Adolescent, Balance Assessment, Flat Foot Acquired Bilateral (Pes Planus), Foot Posture Index Score, Toe Flexor Strength
Conditions
Keywords
flat foot, toe muscle strength, balance, center of pressure
Brief summary
The foot plays a critical role in movement and postural control, with toe flexor strength linked to gait, performance, and stability. While these relationships are well studied in adults, evidence in adolescents is limited. Pes planovalgus may reduce push-off capacity and weaken postural responses through decreased toe muscle strength. This study aims to examine the relationship between foot posture, toe flexor strength, and balance, focusing on anterior-posterior center of pressure changes in adolescents.
Detailed description
The foot, as the most distal part of the kinetic chain in contact with the ground, plays a key role in body movements and maneuvers. Toe flexor strength has been linked to gait speed, physical performance, and functional ability. Toe orientation and stability influence the center of pressure and surface adaptation, with the hallux being particularly important for postural control during weight shifts. While the relationship between toe strength and postural sway is established in adults, evidence in children and adolescents is limited. Pes planovalgus, characterized by a lowered medial longitudinal arch, can impair push-off mechanics and is associated with weaker toe muscles and poorer postural responses. However, the effect of foot posture and toe strength on anterior-posterior center of pressure changes-a marker of dynamic balance-remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the relationship between foot posture, toe flexor strength, balance, and postural control in adolescents.
Interventions
PROCEDUREAssesment
Foot posture, toe muscle strength and balance assesment
Sponsors
Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
Istanbul Kültür University
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
12 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Adolescents aged 12-18 years, who have provided informed consent from both their guardian and themselves, will be included.
Exclusion criteria
* Individuals with acute lower extremity injury or pain * Individuals with a history of lower extremity injury * Individuals with leg length discrepancy * Individuals diagnosed with scoliosis
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Balance | Baseline | Anterior-posterior (AP) center-of-pressure displacement and velocity will be calculated by collecting data with 2 force plates. |
| Foot Posture | Baseline | Foot posture index - 6 will be used to determine foot posture of participants. |
| Toe muscle strength | Baseline | Hallux and lesser toe flexor muscle strength will be assessed with a dynamometer while seated and pushing against it. |
| Navicular drop | Baseline | Navicular drop will be used to assess foot posture. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed