EFFECT OF FOOT POSTURE ON BALANCE AND CORE ENDURANCE IN YOUNG ADULTS

P.S. Variyani¹, G. Thakrar²

Background: The peripheral and central components of the body continuously interact in order to maintain balance of the body. Foot Posture is one of the component that acts as a base of support. The alterations in the foot posture may influence the strategies of the body that maintain the upright stance of the body. This relationship was important to understand because it may elucidate the potential influence of anatomical alignment on the neuro-muscular and bio-mechanical function of the lower extremity.  From a bio-mechanical perspective, a stable core facilitates transfer of torques between the extremities of the body. The foot posture may affect core endurance due to the presence of bio-mechanical chain. The foot is linked to ankle, ankle to knee, knee to hip, hip to pelvis and pelvis to spine. This connection needs to be found out as it would aid in various treatment strategies.

Purpose: Balance and Core Endurance are linked to foot posture from anatomical and neurological perspective. The purpose of the study was to find out the effect of foot posture on balance and core endurance in young adults.

Methods: 100 individuals were selected from different colleges of Ahmedabad on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were divided in two groups according to their Foot Posture Index score. Group A-50 subjects (normal foot posture) & Group B-50 subjects (pronated foot posture). The outcome measures used were One Leg Standing Test (Eyes open & Eyes close), Star Excursion Balance Test & McGill’s Core Endurance Test [Flexor Endurance, Extensor Endurance, Side Bridge (Right) & Side Bridge (Left)].

Results: The statistical analysis was done using Mann Whitney U Test and Independent T Test according to the distribution of data.  No statistically significant difference was found for Static Balance (p=0.689 for eyes open) (p=0.126 for eyes close). Statistically significant difference was found for Dynamic Balance (p=0.006 for right leg) (p=0.002 for left leg). No statistically significant difference was found for Core Endurance. Flexor Endurance (p=0.334), Extensor Endurance (p=0.605), Side Bridge (Right) (p=0.705) and Side Bridge (Left) (p=0.141).  

Conclusion(s): The study concludes that there is no affect of foot posture on static balance and core endurance in young adults, but there is affect of foot posture on dynamic balance in young adults.

Implications: Since the result of this study suggests foot posture can affect dynamic balance, assessing foot posture in patients with dynamic balance deficits might be of significance, as it can provide an insight into the need for clinical decision making on whether the foot should be considered for treatment in patients with dynamic balance deficits.

Funding, acknowledgements: There was no funding required in the study.

Keywords: Foot Posture, Balance, Core Endurance

Topic: Musculoskeletal: lower limb

Did this work require ethics approval? Yes

Institution: JG College of Physiotherapy, Gujarat University

Committee: Institutional Ethical Committee

Ethics number: MPT/2018/63