Impact of intrinsic foot muscle training on foot posture and foot functional activity among female kathak dancers with flat feet

Background: Kathak being one of the very complex Indian classical dance forms, has a greater emphasis on foot work thus putting substantial amount of stress over foot which leads to weakness of intrinsic foot muscles, flat foot and functional impairments. Hence current study aimed to study the impact of intrinsic foot muscle strengthening on foot posture and functional activity among female kathak dancers with flat feet. Methods: In this Quasi-Experimental Study, 30 females kathak dancers with flat feet between the age group of 18-40 were selected according the inclusion and exclusion criteria from different Kathak dance academies in Pimpri and Pune. All participants were given intrinsic foot muscle strengthening (5 exercises) for 2 times a week for 4 weeks which were progressed after 2 weeks. Pre and post treatment assessments were done for foot deviations and foot functional activity by Foot posture index and foot function index respectively. Results: Paired T test for pre and post treatment analysis was done with statistical. significant at P<0.05 and 95% confidence interval. FFI score was reduced post treatment with mean difference of 1.26 which was statistically insignificant (p>0.05) but clinically significant. There was no statistically as well as clinically significant difference between the pre and post treatment FPI scores of both right and left leg (p>0.05). Conclusions: Intrinsic foot muscle training showed clinically significant improvement in foot function index but did not show any improvement in foot posture.

Changes in plantar pressure of subjects with different foot positions during walking and jogging after Kinesio taping / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Kinesio taping is often used for the treatment of various sports injuries.The methods of foot and ankle sports taping are complex and diverse.Among them,Fascia taping is applicable to a wider range of people and can be used for different foot posture types,but it still lacks of practical verification,and its specific biomechanical role is not clear. OBJECTIVE:To observe the changes in plantar pressure characteristics of subjects with different foot positions during walking and jogging after Fascia taping. METHODS:Thirty-seven young healthy subjects were recruited from the Yantai campus of Binzhou Medical University to conduct the test.They were scored according to the foot posture index-six items version,and were divided into the supination foot group,the neutral foot group,and the pronation foot group.The static foot morphological indexes(including navicular drop,arch height index,arch height flexibility-longitudinal arch,and arch height flexibility-transverse arch)and the pressure-time integral of each foot zone during walking and jogging were collected and calculated respectively before and after Kinesio taping.The specific biomechanical mechanism of Fascia taping was analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)General data:There was no statistical difference among the three groups of subjects in general data,such as gender,height,and body mass index(P>0.05).Before taping,there was a significant difference in the foot morphological indexes and the areas of the outer front foot,midfoot,and hindfoot between different foot posture groups(P<0.01).(2)Static foot morphological indexes:After taping,there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in navicular drop,arch height flexibility-longitudinal arch,and arch height flexibility-transverse arch(P>0.05),while there was still a significant difference between the groups in the arch height index(P<0.05).In the supination foot group,the arch height index increased slightly,but there was no significant difference before and after taping(P>0.05).In the pronation foot group,the navicular drop and arch height flexibility-longitudinal arch was significantly reduced,and the arch height index was increased.There was a significant difference before and after taping(P<0.05).(3)The index of plantar pressure during walking:After taping,there was no significant difference between the three groups in the area of lateral forefoot and medial midfoot(P>0.05).In the pronation foot group,the lateral load of the forefoot increased after taping(P<0.05).In the supination position group,the load of the lateral forefoot and midfoot regions increased significantly(P<0.05),while the difference in the rear foot region was not significant(P>0.05).(4)The index of plantar pressure during jogging:After taping,there was no statistically significant difference between groups in the lateral forefoot(P>0.05).In the pronation foot group,the load of the medial forefoot increased significantly(P<0.05).In the supination position group,the load of the lateral forefoot,the middle foot and the rear foot region increased significantly(P<0.05).(5)The results showed that the Fascia taping was suitable for different foot postures.It could not only correct the static foot structure of subjects with different foot postures,but also regulate the abnormal plantar pressure distribution during the dynamic activities of walking and jogging,and the load of the midfoot,forefoot,and hindfoot in the supination and pronation posture tended to normal foot posture load level.

