Influence of Flatfoot on Plantar Perception Measured by a Monofilament Algometer

Abstract

[Purpose] The area of the foot that comes into contact with the ground differs between normal feet and flatfeet. In this study, we examined whether being flatfooted influences plantar perception. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 43 young adults (22 with normal arches and 21 with flatfeet). One researcher measured the plantar pressure perception threshold value of each of the subjects. The differences in the plantar pressure perception threshold value between the different areas of the foot were examined using Student’s t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test. [Results] The perception threshold of the hypothenar eminence was lower in subjects with flatfeet than in those with normal arches. [Conclusion] The results reveal that the hypothenar eminence may have a lower load and the lowest perception threshold value in subjects with flatfeet.