Comparison of 3D Hip Joint Kinematics in People with Asymptomatic Pronation of the Foot and Non-Pronation Controls

Abstract

Background: The impact of asymptomatic pronation on proximal joints during motion has not been well understood, and research on it remains limited. Therefore, the current study determines the effect of asymptomatic pronation of the foot on hip joint kinematics during gait. Methods: Forty participants were recruited for the study (20 with asymptomatic pronated feet and 20 with non-pronated feet). Foot assessment was conducted by navicular drop and rear- foot angle tests. Hip joint kinematics were measured via MVN Xsens system 3D-motion capture from sagittal, frontal and transverse planes during gait. An independent t-test was used to identify differences in kinematic variables. Results: Both groups were similar in characteristics, and there were no significant differences between the groups in age (P = 0.674) and BMI (P = 0.459). However, there was a significant difference in arch height (P = 0.001) and rear-foot angle (P = 0.001). Our findings showed there were insignificant differences between the asymptomatic pronated foot and non- pronated foot control groups in hip joint kinematics of sagittal (P = 0.618), frontal (P = 0.276), and transverse (P = 0.337) planes during a full gait cycle. Conclusion: Patients with asymptomatic pronation of the foot and non-pronation of the foot showed similar movement patterns of hip kinematics in all three planes. The findings of the present study highlight the need for clinicians to consider foot alignment when examining patients with asymptomatic pronation of the foot and non-pronation of the foot.

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

“…People with pes planus had higher and varied muscle activations and relied on additional muscular support during gait than people without pes planus [ 16 ]. Fayez et al reported no significant differences between asymptomatic pronation foot and non-pronated foot, with the kinematic analysis being done for the hip joint from three different directions [ 28 ]. Ransimala et al investigated the relationship between pes planus and hip abductor muscle strength among male and female undergraduate students.…”