Prevalence of foot posture deformities using foot posture index in various intensive care unit nurses

Background: This study aims to determine the prevalence of foot posture deformities among various intensive care unit nurses using the Foot Posture Index. Nurses working in ICUs often face long hours of standing and walking, which can contribute to the development of foot-related problems. Understanding the extent of these deformities can contribute to the development of preventive measures, such as ergonomic interventions and targeted exercises, to mitigate the risk of foot-related issues. Methods: A study was conducted among 159 nurses from various Intensive Care Units. The Foot Posture Index, a validated tool for assessing foot posture was used to assess foot deviations in nurses. Results: In total159 participants were evaluated, with 6 (4%) being males and 153 (96%) being females. The mean age of the participants was (Mean=40.67) and standard deviation (SD=9.6). Prevalence percentage of foot posture deviations were found to be bilateral as demonstrated by Foot Posture Index. Out of 159 participants 43% participants had pronated foot, 14% participants had highly pronated foot, 16% participants had supinated foot, 7% had normal highly supinated foot posture and 20% participants had normal foot. Conclusions: To conclude the present study, pronated foot posture was the most common foot deviation. Moreover, when BMI was compared with the pronated foot deviation, there was a positive association between pronated foot and the nurses who were overweight.

The influence of subtalar axis orientation on the foot posture of older adults in a closed kinetic chain / A influência da orientação do eixo subtalar na postura do pé de idosos em cadeia cinética fechada

Objectives: This study compared the influence of subtalar axis position on foot behavior in a closed kinetic chain in older and younger adults. Methods: The sample included 50 older adults and a control group of 50 younger adults. The variables were initially analyzed for both feet together, and were later analyzed separately, comparing each foot (right and left) between groups. Range of motion was assessed by validated goniometric procedures: the position of subtalar axis was evaluated by the palpation technique, while the Foot Posture Index was used to assess behavior in a closed kinetic chain. Student's t-test / Mann-Whitney test compared the main variables according to sample distribution, while Student's t-test / Wilcoxon test was used for paired samples. A standardized Haberman residuals test was also used to determine the connection between the position of subtalar joint axis and the Foot Posture Index. Results: Data from the right and left feet were similar for all variables. The older group had reduced mobility in the ankle and first metatarsophalangeal joint (5.42º [SD (Standard Deviation), 4.49] and 76.12º [SD, 19.24], respectively) with statistically significant values, (p <0.001), as measured by the Mann-Whitney test for the ankle joint and the t-Sutdent test for the first metatarsophalangeal joint, while the younger group had normal values (11.46º [SD, 6.49] and 97.17º [SD, 13.65], respectively)(p < 0.001). The difference in subtalar axis position was not significant (p = 0.788), with more internal deviations in both groups. There was a significant difference in Foot Posture Index (p = 0.006, by applying the chi-square test), with the normal position more prevalent in the older group and the prone position more prevalent in the younger group. Conclusions: Regarding internal deviations in the subtalar joint axis, the older group had a higher frequency of feet in the normal position, while the younger group had a higher frequency of feet in the prone position which, in this case, agrees with the rotational balance theory. For the normal axis position, a higher frequency of normal position was found in both groups. Regarding external deviations of the subtalar joint axis, neither group followed the pattern expected in rotational balance theory. The most consistent connection in the older group was between external axis position and supine foot position, whereas in the younger group it was between normal axis position and normal foot position.

Objetivos: Este estudo comparou a influência da posição do eixo subtalar no comportamento do pé em cadeia cinética fechada em idosos e adultos jovens. Metodologia: O grupo amostral incluiu 50 idosos e o grupo controle, 50 adultos jovens. As variáveis foram estudadas inicialmente para ambos os pés e comparadas entre os grupos, sendo posteriormente analisadas separadamente, comparando-se cada pé (direito e esquerdo) entre os grupos. A amplitude de movimento articular foi avaliada por procedimentos goniométricos validados; a posição do eixo subtalar foi avaliada pela técnica de palpação; o Foot Posture Index foi utilizado para avaliar o comportamento do pé em uma cadeia cinética fechada. O teste t de Student/teste de Mann-Whitney comparou as principais variáveis de acordo com a distribuição amostral, enquanto o teste t de Student/teste de Wilcoxon foi utilizado para amostras emparelhadas. O teste de resíduais ajustados de Haberman padronizado foi usado para a relação entre a posição do eixo da subtalar e o Foot Posture Index. Resultados: Os dados dos pés direito e esquerdo foram semelhantes para todas as variáveis. O grupo mais velho apresentou mobilidade reduzida no tornozelo e na primeira articulação metatarsofalângica (5,42 [desvio padrão ­ DP, 4,49] e 76,12 [DP, 19,24] graus, respectivamente), enquanto o grupo mais jovem apresentou valores normais (11,46 [DP, 6,49] e 97,17 [DP, 13,65], respetivamente) com valores estatisticamente significativos, (p <0,001), aferidos pelo teste de Mann-Whitney para a articulação do tornozelo e pelo teste t-Sutdent para a primeira articulação metatarsofalângica. A diferença na posição do eixo subtalar não foi significativa (p = 0,788, pela aplicação do teste de Qui-quadrado), com mais desvios internos em ambos os grupos. O Foot Posture Index diferiu significativamente entre os grupos (p = 0,006 pela aplicação do teste de Qui-quadrado), sendo a postura normal mais prevalente no grupo mais velho e a postura pronada mais prevalente no grupo mais jovem. Conclusões: Em relação aos desvios internos do eixo da articulação subtalar, o grupo mais velho apresentou maior frequência de pés na postura normal, enquanto o mais jovem apresentou maior frequência de pés pronados, o que, neste caso, corrobora a teoria do equilíbrio rotacional. Na posição normal do eixo, foi encontrada maior frequência de pés com postura normal em ambos os grupos. Em relação aos desvios externos do eixo da articulação subtalar, nenhum dos grupos seguiu o padrão esperado na teoria do equilíbrio rotacional. A relação mais consistente no grupo mais velho foi entre a posição do eixo externo e a posutra supinada do pé, enquanto no grupo mais jovem se deu entre a posição normal do eixo e a postura normal do pé

