Comparasion of Flat Foot Evolution Between Age Groups

Abstract

The vicious static of the flat foot (FF) has a significant impact on the general body posture. This study aimed to perform a comparative analysis of the biomechanical parameters of the FF, for a 37 FF subjects group, aged between 18 and 77 years. The 37 subjects, are divided in to 4 experimental groups (18-30yrs; 42-49yrs; 50-63yrs; 70-77yrs). The evaluation using the RSScan platform and the parameters are: contact area (CA) and the maximum force (Fmax) for plantar areas. The results show high values in all age groups, significantly increased for the CA: midfoot, heel, metatarsus 1, 2, 3, 5. Statistical analysis proves similar results for group 30-40 vs 18- 30 years and group 70-77 vs 18-30 years, thus for the right foot significant average increase of 9% for the area metatars1, 2 and 5, midfoot, heel and for the left foot an average growth of 12% for all CA. Group 70-77 vs 42-49 years shows us for the right foot as a significant average increase of 8% for midfoot and for the left foot an increase of 4% for the metatarsal areas 1-5. Group 70-77 vs 50-63 years shows for the right foot significant increase of 8% for the metatars1-5, midfoot areas and for the left foot 9% for metatars1 and 2 and midfoot areas. The results demonstrate importance of a complex assessment for FF and indicate a progressive static deformity of the foot, particularly in the metatars1-3, midfoot, heel area (CA increases progressively from younger to older people).