Correlation Between Foot Arch Parameters and Body Balance Performance.

BACKGROUND: The foot is one of the most important anatomical structures of the human body. It is mainly responsible for maintaining an appropriate position, both in static and dynamic conditions. This function is conditioned by many factors, the most important being a normal shape of the foot arch, which determines its proper operation. Any deviation from the norm may result in disruption in the performance of the foot and affect the functioning of even distant segments of the human body. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the foot arches and the efficiency of the balance mechanism in standing.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study enrolled 48 individuals, of whom 21 were women and 27 men. Evaluation of the foot arches was performed using Clarke's angle index, which was determined with the use of a mirror podoscope produced by Podoskop.pl and a specialist computer program FREEstep. The efficiency of the balance mechanism in the standing position was evaluated on the basis of six stabilographic tests.

RESULTS: A statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between the mean value of Clarke's angle index in bipedal standing and the result of the stabilographic test for bipedal standing with eyes closed, and between the value of Clarke's angle index for the left foot in bipedal standing and the result of stabilographic tests for bipedal standing both with the eyes open and closed.

CONCLUSION: 1. There is a correlation between the value of Clarke's angle index of the foot in bipedal standing and the length of the foot pressure path on the ground during bipedal standing. 2. Individuals with a reduced plantar vault of the foot have reduced efficiency of the balance mechanism in bipedal standing both with the eyes open and closed. The above observations can be generalised as follows: individuals with more arched feet have better balance control in bipedal standing. 3. Persons with more arched feet have better balance control in bipedal standing.