The Relationship Between Arch Height and Arch Flexibility
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Authors
Zifchock, Rebecca A.
Theriot, Christal
Hillstrom, Howard J.
Song, Jinsup
Neary, Michael T.
Issue Date
2017-03-01
Type
journal-article
Language
Keywords
Foot structure , Arch flexibility , Arch height
Alternative Title
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The correlation between arch structure and injury may be related to the fact that foot structure influences foot function. Foot structure is often defined by arch height, although arch flexibility may be just as important to form a more complete description. We propose an arch flexibility classification system, analogous to arch height classification, and then use the classification system to examine the relationship between arch flexibility and arch height.
METHODS: Arch height index was calculated in 1,124 incoming military cadets, of whom 1,056 had usable data. By measuring arch height during both sitting and standing, a measurement of arch flexibility could also be calculated. These values were used to create five arch flexibility categories: very stiff, stiff, neutral, flexible, and very flexible. The distribution of arch flexibility types among arch height categories was statistically compared.
RESULTS: The goodness of fit test showed a disproportionate number of each arch flexibility type in each of the arch height categories (P < .01). The largest proportion of cavus feet was very stiff and the smallest proportion was very flexible. Conversely, the largest proportion of planus feet was very flexible and the smallest proportion was very stiff.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of this research support the common belief that cavus feet tend to be very stiff and planus feet tend to be very flexible.
Description
Citation
Zifchock, Rebecca Avrin, Christal Theriot, H. J. Hillstrom, Jinsup Song and Michael Thomas Neary. “The Relationship Between Arch Height and Arch FlexibilityA Proposed Arch Flexibility Classification System for the Description of Multidimensional Foot Structure.” Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association 107 2 (2017): 119-123 .
Publisher
American Podiatric Medical Association
License
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
ISSN
8750-7315
1930-8264
1930-8264