Article

Differences in foot structure are thought to be associated with
differences in foot function during movement. Many foot pathologies are of a
biomechanical nature and often associated with foot type. Fundamental to the
understanding of foot pathomechanics is the question: do different foot types
have distinctly different structure and function? AIM: To determine if objective
measures of foot structure and function differ between planus, rectus and cavus
foot types in asymptomatic individuals. METHODS: Sixty-one asymptomatic healthy
adults between 18 and 77 years old, that had the same foot type bilaterally (44
planus feet, 54 rectus feet, and 24 cavus feet), were recruited. Structural and
functional measurements were taken using custom equipment, an emed-x plantar
pressure measuring device, a GaitMat II gait pattern measurement system, and a
goniometer. Generalized Estimation Equation modeling was employed to determine if
each dependent variable of foot structure and function was significantly
different across foot type while accounting for potential dependencies between
sides. Post hoc testing was performed to assess pair wise comparisons. RESULTS:
Several measures of foot structure (malleolar valgus index and arch height index)
were significantly different between foot types. Gait pattern parameters were
invariant across foot types. Peak pressure, maximum force,
pressure-time-integral, force-time-integral and contact area were significantly
different in several medial forefoot and arch locations between foot types.
Planus feet exhibited significantly different center of pressure excursion
indices compared to rectus and cavus feet. CONCLUSIONS: Planus, rectus and cavus
feet exhibited significantly different measures of foot structure and function.
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Langue : ANGLAIS