Article

The purpose of our study was to examine 1st metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint
motion and flexibility and plantar loads in individuals with high, normal and low
arch foot structures. Asymptomatic individuals (n=61), with high, normal and low
arches participated in this study. Foot structure was quantified using malleolar
valgus index (MVI) and arch height index (AHI). First MTP joint flexibility was
measured using a specially constructed jig. Peak pressure under the hallux, 1st
and 2nd metatarsals during walking was assessed using a pedobarograph. A one-way
ANOVA with Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc comparisons was used to assess
between-group differences in MVI, AHI, early and late 1st MTP joint flexibility
in sitting and standing, peak dorsiflexion (DF), and peak pressure under the
hallux, 1st and 2nd metatarsals. Stepwise linear regression was used to identify
predictors of hallucal loading. Significant between-group differences were found
in MVI (F(2,56)=15.4, p<0.01), 1st MTP late flexibility in sitting (F(2,57)=3.7,
p=0.03), and standing (F(2,57)=3.7, p=0.03). Post hoc comparisons demonstrated
that 1st MTP late flexibility in sitting was significantly higher in individuals
with low arch compared to high arch structure, and that 1st MTP late flexibility
in standing was significantly higher in individuals with low arch compared to
normal arch structure. Stepwise regression analysis indicated that MVI and 1st
MTP joint early flexibility in sitting explain about 20% of the variance in
hallucal peak pressure. Our results provide objective evidence indicating that
individuals with low arches show increased 1st MTP joint late flexibility
compared to individuals with normal arch structure, and that hindfoot alignment
and 1st MTP joint flexibility affect hallucal loading.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS