Relationships among foot arch evaluation methods and the effect of foot arch height on the ankle range of motion and balance ability

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between foot arch height (FAH) measurement methods and the effects of foot arch morphology on the weight-bearing dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and balance function of the ankle.

Methods: In the study, 44 healthy adult students were included. The foot morphology was evaluated using four different FAH measurement methods, and the correlation between each measurement method was examined. The weight-bearing dorsiflexion ROM and static and dynamic balance ability were compared between the normal foot and low foot groups, which were classified according to the foot posture index-6.

Results: A certain degree of correlation was observed between each FAH measurement methods. However, there were no significant differences in the weight-bearing dorsiflexion ROM and static and dynamic balance ability between the normal foot and low foot groups.

Conclusion: The most appropriate FAH measurement method should be selected according to the purpose, considering the advantages and disadvantages of each measurement method. The foot morphology has slight effect on the weight-bearing dorsiflexion ROM and balance ability.