Foot type biomechanics part 1: Structure and function of the asymptomatic foot

Abstract

Background 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 GaitMatII 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 pairwise 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.

Foot posture is associated with kinematics of the foot during gait: A comparison of normal, planus and cavus feet

“…Similar findings have also been reported in studies that compared planus with normal foot posture, in which planus feet maintained a less everted position throughout gait [21,24]. As cavus feet display only slightly higher peak plantar pressure in the lateral heel compared to planus feet [25], it is possible that the rearfoot positioning found in our study is indicative of a strategy to centralise plantar pressure and reduce force applied to lateral structures of the foot. In contrast, Powell and colleagues [23] reported that planus feet exhibit greater peak eversion compared to cavus feet.…”

Foot Arch Differences in Elderly People at Standing: Considering Gender and Age

“…Whereas foot type is related to foot function [2,13], it is important to perceive the difference of foot arch between ages and genders, to help prevent risk of injuries [14].…”

Elhízott populációra jellemző talpnyomásminták vizsgálata

“…A százalékos különbségeknél az elhízottak adatait hasonlítottuk a normálértékekhez (n = 180) mtsai [36] a láb megváltozott struktúrája nélkül -pes planus, pes cavus -megnövekedett talpnyomásértékeket írtak le elhízottaknál a metatarsusok régiójában. Úgy tű-nik, hogy elhízott egyéneknél funkcionálisan is megemelkedett talpnyomásértékek jelennek meg a metatarsusoknál.…”