Foot posture and running biomechanics

NewsBot · Jun 9, 2019

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The relationship between foot posture and running biomechanics: a systematic review and meta-analysis
KarstenHollander et al
Gait & Posture; 1 June 2019

Highlights
•Evidence was found for a relationship between foot arch and running biomechanics.
•High-arched runners exhibited increased leg stiffness.
•Low-arched runners exhibited increased rearfoot eversion excursion.
•Future research would benefit from a consensus in foot arch assessments.
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Background
Medial longitudinal arch characteristics are thought to be a contributing factor to lower limb running injuries. Running biomechanics associated with different foot types have been proposed as one of the potential underlying mechanisms. However, no systematic review has investigated this relationship.

Research question
The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic literature search and synthesize the evidence about the relationship between foot posture and running biomechanics.

Methods
For this systematic review and meta-analysis different electronic databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane, SportDiscus) were searched to identify studies investigating the relationship between medial longitudinal arch characteristics and running biomechanics. After identification of relevant articles, two independent researchers determined the risk of bias of included studies. For homogenous outcomes, data pooling and meta-analysis (random effects model) was performed, and levels of evidence determined.

Results
Of the 4088 studies initially identified, a total of 25 studies were included in the qualitative review and seven in the quantitative analysis. Most studies had moderate and three studies a low risk of bias. Moderate evidence was found for a relationship between foot posture and subtalar joint kinematics (small pooled effects: -0.59; 95%CI -1.14 to – 0.003) and leg stiffness (small pooled effect: 0.59; 95%CI 0.18 to 0.99). Limited or very limited evidence was found for a relationship with forefoot kinematics, tibial/leg rotation, tibial acceleration/shock, plantar pressure distribution, plantar fascia tension and ankle kinetics as well as an interaction of foot type and footwear regarding tibial rotation.

Significance
While there is evidence for an association between foot posture and subtalar joint kinematics and leg stiffness, no relationship was found for other biomechanical outcomes. Since a comprehensive meta-analysis was limited by the heterogeneity of included studies future research would benefit from consensus in foot assessment and more homogenous study designs.
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NewsBot · Nov 6, 2022

The Association between Foot Posture, Single Leg Balance and Running Biomechanics of the Foot
Malia THo , John CTan
The Foot 29 October 2022, 101946

Highlights
•Foot posture and single-leg balance can predict foot kinematics during running.
•Clinicians can use regression equations produced to predict foot biomechanics.
•This is useful in clinics that do not have access to gait analysis equipment.
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Objectives
A mal-aligned foot posture (high-arched and flat feet) and poor single leg balance ability has been separately associated with foot injuries during running. Therefore, clinicians assess these routinely. However, the extent to which foot posture and singleleg balance ability affect actual foot biomechanics during running is not known. This study aims to investigate the association of foot posture, single-leg balance ability, and foot biomechanics during running.

Method
This is a cross sectional study of sixty-nine participants who had their foot postures and single-leg balance ability assessed. The Foot Posture Index and Balance Error Scoring System was used. Their foot kinetics was measured as they ran on an instrumented treadmill and foot kinematics was processed using a 3D motion capture system. Multiple-regression was used to analyse the variance of foot biomechanics explained by foot posture and single-leg balance ability.

Results
Foot posture and single-leg balance ability were found to account significantly for the variance in rearfoot eversion (24%) and forefoot dorsiflexion (7%). Two regression equations were derived, where rearfoot eversion and forefoot dorsiflexion during running may be predicted.

Conclusion
Foot posture and single-leg balance ability can predict rearfoot eversion and forefoot dorsiflexion only during running. Based on the regression equations, individuals with the same foot posture but different single-leg balance ability may exhibit different foot kinematics. However, the angular differences are small. The equations may be useful for clinicians working in places where running gait analysis equipment are not readily accessible. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to validate these equations. In addition, further studies are necessary to investigate the effect of these two variables under different running conditions e.g. with footwear and with orthoses.
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