A cross-sectional study on the relationship between foot structure and foot function in children

Abstract

The foot arch of children develops rapidly during the first decade of life. Both flexible flatfoot and hypermobility can be due to developmental profiles. Many parents believed that flatfoot in children can cause gait disorders in future and treatment is needed. But relationship has not been scientifically proven. This study investigates the relationship between the foot structure and the function foot of children. It is hypothesized that this relationship is insignificant.

120 healthy children of 7.680  .3095 years old were recruited. Foot function tests: heel-to-toe walk, one-leg balance, and textile crunching were conducted. Dynamic foot loading measurements were taken and classified using Cavanagh and Rodgers Arch Index, Denis Grade, and Chipaix-Smirak Index. Left and right measurements were compared using paired t-test. Foot structure was compared against foot function results using one-way analysis of variance and regression tests. Other influencing factors were investigated.

The difference in foot structure did not lead any significant difference in foot function performances. Only one group had significant difference but results did not show that lower foot arch is related to poorer performance. Gender and body mass index differences influenced foot structure, but not foot function.

Insignificant differences yield concluded that relationship between foot structure and foot function are not related in children. Flatfooted children need not have treatment for correction as oppose to common believe.