Proportion of Genu Valgum and Genu Varum in Students Aged 19-25 Years

Background:Knee joint mal alignments are divided into genu valgum and genu varum. The presence of these mal-alignments leads to complications like tibio-femoral osteoarthritis, compensatory changes in ankle/foot, etc.Taking a community of physiotherapy students, the proportion ofgenu varum, genu valgumand its association with body mass index (BMI) and foot posture index (FPI) was investigated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the proportion of genu valgum and genu varum in subjects aged 19 -25 years.Materials and Methods: The data was collected from D.Y. Patil University, Navi Mumbai. A consent form and a validated proforma was used. Age, BMI, FPI, IKD (Inter-knee distance), IMD (Inter-malleolar distance) and Q-angle was recorded, and the data was statistically analysed.Results: 45 out of 100 females had genu valgum which was found to be associated with higher BMI and pronated feet. 9 out of 100 females had genu varum which was found to be associated with lower BMI. Chi-square test was done to find out these associations.Conclusion: Awareness of the proportion of angular mal-alignment in knee would increase the recognition of this problem among the individuals and doctors for better execution of strategies that can help avoid these mal-alignments.

Reliability and Validity of Foot Position Index for Foot Posture Assessment / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To explore the reliability and validity of Foot Posture Index (FPI) scoring system in evaluating foot posture in China. Methods:From September to October, 2019, two testers (tester 1, tester 2) evaluated the foot posture of 15 adult volunteers (30 legs) aged 20 to 40 years after mastering the FPI-6 scoring system. They were tested first by two testers on the same day, and after two weeks, they were retested by tester 1. The intra-group correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to evaluate the test-retest reliability and the inter-tester reliability, and the MedCalc was used to perform the Bland-Altman plot. The correlation between the scores of items and scale was analyzed with Spearman analysis, and the items were analyzed with factor analysis. Results:The ICC of the test-retest and inter-tester reliability of each item and total score of FPI were higher than 0.75. The mean difference in FPI scores between the testers was -0.133 and the limits of agreement was (-1.82, 1.55). All items scores were correlated with the total score (P < 0.05); three factors were extracted with the cumulative contribution more than 80%. Conclusion:The FPI-6 scoring system is reliable and valid, to evaluate foot posture for Chinese.

Effect of pronated foot posture on proprioception and postural stability based on foot posture index / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Studies outside China have shown that there is a certain relationship between foot posture and posture stability. OBJECTIVE: Based on foot posture index scale system, to compare the effect of pronated foot posture on postural stability and proprioception. METHODS: Thirty healthy youths aged from 20 to 30 years old were enrolled, and divided into two groups according to the right foot posture index: pronated group (foot posture index > 5) and neutral group (0 ≤ foot posture index 0.05). (2) When tested with single-leg (right side) static stance, sway area and length of pressure center were larger in pronated group than that in neutral group (P 0.05). (3) When tested with two-leg static stance, sway length of pressure center was larger in pronated group than that in neutral group (P 0.05). (4) Results confirmed that foot posture exerts a significant effect on postural stability. Pronated foot can reduce postural stability, which will increase sports injury and the risk of fall in the elder.