Static Foot Research Articles

Comparison of travel distance of center of pressure using the footscan system in individuals with and without flatfoot

Background Diagnosis and treatment of flatfoot are often overlooked. Current diagnostic methods, such as lateral foot radiography and physical examination, primarily assess simple static foot conditions. The Footscan test can be employed to evaluate the static and dynamic balance of patients with flatfoot; however, the precise reference value for various Footscan test results remains undetermined. Objective This study aimed to contribute to the body of knowledge regarding flatfoot diagnosis by identifying objective differences between patients with and without flatfoot. Methods This study focused on individuals aged 19–50 years without ankle injuries or surgeries that could affect balance. The Footscan system was used to evaluate static balance using the total travel distance (TD) of the center of pressure in the standing position for 10 s. For dynamic balance indices, the sole was divided into forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot zones by the system, and the contact distribution of each zone was quantified as a percentage during a 1-min walking period. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the normal and flatfoot groups, leading to the determination of cutoff values for clinically significant indices. Results The study included 116 feet of 58 healthy individuals and 56 feet of 28 patients with flatfoot. Significant differences were found between the two groups for all static and dynamic balance variables. Logistic regression analysis identified TD ( p = 0.001) and midfoot contact distribution ( p < 0.001) as significant risk factors of flatfoot. Receiver operating characteristic analysis determined the cut-off values with the highest sum of sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis: TD ≥ 20.5 mm and midfoot contact distribution ≥ 18.95%. Conclusions The Footscan test indices showed significant differences in static and dynamic balance between patients with flatfoot and normal individuals. TD and midfoot contact distribution emerged as meaningful indicators of diagnostic potential.

The Relationship of Dynamic Foot Posture with Injuries and Other Related Factors in Recreational Long Distance Runners

Foot posture is one of the risk factors that is thought to play a role in the occurrence of running-related injuries. This research aims to see if there is an association between foot posture and running-related injuries in long-distance recreational runners. Methods A cross-sectional research was conducted on 131 recreational long-distance runners (94 men and 42 women). Foot posture was determined by Arch Index values calculated from static and dynamic footprints, then tested whether it was associated with running-related injuries. The results showed that dynamic and static foot posture were not associated with running-related injuries in recreational long-distance runners (OR=0.67(0.21-2.20), 95% CI, p=0.516), (OR=0.87(0.29-2.61), 95% CI, p=0.806). On dynamic examination, low arch and high arch foot postures were not associated with running-related injuries in recreational long distance runners (OR=0.67(0.21-2.19), 95% CI, p=0.508), (OR=0.86(0.07-10.67), 95% CI, p=1.00). Most subjects had low arch foot posture on dynamic (83.8%) and static (82.4%) examination. Running-related injuries were found to be 28.7%, with most injuries in the knee (19.5%), calf (17.9%), and sole (15.6%) areas. The conclusions and suggestions in this research are that dynamic and static foot posture are not associated with running-related injuries in long-distance recreational runners, so further prospective research needs to be done to get a clearer picture of other risk factors that cause running-related injuries.

Effect of Hard- and Soft-Density Insoles on the Postural Control of Adults over 65 Years of Age: A Cross over Clinical Trial.

there is a high risk of falls in older adults. One of the factors contributing to fall episodes is advancing age due to deterioration of the proprioceptive system. Certain clinical procedures improve balance and posture, such as the use of insoles. the objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of hard and soft insoles on static foot balance in healthy older adults compared to barefoot people. a clinical trial was conducted with a sample size of 150 healthy adults (69 male and 81 women) with a mean age of 69.03 ± 3.82 years. Postural control was evaluated in different conditions of barefoot balance with hard and soft insoles. All tests were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The test with soft insoles presented higher stabilometric values and presented worse postural control compared to the barefoot and hard insoles in all eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. Hard and soft insoles show no improvement in postural control compared to barefoot standing. The findings suggest that soft insoles may result in impaired balance during standing. The density of the materials in the insoles emerges as a significant factor influencing postural control.

