrimination test were used to assess plantar tactile sensitivity at nine regions of the foot. This study provides new insights into the foot core function in the elderly and other populations.

Differences in Foot Characteristics Between Bharatanatyam Dancers and Age-Matched Non-Dancers.

The ankle-foot complex is the third most common site of pain in Indian dancers. In Bharatanatyam dance, rhythmic stamping performed barefoot at varying speeds may influence the height of the medial longitudinal arch, causing structural alteration of the ankle-foot complex. As little information is available on the ankle-foot complex of Bharatanatyam dancers, the present study was conducted to test the hypothesis that foot characteristics of Bharatanatyam dancers differ from those of non-dancers. Female professional Bharatanatyam dancers (n=21), aged 18-30 years, with a minimum of 8 years of performance experience after completing formal dance training, and 21 control non-dancers participated in this study. Physical foot examination included navicular drop test and Feiss line. Foot geometry and pedobarography were recorded as participants walked barefoot at self-selected walking pace over a pressure-platform. An average of five gait cycles was computed to analyse maximum peak pressure (MPP), pressure time integral, contact time, and foot geometry of the midfoot, forefoot, great toe, and second to fifth toes. Analysis of covariance was performed for intergroup comparison of all variables with gait speed as a covariate. During walking, dancers presented a higher medial-longitudinal-arch, wider midfoot, and wider forefoot (cm) (p<0.001), indicating an over-pronated foot due to lower medial longitudinal arch height. Total plantar peak pressure (kPa) was 37% higher among dancers, whereas MPP was 24% higher on midfoot and 13% higher on forefoot, indicating greater plantar loading during walking. Greater plantar loading and an over-pronated foot during the most commonly performed weight-bearing activity of daily living (e.g., walking) explain the common prevalence of ankle and foot pain among dancers. These findings will inform clinicians and Bharatanatyam dancers on dancer's foot function and guide strategies for prevention and management of foot pain.

Validity and inter-rater reliability of ankle motion observed during a single leg squat.

BackgroundThe single leg squat (SLS) test is a clinical functional test commonly used to evaluate clinically aberrant movement patterns of the knee. The SLS could be an interesting option to analyze ankle control in the frontal plane during dynamic load analysis. However, to date, there are no studies that have analyzed the associations between the increased subtalar joint pronation by navicular drop (ND) test and ankle control with single leg squat (SLSankle) using a three-point scale. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of a clinical observation method to assess and determine the relationship between navicular drop (ND) and ankle control on the SLSankle score.MethodsA total of fifty-five healthy, physically active (31 females and 24 males) volunteers participated in this study. The degree of subtalar pronation was assessed through the ND test, and the ankle control was defined as the ankle displacement in the frontal plane during the SLS.ResultsWe found good intra-rater and inter-rater agreement during SLSankle, with Kappa values from 0.731 to 0.750. The relationship between the SLSankle and ND was significant ; the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was 0.504 (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe SLSankle score supplied the clinical practice with a reliable and valid alternative for quantifying foot mobility in comparison to the ND test.

Comparisons of Gait Variability and Symmetry in Healthy Runners, Runners with a History of Lower Limb Injuries, and Runners with a Current Lower Limb Injury

Background: Running is a cyclic movement requiring bilateral symmetry between the lower limbs to reduce injury risk. The assessment of side-to-side differences is often performed to detect functional deficits. Objectives: The purpose was to study side-to-side differences using clinical and running performance assessments in healthy runners (HR), runners with a history of lower limb injuries (RHI), and runners with a current lower limb injury (RLI). Methods: Forty-three runners were recruited, with 14 participants being allocated to the HR group, 13 to the RHI group, and 16 to the RLI group. Peak vertical ground reaction force (GRF), midfoot pressure, foot rotation, and gait variability were recorded using a Zebris FDM-T treadmill analysis system. Participants were also assessed using the navicular drop test. Dependent t-tests were used to determine if any differences existed between the lower limbs within each group. One-way ANOVAs were then used to investigate the side-to-side differences between the three groups. Results: Significant differences were seen in navicular drop height between lower limbs within both the HR (P = 0.02) and RHI (P = 0.009) groups, and side-to-side differences in foot rotation were greatest in the RLI group (~34%) compared to both the RHI (~30.5%) and HR (~24%) groups. The lateral variability of the center of pressure was greatest in the RLI group (37.1 mm) compared to the RHI (28.9 mm) and HR (22.2 mm) groups. Conclusions: Variability of butterfly center of pressure diagram may help identify runners at a greater risk of lower limb injury. Side-to-side differences should be expected to progressively decrease from the injured stage, through the recovery and return to sport phases. Target goals of less than 34% side-to-side difference for foot rotation and 37.1 mm for the lateral center of pressure variability may be used to help the decision-making process when considering a return to running practice.

Prevalence of Flat Foot in College Going Students: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: A healthy foot is vital for good posture and ambulation. Flatfoot or pes planus is a medical condition defined by the absence or lowered medial longitudinal arch, with Osseo-ligamentous misalignment. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of flat foot in college-going students aged between 18 to 25 years by using navicular drop and medial longitudinal arch angle assessment methods. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 205 volunteers (116 male and 89 female) were assessed for flat foot using Brody’s navicular drop test and medial longitudinal arch angle measurement with an age range of 18-25 years. The navicular drop of ≥ 10mm and medial longitudinal arch angle of &lt; 130° were considered flat feet. Results: The mean age of the total population (n=205) was 23.30 ± 1.63 years. The result of this study showed that when we used the ND test, there was a prevalence of flat foot in 20% of the total population (for males: 21.55%; for females: 17.97%) whereas when we used MLAA measurement, there was the prevalence of 5.36% in total population (for males: 5.17%; for females: 5.61%). Conclusion: The results of this study quantified the prevalence of flat foot in young college-going students. It can be concluded from the result of this study that the prevalence of flat foot in college-going students was 20% when using the navicular drop test whereas 5.61% when using medial longitudinal arch angle measurement.