Medial longitudinal arch collapse of flexible flatfoot during running
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Abstract
Background: Uncertainty regarding an actual amount of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) collapse during running among the flexible flatfoot and normal foot individuals has been existed. Additionally, it was unclear whether the alterations of
muscle activation and lower limb motion enhanced the MLA collapse in the flexible flatfoot individuals.
Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the dynamic MLA collapse during running between the flexible flatfoot and the normal foot individuals. It also sought to investigate whether the greater MLA collapse in the flexible flatfoot individuals was related to the alteration of kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activation.
Materials and methods: Sixteen-volunteered males participated in this study. Based on their static navicular drop test, they were assigned into either the flexible flatfoot or the control groups totally 8 participants in each group. They performed barefoot running at a speed of 3.5±0.25 m/s while the three-dimensional motion of the lower body, electromyography and ground reaction force were recorded synchronously. A subject-specific foot model was constructed from the additional reflective markers attached on their feet to determine the maximal dynamic navicular drop (ND Dmax) during the stance phase.
Results: The flexible flatfoot group had greater MLA collapse during midstance and propulsion which coincided with greater hip and knee flexions, and ankle dorsiflexion. The 95% CI of their NDDmax was in the ranges of 27.18 to 37.68 mm while that of the control group ranged between 20.71 mm and 27.82 mm. The flexible flatfoot group had lesser activations of the hip, knee, and ankle extensors to counteract the flexion moments. They also had larger ankle inversion (p=0.04) without greater activation of peroneus longus.
Conclusion: Greater MLA collapse in the flexible flatfoot individuals at midstance and propulsion was associated with greater hip and knee flexions, and ankle dorsiflexion. It might be the consequence of the lower activation of their leg extensors.
Article Details
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Personal views expressed by the contributors in their articles are not necessarily those of the Journal of Associated Medical Sciences, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University.
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