The Relationship Between Foot Anthropometrics, Lower-Extremity Kinematics, and Ground Reaction Force in Elite Female Basketball Players: An Exploratory Study Investigating Arch Height Index and Navicular Drop

Static and dynamic foot function can be evaluated using easy-to-implement, low-cost measurements like arch height index (AHI) and navicular drop (ND). Connections between AHI/ND and lower-extremity kinematics/kinetics have largely focused on gait. Some studies exist evaluating basketball players; however, these predominantly focus on men. To our knowledge, few studies evaluate female athletes, and none have investigated connections between AHI/ND and lower-extremity biomechanics in elite female basketball players. Thus, we conducted an IRB-approved observational investigation of 10 female, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 basketball players, evaluating connections between AHI/ND and lower-extremity biomechanics during basketball activities. Participants completed one visit wherein bilateral AHI/ND measurements and kinematics/kinetics were captured via optical motion capture and force-instrumented treadmill during basketball activities (walking, running, vertical/horizontal jumping, side shuffles, 45° cuts). No connections existed between the AHI and any variable during any task. Contrastingly, ND was statistically significantly correlated with medial/lateral force maximum and range during left cutting. This implies that individuals with stiffer feet produced more side-to-side force than those with more foot mobility during cutting. This is the first report connecting ND to lower-extremity biomechanics in elite, female basketball players. This could inform novel interventions and technologies to improve frontal kinematics/kinetics.

Foot kinematics and kinetics data for different static foot posture collected using a multi-segment foot model

This dataset presents human foot joints kinematics and kinetics data during walking, classified by static foot posture, filling a gap in existing lower limb databases that lack data on foot joints beyond the ankle or on static posture data, despite its link to foot and lower limb pathologies. Kinematics were recorded using a three-dimensional mocap system, and kinetics through a pressure platform, employing a multi-segment foot model including the ankle, midtarsal and first metatarsophalangeal joint. The dataset contains 350 recordings of right foot joint angles and moments and contact pressures from 70 healthy subjects with varying static posture (highly pronated, highly supinated and normal). Data were collected at 100 Hz, filtered and resampled to 100 frames throughout the stance phase. Descriptive data are also provided: age, weight, height, BMI and foot anthropometric data and foot posture index. Plots, tables and ANOVAs are included for validation. Presented in .xlsx and .mat formats, this database can assist professionals in corrective footwear design, insole customization, surgical planning, and evaluating interventions on foot dynamics.

Cognitive effect of passively induced kinesthetic perception associated with virtual body augmentation modulates spinal reflex.

The virtual movement of an augmented body, perceived as part of oneself, forms the basis of kinesthetic perception induced by visual stimulation (KINVIS). KINVIS is a visually induced virtual kinesthetic perception that clinically suppresses spasticity. The present study hypothesized that central neural network activity during KINVIS affects subcortical neural circuits. The present study aimed to elucidate whether reciprocal and presynaptic inhibition occurs during KINVIS. Seventeen healthy participants were recruited (mean age: 27.9 ± 3.6 yr), and their soleus Hoffmann-reflexes (H-reflexes) were recorded by peripheral nerve stimulation while perceiving the dorsiflexion kinesthetic illusion in the right-side foot (seated in a comfortable chair). Two control conditions were set to observe the same foot video without the kinesthetic illusion while focusing on the static foot image. Unconditioned H-reflex and two types of conditioned H-reflexes were measured: Ia (reciprocal inhibition) and D1 (presynaptic inhibition). Reciprocal Ia and D1 inhibition of the soleus muscle was significantly enhanced during the kinesthetic illusion compared with the condition without kinesthetic illusion (a post hoc analysis using the Bonferroni test: Ia inhibition, P = 0.002; D1 inhibition, P = 0.049). This study indicates that kinesthetic illusion elicits an inhibitory effect on the monosynaptic reflex loop of Ia afferents, potentially inhibiting the hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex. These findings demonstrate that brain activity associated with visually induced kinesthetic illusions acts on spinal inhibition circuits. These insights may be valuable in clinical rehabilitation practice, specifically for the treatment of spasticity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Neural effects in visual-induced kinesthetic illusion expand into the spinal reflex. Kinesthetic illusion inhibits the monosynaptic reflex in an antagonistic muscle via reciprocal and presynaptic inhibition. Visually induced kinesthetic illusion is a suitable treatment for spasticity in patients with stroke.

