Correlation between Different Methods to Diagnose Foot Posture Condition

Abstract

Background: Authors refer to different methods to assess subjects’ foot posture. All methods present several limitations depending on the examiner or the chosen test. This study aims to investigate the relationship between different tests and Footprints parameters to diagnose subjects with a flat and neutral foot. Methods: The sample consisted of 37 participants, where 16 were included in the flatfoot group and 21 in the neutral foot group. Only subjects who presented a Navicular Drop Test value of >9 mm were included in the flatfooted group. All participants were submitted to Resting Calcaneal Stance Position and plantar pressure platform assessment for Footprints analysis. Associations between all tests and Footprints parameters were determined by Pearson’s correlation analysis. Results: Regarding both groups, significant correlations between tests were moderate to nearly perfect to identified both conditions of foot posture. All correlations were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The diagnosis accuracy of foot posture condition can be compromised depending on the used test. The Navicular Drop Test and the Resting Calcaneal Stance Position were shown to mislead foot posture condition assessment, unlike Footprints parameters that can be important evaluation tools in a clinical environment.

Keywords

• FootPrint
• navicular drop
• pes planus