Uncovering the alterations in extrinsic foot muscle mechanical properties and foot posture in fibromyalgia: a case-control study.

The aim of the study was to evaluate foot posture and the mechanical properties of extrinsic foot muscles in fibromyalgia. Patients with fibromyalgia (n = 86) and age- and gender-matched controls (n = 41) were included in the study. Foot Posture Index (FPI), Beighton and Brighton criteria were used to evaluate static foot posture, joint hypermobility, and benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS), respectively. Tonus, elasticity, and stiffness of the extrinsic foot muscles including gastrocnemius medialis, tibialis anterior, and peroneus longus were measured by the MyotonPRO® device. Foot function, quality of life, and physical activity level were assessed by the Foot Function Index (FFI), Short Form-36 (SF-36), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), respectively. The frequency of abnormal foot posture in the fibromyalgia and control groups was 68.6% versus 39%, respectively; and neutral foot posture was approximately twice as prevalent in the control group compared to the fibromyalgia group (p = 0.006). Pronated foot posture was the most common abnormality in fibromyalgia (61.6%) and observed in 85.5% of the patients with joint hypermobility and in 87.1% of those meeting BJHS criteria. The elasticity of peroneus longus at rest and the elasticity of tibialis anterior in the standing position were significantly different between the fibromyalgia group and the control group [1.08 (0.22) vs. 1.02 (0.25), p = 0.037 and 0.92 (0.29) vs. 0.87 (0.24), p = 0.011, respectively]. Regarding the fibromyalgia group, no difference was detected among foot posture groups in terms of myotonometric data. Pronation foot posture is common in fibromyalgia with a much higher frequency in fibromyalgia patients with hypermobility. In daily clinical practice for fibromyalgia, particular attention should be given to foot alignment.

Fluid-filled lattices for responsive orthotic insoles

Abstract Orthotic insoles are essential for alleviating discomfort and preventing injuries in the foot caused by high peak pressures in the plantar tissue. Traditional orthotic insoles, often prescribed to address these issues, are designed based on the static foot shape and pressure measurements, lacking responsiveness to dynamic movements. This study explores the behaviour of fluid-filled lattices for improving the functionality of orthotic insoles, focusing on energy dissipation and pressure redistribution capabilities. Using numerical homogenisation, the research integrates hyperelastic and permeability models to simulate the behaviour of Solid–Liquid Composites. Experimental tests validated these models, examining the influence of fluid viscosity and structural variations on energy dissipation and pressure distribution. Results show that fluid-filled lattices provide enhanced energy dissipation and reduce peak pressures by evening out the pressure distribution compared to non-fluid-filled samples. These findings highlight the potential of fluid-filled lattices to improve the performance and comfort of orthotic insoles.

Evaluation of foot analysis in the presence of dental malocclusion: A systematic review

Background: Previous studies have reported that the imbalance of occlusion, cervical spine, length of the limb, and asymmetric leg length are related to the presence of muscle compensation. These issues influence some strategies in orthodontic diagnosis for developing an updated stomatognathic system over multidisciplinary care issues. Purpose: This study aimed to obtain orthodontic findings and an orthopedic relationship between foot posture/function and dental malocclusion based on cross-sectional studies. Review: Some findings about postural system disequilibrium in static and dynamic foot postural related to occlusal changes have been reported following the mixed dentition phase. From 248 articles, 5 articles were selected and assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal cross-sectional checklist and analyzed. Conclusions: Although the selected eligible articles demonstrated a low risk of bias in agreement (p &gt; 0.05) among authors, the evaluation of those cross-sectional studies is still limited and requires further longitudinal studies with precise diagnostic parameters. Those parameters for evaluating the relationship between foot posture and malocclusion should encompass both static and dynamic approaches, including those related to mandibular position, tongue posture and function, bad habits, and temporomandibular disorder.

Analysis of lumbar lordosis on selected balance parameters in men

Introduction. Scientific research indicates the impact of increased lumbar lordosis on selected parameters of static foot load and changes in balance reactions in different age groups. According to the authors, pelvic displacement towards nutation directly influences the increase in lumbar lordosis, thereby affecting the previously mentioned parameters. Aim. The aim of the study was to analyze selected balance parameters in a group of men based on the relationship with their lumbar lordosis depth. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted from January to October 2023 at the Collegium Medicum of the Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce. The study group consisted of students from the Collegium Medicum, aged 18‑26 years. A total of 81 men were examined. The study was carried out in a static form using the Diers Posture Lab system. The parameters included in the statistical analysis were: “Lordosis angle,” “Pelvic inclination,” “Lateral movement (max.) CoP,” “Total lateral movement CoP,” “COP area,” “Total front/back movement CoP.” The analysis also considered Harzmann parameters: “Lateral deviation VP‑DM (rms),” “Surface rotation (rms),” “Pelvic obliquity,” “Pelvic twist,” “Torso deviation from vertical VP‑DM,” as well as parameters determining foot load: “Rear force distribution [%],” “Front force distribution [%],” “Left side force distribution [%],” “Right side force distribution [%],” “Maximum left side pressure [N],” “Maximum right side pressure [N],” “Left foot contact area [cm2],” “Right foot contact area [cm2]” in a group of young adults (students of medical and health sciences). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica Stat Soft 21. Normality tests (Shapiro‑Wilk) and correlation tests using Spearman’s test were conducted. Results. No statistically significant correlation was found between the lordosis angle and balance reactions, as well as pelvic inclination in the group of young adult men. Conclusions. Increased lumbar lordosis in young adult men does not directly affect the examined parameters of balance reactions.

Individuals with asymptomatic hallux valgus exhibit altered foot kinematics during gait regardless of their foot posture

BackgroundA flatfoot has been believed to be closely associated with the development of hallux valgus; however, the association is still controversial. Abnormal foot kinematics has been identified as a possible risk factor for the development of hallux valgus, but it remains unclear whether foot posture contributes to abnormal foot kinematics. This is the first study to investigate the differences in foot kinematics during gait between individuals with and without hallux valgus, while controlling for foot posture. MethodsTwenty-five females with hallux valgus and 25 healthy females aged 18 to 22 were recruited. Foot posture was measured using normalized navicular height truncated and the leg-heel angle. Foot kinematic and kinetic data during gait were recorded by a three-dimensional motion capture system. To investigate the characteristics of foot kinematics in individuals with hallux valgus while controlling for foot posture, we used a propensity score matching method. The matching was obtained by using the 1:1 nearest-neighbor procedure and a caliper width of 0.2. FindingsTwelve pairs were matched. Individuals with hallux valgus had significantly increased midfoot dorsiflexion from 56% to 80% during stance phase, rearfoot eversion from 53% to 71%, and forefoot abduction from 5% to 29% compared with control. InterpretationIndividuals with hallux valgus have a flexible foot that cannot suppress the dynamic deformation of the rearfoot and midfoot during gait. To suppress the development of hallux valgus, interventions that aim to prevent dynamic deformations of the rearfoot and midfoot during gait may be necessary, regardless of their static foot posture.

Ability of a multi-segment foot model to measure kinematic differences in cavus, neutrally aligned, asymptomatic planus, and symptomatic planus foot types

BackgroundMulti-segment foot models (MFMs) provide a better understanding of the intricate biomechanics of the foot, yet it is unclear if they accurately differentiate foot type function during locomotion. Research questionWe employed an MFM to detect subtle kinematic differences between foot types, including: pes cavus, neutrally aligned, and asymptomatic and symptomatic pes planus. The study investigates how variable the results of this MFM are and if it can detect kinematic differences between pathologic and non-pathologic foot types during the stance phase of gait. MethodsIndependently, three raters instrumented three subjects on three days to assess variability. In a separate cohort, each foot type was statically quantified for ten subjects per group. Each subject walked while instrumented with a four-segment foot model to assess static alignment and foot motion during the stance phase of gait. Statistical analysis performed with a linear mixed effects regression. ResultsModel variability was highest for between-day and lowest for between–rater, with all variability measures being within the true sample variance. Almost all static measures (radiographic, digital scan, and kinematic markers) differed significantly by foot type. Sagittal hindfoot to leg and forefoot to leg kinematics differed between foot types during late stance, as well as coronal hallux to forefoot range of motion. The MFM had low between-rater variability and may be suitable for multiple raters to apply to a single study sample without introducing significant error. The model, however, only detected a few dynamic differences, with the most dramatic being the hallux to forefoot coronal plane range of motion.Significance: Results only somewhat aligned with previous work. It remains unclear if the MFM is sensitive enough to accurately detect different motion between foot types (pathologic and non-pathologic). A more accurate method of tracking foot bone motion (e.g., biplane fluoroscopy) may be needed to address this question.

Associations between static foot posture, dynamic in-shoe plantar foot forces and knee pain in people with medial knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional exploratory study

ObjectiveTo investigate relationships between static foot posture, dynamic plantar foot forces and knee pain in people with medial knee osteoarthritis (OA). DesignData from 164 participants with symptomatic, moderate to severe radiographic medial knee OA were analysed. Knee pain was self-reported using a numerical rating scale (NRS; scores 0-10; higher scores worse) and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score pain subscale (KOOS; scores 0-100; lower scores worse). Static foot posture was assessed using clinical tests (foot posture index, foot mobility magnitude, navicular drop). Dynamic plantar foot forces (lateral, medial, whole foot, medial-lateral ratio, arch index) were measured using an in-shoe plantar pressure system while walking. Relationships between foot posture and plantar forces (independent variables) and pain (dependent variables) were evaluated using linear regression models, unadjusted and adjusted for sex, walking speed, KL grade, shoe category, and body mass (for dynamic plantar foot forces). ResultsNo measure of static foot posture was associated with any knee pain measure. Higher medial-lateral foot force ratio at midstance, and a higher arch index during overall stance, were weakly associated with higher knee pain on the NRS (regression coefficient=0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09 to 1.28) and KOOS (coefficient=3.03, 95% CI 0.71 to 5.35) pain scales, respectively. ConclusionDynamic plantar foot forces, but not static foot posture, were associated with knee pain in people with medial knee OA. However, the amount of pain explained by increases in plantar foot force was small, thus these associations are unlikely to be clinically meaningful.

Assessment of the Relationship between Antero-Posterior Dental Malocclusions, Body Posture Abnormalities and Selected Static Foot Parameters in Adults.

Objectives: This study aimed to find if a relationship exists between antero-posterior malocclusions and the level of musculoskeletal disorders in adults, including body posture and static foot analysis. Methods: In all, 420 participants were recruited through convenience sampling (Kraków University students and patients of a local dentist's practice). Following general medical interviews, dental examinations and consideration of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 90 healthy volunteers (ages 19-35) were enrolled and assigned to three groups (n = 30) based on occlusion type (Angle's molar Class I, II or III). The research procedure involved occlusion and temporomandibular disorder assessment conducted by a dental specialist. Comprehensive morphological measurements of body asymmetry were performed using the Videography 2D package and FreeSTEP software, which calculated the parameters determined from anterior, posterior and lateral projection photos. Foot loading distribution was analyzed using the FreeMED baropodometric platform. Results: Significant differences were demonstrated in the positioning of the head, cervical and lumbar spine in the sagittal plane among individuals with the analyzed occlusal classes (p < 0.05). Individuals with Angle's Class II exhibited significantly greater forward head positions and greater depths of cervical and lumbar lordosis compared with individuals with Class III or Class I. Those with overbites had higher forefoot loading. The Class III individuals exhibited greater L-R displacement, indicating a larger angle of displacement of the centers of the right and left feet relative to the lower edge of the measurement platform, suggesting pelvic rotation. Conclusions: An inclination for concurrent occurrences of malocclusions and posture deviations in the sagittal plane was observed. An interdisciplinary approach involving dentistry and physiotherapy specialists which utilizes tools for comprehensive posture assessment is crucial for diagnosing and treating such conditions.

Foot pressure transfers are altered in lumbar radiculopathy but reversible after surgery: a prospective, pedobarography study

BACKGROUND CONTEXTPatients with lower lumbar stenosis and disc herniation report disability in standing and ambulation, despite normal neurological examination. The L5 and S1 nerve roots support the entire motor and sensory function of the foot, and their radiculopathy can affect foot loading during standing and walking. This has not been quantified before. PURPOSETo quantify alterations in static and dynamic foot pressure transfers in patients with lower lumbar nerve root compression, and document any beneficial effects of surgical decompression. STUDY DESIGNProspective, case-control study. PATIENT SAMPLECases—Patients with unilateral radiculopathy (L5/S1) with normal neurology (n=50); Controls - Healthy volunteers (n=50). METHODSThe volunteers and patients underwent pedobarographic analysis during standing (static) and walking (dynamic), and fifteen (12 dynamic and three static) parameters were documented. The patient's preoperative values were compared with that of the healthy volunteers. All the 50 patients underwent surgical decompression, and clinical outcome measures (VAS/ODI at 3 months) were documented. Pedobarographic analysis was repeated in the postoperative period (48 hours) and 3-month follow-up and compared with the preoperative scores. RESULTSIn healthy controls, the mean values of all 15 parameters were comparable between the right and the left side (p>.05). When compared to controls, the patients had significantly lower maximum foot loads (p=.01) and average foot loads (p=.05) on the affected side during walking indicating lesser load transmission, in the preoperative period. Within the affected foot, the load transfer was higher on the first metatarsal/ medial arch while significantly less on the lateral metatarsals (p=.04). The percentage load on whole foot and forefoot was significantly less on standing (p=.01). Significant improvements were noted in the postoperative period, especially in the maximum foot surface area (p=.01), maximum and average foot loads, and improved weight transfers on lateral arch and forefoot (p=.02). The load on whole foot increased significantly from 46.1%±5.5% (preoperative) to 48.1%±5.5% (postoperative) and 49.9%±3.3% at follow-up (p=.01). CONCLUSIONThis is the first study using pedobarography to document altered foot pressure patterns during ambulation in patients with disc herniation and stenosis. Decreased load transfer, asymmetrical and unphysiological distribution of pressures on the affected foot were observed during weight bearing, which improved after surgical decompression.

Inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability of the foot posture index (FPI-6) for assessing static foot posture in elderly female patients with knee osteoarthritis and its association with quadriceps muscle tone and stiffness.

1. To assess the Inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability of FPI-6 total score and individual scores in static foot posture evaluation among elderly female patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), aiming to establish the reliability of the FPI-6 scale. 2. To investigate the disparity between dominant and non-dominant quadriceps characteristics in elderly female KOA patients, as well as explore the correlation between quadriceps characteristics and abnormal foot posture, thereby offering novel insights for the prevention and treatment of KOA. The study enrolled a total of 80 lower legs of 40 participants (all female) with unilateral or bilateral KOA, who were assessed by two raters at three different time points. The inter-rater and test-retest reliability of the FPI-6 was evaluated using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), while the absolute reliability of FPI-6 was examined using the standard error of measurement (SEM), minimum detectable change (MDC), and Bland-Altman analysis. The internal consistency of FPI-6 was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Additionally, MyotonPRO was employed to assess quadriceps muscle tone and stiffness in all participants, and the association between quadriceps muscle tone/stiffness and the total score of FPI-6 was analyzed. Our study found excellent inter-rater and test-retest reliability (ICC values of 0.923 and 0.931, respectively) for the FPI-6 total score, as well as good to excellent reliability (ICC values ranging from 0.680 to 0.863 and 0.739-0.883) for individual items. The SEM and MDC values for the total score of FPI-6 among our study inter-rater were 0.78 and 2.15, respectively. and the SEM and MDC values for the test-retest total score of FPI-6 were found to be 0.76 and 2.11, respectively. Furthermore, the SEM and MDC values between inter-rater and test-retest across six individual items ranged from 0.30 to 0.56 and from 0.84 to 1.56. The Bland-Altman plots and respective 95% LOA showed no evidence of systematic bias. In terms of the mechanical properties of the quadriceps on both sides, the muscle tone and stiffness of rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), and vastus lateralis (VL) were significantly higher in the non-dominant leg compared to the dominant leg. Additionally, in the non-dominant leg, there was a significant positive correlation between the muscle tone and stiffness of VM, VL, RF and the total score of FPI-6. However, in the dominant leg, only VM's muscle tone and stiffness showed a significant positive correlation with the total score of FPI-6. The reliability of the FPI-6 total score and its six individual items was good to excellent. Our findings offer a straightforward and dependable approach for researchers to assess foot posture in elderly female patients with KOA. Furthermore, we observed significantly greater quadriceps tension and stiffness in the non-dominant leg compared to the dominant leg. The FPI-6 total score exhibited a significant correlation with changes in quadriceps muscle performance among KOA patients. These observations regarding the relationship between changes in quadriceps muscle performance and foot posture in elderly female KOA patients may provide novel insights for disease prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Differences in ankle and knee muscle architecture and plantar pressure distribution among women with knee osteoarthritis.

The aim of this study was to compare the plantar pressure distribution and knee and ankle muscle architecture in women with and without knee osteoarthritis (OA). Fifty women with knee OA (mean age=52.11±4.96years, mean Body mass index (BMI)=30.94±4.23kg/m2) and 50 healthy women as a control group (mean age=50.93±3.78years, mean BMI=29.06±4.82kg/m2) were included in the study. Ultrasonography was used to evaluate knee and ankle muscles architecture and femoral cartilage thickness. The plantar pressure distribution was evaluated using the Digital Biometry Scanning System and Milleri software (DIASU, Italy). Static foot posture was evaluated using the Foot Posture Index (FPI), and pain severity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale. The OA group exhibited lower muscle thickness in Rectus Femoris (RF) (p=0.003), Vastus Medialis (VM) (p=0.004), Vastus Lateralis (p=0.023), and Peroneus Longus (p=0.002), as well as lower Medial Gastrocnemius pennation angle (p=0.049) and higher Fat thickness (FT) in RF (p=0.033) and VM (p=0.037) compared to the control group. The OA group showed thinner femoral cartilage thickness (p=0.001) and higher pain severity (p=0.001) than the control groups. FPI scores were higher (p=0.001) in OA group compared to the control group. The plantar pressure distribution results indicated an increase in total surface (p=0.027), total load (p=0.002), medial load (p=0.005), and lateral load (p=0.002) on dominant side in OA group compared to the control group. Knee and ankle muscle architecture, knee extensor muscle FT, and plantar pressure distribution in the dominant foot differed in individuals with knee OA compared to the control group.

Load Carriage and Changes in Spatiotemporal and Kinetic Biomechanical Foot Parameters during Quiet Stance in a Large Sample of Police Recruits

Background: Little evidence has been provided regarding the effects of carrying standardized load equipment and foot parameters during quiet standing. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to examine whether a load carriage might impact static foot parameters in police recruits. Methods: Eight hundred and forty-five police recruits (27.9% women) were tested in ‘no load’ vs. standardized ‘3.5 kg load’ conditions. Foot characteristics during standing were assessed with the Zebris FDM pedobarographic pressure platform. Results: Carrying a 3.5 kg load significantly increased the 95% confidence ellipse area (∆ = 15.0%, p = 0.009), the center of pressure path length (∆ = 3.3%, p = 0.023) and average velocity (∆ = 11.1%, p = 0.014), the length of the minor axis (∆ = 8.2%, p &lt; 0.009) and the deviation in the X (∆ = 12.4%, p = 0.005) and Y (∆ = 50.0%, p &lt; 0.001) axes. For relative ground reaction forces, a significant increase in the left forefoot (∆ = 2.0%, p = 0.002) and a decrease in the left hindfoot (∆ = −2.0%, p = 0.002) were shown. No significant changes in relative ground reaction forces beneath the forefoot and hindfoot regions for the right foot were observed (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: The findings suggest that spatial and temporal foot parameters may be more prone to change while carrying heavy loads, especially the center of pressure characteristics.

Foot Posture Index Does Not Correlate with Dynamic Foot Assessment Performed via Baropodometric Examination: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Clinicians employ foot morphology assessment to evaluate the functionality of the method and anticipate possible injuries. This study aims to correlate static foot posture and the dynamic barefoot evaluation in a sample of healthy adult participants. The foot posture was evaluated using the Foot Posture Index-6 (FPI-6) and the dynamics were evaluated through baropodometric examination. Two operators independently assessed the participants' foot posture through FPI-6, and then a dynamic evaluation was performed by asking them to walk 8 times across a platform. One hundred participants (mean age: 32.15 ± 7.49) were enrolled. The inter-rater agreement between the two assessors was found to be excellent. The majority of the feet belonged to the 0 < FPI < 4 class (32%), followed by the 4 < FPI < 8 (31%) and the FPI > 8 ranges (19.5%). Our "area of contact" analysis showed a significant poor correlation between FPI and total foot, midfoot, and the second metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) (-0.3 < r < 0). Regarding "force" parameters, the analysis showed a poor correlation between the midfoot, hallux, and the second toe (-0.2 < r < 2); finally the "pressure" analysis showed a poor correlation between FPI, the fourth MTPJ, and the second toe (-0.2 < rs < 0.3) and a moderate correlation between the hallux (r = 0.374) and the fifth MTPJ (r = 0.427). This study emphasizes the constrained correlation between static foot posture observation and dynamic barefoot examination.

Effects of Articulated &amp; Static Ankle Foot Orthotics on Gait Kinematics: Foot Drop Patients Perspective

Foot drop is a common occurrence following stroke. Ankle foot orthotics (AFO) are used to correct drop foot deformity with several AFOs available to choose from. Literature suggests research on the impact of articulated AFO on gait. Objective: To determine the impact of static/ rigid and articulated AFO on gait kinematics in foot drop cases. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 100 unilateral drop foot cases from the PIPOS Rehabilitation Services Program from September 2019 to February 2020. The sample included both genders aged 2-15 years. Gait Lab data were used to compare the results while wearing static AFO and articulated AFO and analyzed using SPSS version 21. T-test was used to see difference between groups with p-value &lt;0.05 considered significant. Results: Articulated AFO is significantly (p&lt;0.001) better than rigid AFO in terms of step length, stride time, and cadence. Articulated AFO is significantly better at initial contact (p&lt;0.001), mid stance (Hip p=0.006, Knee &amp; ankle p&lt;0.001) and terminal stance (p&lt;0.001) than rigid AFO. For Initial Swing, there was a significant (p&lt;0001) difference between AFOs for extension at knee and ankle joint. At mid-swing articulated AFO provided significantly (p&lt;0.001) better flexion at hip and knee joint. At terminal swing articulated AFO provided significantly (p&lt;0.001) better flexion at the hip and required extension at the knee. Conclusions: This study identified Articulated AFO was superior to rigid AFO in improving functional mobility and gait consistency &amp; lowering the risk of falling. Articulated AFOs were significantly better in terms of step length, stride time, and cadence.